Beginning on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, the City of Bend joins numerous community partners in celebrating “Welcoming Week,” a series of community-organized events that highlight the principles of inclusion and create communities that prosper because everyone feels welcome.

Welcoming Week takes place Sept. 14 to 23. Festivities begin with a Launch Celebration at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, at St. Charles Health System. Elected officials and community members will address attendees with thoughts about the importance of Welcoming Week. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend.

Community events, including the “Borderless Stories” photography exhibit, a book reading, workshops and educational presentations, Latino Fest, a food truck event and a soccer tournament will provide residents ample opportunity to participate in Welcoming Week.

View the Welcoming Week online calendar for more information on Welcoming Week events.
In addition to attending Welcoming Week events, Bend area residents are encouraged to participate in a social media photo contest from Sept. 14 to 23.

To enter the contest, participants must upload a photo with an “I’m a Welcomer” sign to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Tag the City of Bend page and use the hashtags #IWelcome and #WelcomingWeek to complete the entry. One photo will be randomly selected each day to win a prize pack of Welcoming Week and City of Bend goodies.

For more information about Bend Welcoming Week, including event and social media contest information, visit www.bendoregon.gov/welcomingweek.

Welcoming Week is a series of events in the community that raise awareness about Bend’s status as a Welcoming City and the benefits of welcoming everyone, including immigrants and refugees. On June 21, 2017, the Bend City Council unanimously supported a resolution for the City of Bend to be recognized as a Welcoming City. Participation in Welcoming Week is one of the requirements for recognition as a Welcoming City.