On Sept. 8, the City of San Diego hosted a celebration to kick off Welcoming Week at the City Heights/Weingart Library. City leaders, staff and community members joined the opening event to launch a week of activities that will highlight the importance of inclusion and diversity in our city. 

Welcoming Week is an international campaign that aims to bring together worldwide communities to build places that celebrate all people, but especially immigrants. This year’s theme is government and community leadership. 

As part of the Welcoming Week festivities, the City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs will also host a welcome note station for San Diegans to decorate butterfly-themed notes for newly arrived refugees and immigrants. 

Once Welcoming Week is over, welcome notes will be delivered to partner community organizations, including the International Rescue Committee in San Diego, Jewish Family Service, Catholic Charities and Alliance for African Assistance. The organizations will distribute them to the individuals and families they assist through their immigration programs. 

To find out about other Welcoming Week planned activities, visit the Library’s webpage.

Starting Friday, Sept. 8, Balboa Park will be lit up in the colors of Welcoming Week.