Welcoming Week 2024: Sharing Culture and Creating Community 

This September, west central Minnesota was brimming with energy as communities came together to celebrate Welcoming Week. From Mexican Folk Dancers twirling vibrantly in Moorhead to an Aztec dance group sharing traditional rhythms in Elbow Lake—these events were just a glimpse of the cultural richness that unfolded across our region. 

These events and many more across west central Minnesota shared the common thread of Welcoming Week—an annual opportunity to celebrate the people and values that foster belonging in communities, no matter where individuals come from. 

As Welcoming Week 2024 came to a close in mid-September, west central Minnesota had much to be proud of. Our region hosted more than 30 events sponsored by West Central Initiative across 14 communities. These celebrations contributed to a global movement featuring more than 2,006 events in eight countries. 

Welcoming Week 2024 Beyond the Numbers 

But beyond the numbers lie the stories—stories of people, places, and connections made. For West Central Initiative (WCI), Welcoming Week has become a platform to engage in meaningful conversations with local residents about building communities that feel open and inviting to both visitors and newcomers. Since introducing these celebrations to the region three years ago, local communities have eagerly embraced the idea of being places where everyone feels welcome. 

“For me, what makes these events a success is that the community celebrates in a that fits them best,” said Rick Schara, WCI’s Live Wide Open advocate. “Data shows our towns’ demographics are evolving, and we need to ask, ‘What can Welcoming Week do to both educate and entertain?’” 

Many events in 2024 centered around food—a universal connector. “We know food brings people together,” Schara shared. “Several communities chose to celebrate by sharing dishes that represent the heritage of their residents.” 

Other events focused on making new residents feel safe. “When you’re new to a community, it’s important to not only know who to call in an emergency but to feel comfortable doing so,” said Ashley Quam, WCI’s Marketing and Communications Officer. “Organizations in Morris and Battle Lake hosted great events introducing local emergency services, helping residents see those in uniform as neighbors ready to help.” 

Welcoming Week offers a chance for communities to invite new neighbors to other upcoming events and gatherings, join service clubs, play Dungeons & Dragons, partake in a pottery class, and more. “It’s really beautiful to see Welcoming Week expanding into a concerted effort to include people in the community,” said WCI Impact Evaluator Jill Amundson. 

“It’s inspiring to see spaces reflect the diversity of the community through multi-lingual signs, international music, dancing, and food that spices up the typical potluck,” added Celeste Koppe, WCI’s Rural Initiatives Strategist. “When you see a plate of fresh Lefse sitting next to something a little spicier, you know the community can coexist as beautifully as the dishes on your plate.” 

Koppe summed it up, “Times are changing, and Welcoming Week helps us stay connected to that change.” 

Welcoming Year-Round 

As the celebrations wind down, West Central Initiative is often asked, “What happens the rest of the year?” While the week may end, our work continues. “We spend the fall reflecting on the impact and begin preparations for next year,” Koppe said. “Our Welcoming Week sponsorship process kicks off early in the spring, and we work closely with hosts throughout the summer to ensure each event is a success.”

In addition to sponsorship, WCI offers technical assistance to event hosts. From guidance on translation services to ensuring a rain contingency plan, WCI staff is here to help in any way possible. WCI also connects potential hosts with other organizations to foster collaboration. 

Welcoming Week is part of WCI’s broader Rural Belonging efforts, which include the Live Wide Open campaign, which seeks to spotlight organizations and businesses that bring the values of inclusivity, belonging, and acceptance to life in their communities.  

For more information, visit wcif.org/live-wide-open. 

For more photos, watch our Welcoming Week recap video.