What we do
Welcoming International is a coalition of initiatives advancing inclusion in localities worldwide. Our members – many of them national institutions – support hundreds of towns and cities around the world to transform themselves into welcoming places for migrants, refugees, and all residents.
Our vision
Our vision is a world in which all people feel at home. We believe achieving that vision begins locally, with all sectors working together to create welcoming places and inclusive institutions.
The need for our work
Around the world, communities are changing. When managed effectively, demographic changes in towns and cities can lead to increased cultural vibrancy, new perspectives and talents, and greater prosperity for all. When not managed effectively, these changes can lead to community tensions and lost potential, with newcomers less likely to contribute their unique talents and skills to the broader community.
The members of Welcoming International know that the strongest communities are ones where connections between all segments of the population are fostered, and where all residents – whether they have lived there for 2 years, or their entire lives – take part in civic, economic, and social life. We help towns and cities get there.
What we do
We support and connect civil society and government institutions seeking to advance inclusion in their cities and countries.
Access to a global network of practitioners, innovations and coaching
Support for developing, piloting, and refining Welcoming Standards and Frameworks.
Access to a global network of practitioners, innovations and coaching
Support for developing, piloting, and refining Welcoming Standards and Frameworks.
Support for the development and management of national city networks.
Support in leading multi-sector welcoming planning processes as well as in researching the economic and social benefits of welcoming.
Support for the development and management of national city networks.
Support in leading multi-sector welcoming planning processes as well as in researching the economic and social benefits of welcoming.
Network
Our members gain access to tools, resources, technical assistance, and an unparalleled global network of peers advancing local inclusion. We have two types of network members:
- National members: connect and support a national network of welcoming towns and cities, and lead efforts to create national welcoming standards or frameworks.
- Local members: facilitate multi-sector welcoming planning, and pilot welcoming frameworks for eventual national-level scaling.
For more information on our membership options, and how you can participate, please see our Get involved page.
Standards
Our national members bring together stakeholders from a wide range of sectors to develop national Welcoming Standards or frameworks. These standards represent the policies, practices, and processes that towns and cities should undertake in order to be considered welcoming in a given country.
Once a Standard is created, some of our members then choose to create certification or accreditation programs so that localities can be officially designated as welcoming.
Learn more about our Welcoming Standards.
Ecosystem
Beyond Welcoming International and its members, there is a much broader ecosystem of institutions across the world focused on increasing inclusion at the local level. In addition to supporting our members, Welcoming International also strives to support and connect this broader ecosystem.
These activities primarily consist of bringing together ecosystem leaders to identify and advance collective goals and projects. This systems change approach recognizes that the challenges of inclusion in the 21st century can only be addressed through a broad, collective response.
Technical Assistance
We also offer fee-based, customized training and coaching to governments and civil society organizations who want to further advance inclusion in their communities. Please contact us if you would like more information.