Board of Supervisors

The Johnson County community will celebrate Welcoming Week Friday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 19, 2021, by bringing together people of all backgrounds to build connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places.

“What makes this Johnson County community great? Our diversity,” John Boller, Executive Director of Coralville Community Food Pantry, said. “The Welcoming America initiative urges us to think and act on ways we can improve community connectedness, to ensure that every single one of our neighbors feels welcomed, valued and safe. May we take this as an opportunity to commit to fostering a truly welcoming and inclusive culture in Johnson County--as individuals, businesses, schools, places of worship, nonprofit organizations, and in our public policy.”

Under the theme of “Belonging Begins with Us,” organizations throughout Johnson County will host several events.


“Welcoming Week is an invitation to join in the everyday work of building welcoming places for all,” said Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America. “Together with their neighbors, people of all backgrounds will come together through events in places large and small, rural and urban, reminding us of how our communities work best when every member belongs.” 

Since 2012, Welcoming Week has served as the annual campaign and celebration led by Welcoming America to showcase the growing movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. By fostering mutual respect and cooperation between new and long-time residents, Welcoming Week brings together people across lines of difference toward greater prosperity for all. Learn more at welcomingweek.org. 

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, they work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.