Dallas celebrates Welcoming Week by “Creating Home Together”

The City of Dallas Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs (WCIA) and its partner agencies will host various virtual events from September 12 to 20 in honor of Welcoming Week to promote Dallas’ diverse communities and to unite all residents, including immigrants and refugees. This year’s theme is Creating Home Together, which emphasizes the importance of communities coming together to build a more inclusive city for everyone.

See the full list of events below:

Welcoming Week Livestream Kickoff
Sept. 12 | 2 p.m.
Kickoff Welcoming Week by attending Welcoming America’s free livestream event, featuring exciting music, dance performances, inspiring personal stories and more! Registration required.
Link: welcomingamerica.org/programs/welcoming-week

Be the Change: Sign up to Volunteer for Census Outreach
Sept. 12 | 9 a.m. to noon
Sept. 15 |  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6  to 8 p.m.
Sept. 17 |  11 a.m.  to 1 p.m.
Sept. 19 |  9 a.m. to noon
Sign up for an opportunity to volunteer for the Census! Activities include placing yard signs, poster hanging, placing door hangers and making calls to partners. T-shirts and hand sanitizers will be provided.
Link: bit.ly/dallascensusvolunteer

Votando Por Mi Familia: Entérate para que vas a votar
Sept. 14 | 6 to 7 p.m.
Learn about the voting process and what will be on the next ballot. The event will be presented in Spanish. Hosted in partnership with Mi Familia.
Link: Facebook.com/MiFamiliaVota

Virtual Salaam Supper with Refugee Services of Texas
Sept. 14 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Join Refugee Services of Texas for a virtual Salaam Supper. Let’s cook together with a special online cooking demo. Registration required.
Link: bit.ly/salaamsupper

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Sept. 15 | 11 a.m.
District 5 Council Member Jaime Resendez will host a virtual program that celebrates Latinx art and culture. The event will feature the Welcoming Week Proclamation read by Mayor Eric Johnson, an art exhibition and performances representing the diverse talents of performers and artists across Dallas.
Link: Facebook.com/DallasCityCouncilDistrict5

Creating Welcoming Spaces for DACA Recipients
Sept. 15 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs (WCIA) will host a virtual panel discussing best practices to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients in higher-ed and work. Employers, social service providers and educators are encouraged to participate. Panelist speakers include:

• Juan Carlos Cerda, Texas Business Immigration Coalition
• Michele Bobadilla, University of Texas – Arlington
• Candy Marshall, theDream.US
• Laura Collins, George Bush Presidential Center

Link: bit.ly/welcomingdaca

Welcoming Communities Immigrant Incorporation in Dallas” research findings presented by Dr. Ruth Wasem and Research Associates
Sept. 16 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Lyndon B. Johnson School (LBJ) of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin school professor and leading domestic policy expert Ruth Wasem, alongside graduate public policy students, worked with the City of Dallas to assess how it compares to other major US cities on immigrant inclusion and offer policy tools to foster the incorporation of immigrants in Dallas. Research methodology and findings, as well as recommendations for Dallas to advance in immigrant inclusivity, will be discussed. Panelist speakers include:

• Dr. Ruth E Wasem, Professor at University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
• Aaron I Escajeda, Policy Research Assistant
• Claudia R Sandoval, Policy Research Assistant
• Ana G Perez, Policy Research Assistant

Link: bit.ly/lbjstudy

El Grito: Celebrating the Independence Day
Sept. 15 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Consul General Francisco de la Torre of the Mexican Consulate will host a virtual celebration in honor of Mexican Independence Day.
Link: Facebook.com/ConsuladoGeneraldeMexicoenDallas

Welcoming Week Proclamation
Sept. 16 |  9 a.m.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson will read the 2020 Welcoming Week Proclamation during the City Council meeting.
Link: bit.ly/cityofdallastv

Virtual Zumba Dance Class
Sept. 16 |  5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join Refugee Services of Texas’ very own Marvin Jimu, Certified Zumba Instructor, as he leads us in a virtual Zumba class! Registration required.
Link: bit.ly/virtualzumbaclass

Immigrant Journey Awards and Welcoming Celebration
Sept. 17 |  7  to 8 p.m.
Honoring DFW leaders who have championed immigrant inclusiveness.
Link: bit.ly/immigrantjourneyawards

Citizenship Workshop
Sept. 19 |  9 a.m.
San Juan Diego Catholic Church, 10919 Royal Haven Dr.
Learn how to complete your N-400 application for citizenship successfully. Receive assistance from volunteer immigration attorneys and the Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives. For more information, contact Lourdes Vargas, [email protected], 469 822-1992. To volunteer, email Jessica Hernandez at [email protected].
Link: ccdallas.org/citizenship

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