Welcoming Week 2023

Impact

Thank you all for your collaborative spirit and support during Welcoming Week NWA 2023. It has been almost impossible to capture all the incredible work you have supported in our region, but we wanted to share at least some of the impact of our collaborative efforts below while knowing that relationships and connections have been made that will continue to sow seeds in our communities throughout the year and beyond.

Our community witnessed the power of partnership as organizations, businesses, and individuals joined to host and celebrate Welcoming Week. The impact of our collective efforts was truly remarkable, and we were able to bridge across different experiences while working to foster a more welcoming environment for all. We offered a myriad of inclusive platforms and opportunities for diverse voices to be heard, which is essential in promoting equity and empathy across groups and individuals. We also witnessed the growth of our networks as organizations collaborated, shared resources, and learned from one another. This will no doubt continue to strengthen our collective ability to address future challenges and positively celebrate our growth.

As we move forward we welcome the opportunity to continue listening and learning from each of you and supporting everyone to collectively impact our communities so that we can continue to build positive and lasting impact in our region together.

Impact Stats Standout Events Press Media Memories Supporters

Welcoming Week NWA Impact

6

60

Partners

85+

Events & Experiences

8,300+

Participants

Standout Experiences

September 8th

Community launch celebration

We heard from our community about why they personally support welcoming across the region and we heard why building belonging is a priority for our supporters: Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, Tyson Family Foundation, Signature Bank, Visit Bentonville and the Greater Bentonville Chamber of Commerce.

September 8th

BFF 2023 Encore Virtual Film SCreenings

Participants received a complimentary virtual pass to the Bentonville Film Festival Virtual Screening Room to see two encore screenings from the 2023 festival. The virtual pass allowed Welcoming Week NWA audiences to watch both a feature and a short film from September 14 - 24, 2023.

September 11th

postcard project

Local school districts and public libraries shared free welcoming postcards to encourage students and others to write a welcoming or thoughtful note to new and old friends alike. A special welcome to Siloam Springs school district for participating this year!

September 13th

An Evening with Casey Parks

An incredible conversation and book signing with Casey Parks. Casey is a Washington Post reporter who covers gender and family issues. Her memoir, “Diary of a Misfit,” was named one of the best books of 2022 by The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews and New York Public Library, and it won the 2023 Oregon Book Award.

September 14th

AID Convening

Held at the serene Mount Sequoyah Retreat Center in Fayetteville, this convening engaged and supported organizations that serve local immigrant and refugee populations in Northwest Arkansas.

September 15th

SustainabIlity Lunch & Learn

Community members were invited for a unique opportunity to learn about the Waste Management sustainability and recycling programs and tour the education center with their team of experts.

September 21st

Marshallese culture training

Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese hosted a Marshallese Cultural Training as part of Welcoming Week NWA. Attendees learned about Marshallese culture, history and the experience of Marshallese people in Northwest Arkansas.

Welcoming Week NWA Press Coverage

AXIOS

"Your guide to Welcoming Week in Northwest Arkansas"

KNWA

“A week of events celebrating the amenities of Northwest Arkansas, is set to launch today."

Ground News

“Welcoming Week NWA begins today"

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

“Welcoming Week designed to bring cultures together

KNWA

"Welcoming Week NWA"

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The Free Weekly

“An actionable way to build belonging and create a community we all want to live in"

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

"Disabled Arkansans an ‘untapped talent pipeline’ of workers, Walmart executive tells group"

Arkansas Times

"Together, we discuss the importance of diversity, inclusion, representation and equity, and how hip hop often does and can better address these issues."

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