There is no place for xenophobia (Gr. xeno - stranger, phobia - fear) in our diverse cities. How do we "welcome the stranger"? What does it mean to be a welcoming community?
Check out the Welcoming Cities program which began in the United States in 2009 as a deliberate way to create relationships between long-established residents and newcomers and to help develop a sense of belonging, connection, and community cohesion.
The Welcoming Standard lays out the keys areas of civic life that need concerted attention and action in order to create inclusive communities:
☑ Government Leadership
☑ Equitable Access
☑ Civic Engagement
☑ Connected Communities
☑ Education
☑ Economic Development
☑ Safe Communities
Read City of Victoria BC Mayor Lisa Help's update on their Welcoming City initiative and how Council set aside $40,000 unused travel funds due to this year's restricted travel to move this important initiative forward: https://lnkd.in/eH9kTpp