CELEBRATING TOGETHER: WELCOMING WEEK

Welcoming Week, held September 12-20, is a national celebration of the growing movement of inclusive communities that fully embrace New Americans and their contributions of the social fabric of our country. Created by YMCA of the USA’s national partner Welcoming America, Welcoming Week brings together immigrants and U.S. born residents at community-based events, to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.

With more than 42 million foreign-born individuals currently living in the U.S.- more than at any other point in history- it is imperative for the cohesiveness and well-being of our communities that all neighbors have opportunities to engage, build mutual understanding and work together to create positive social progress for all. Here are a few quick facts to know about the importance of celebrating our newest neighbors from all parts of the globe: 

• The average immigrant contributes nearly $120,000 more in taxes than they consume in public benefits. 
• The collective spending power of immigrant-led households is $9.3 trillion representing more than 14% of the U.S. total.  
•  48 percent of newly arrived immigrants age 25 and older hold at least a college degree.  
• On average, immigrants who are engaged with an organization volunteer 20 weeks a year. That’s two weeks more than their U.S. born counterparts.  

Make sure you stop by your local Y during Welcoming Week to be part of the celebration!  

Source: ymca.net/welcoming-week