Welcoming Week 2022 Proclamation

Seven (!) city and county governments have issued a proclamation saying that this week is the first Quad Cities Welcoming Week. Every single government body we asked said yes - without any hesitation at all. Thank you to the cities of Moline, East Moline, Rock Island, Davenport, and Bettendorf, as well as Scott and Rock Island counties. We look forward to the work ahead of building our community's welcoming infrastructure, so that all can thrive.

Whereas, across the country, communities will celebrate national Welcoming Week on September 9-18, 2022; and

Whereas, the Quad Cities is home to people of all backgrounds, including those who were not born in the United States, but now call it home; and

Whereas, the Quad Cities will celebrate its first annual Welcoming Week in 2022 to promote compassion, unity, and respect, with a shared vision that all community residents should be valued and protected; and

Whereas, the Quad Cities depends on making sure that all feel welcome here. Today, new residents are a vital part of our community — bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas, starting businesses, and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we all value; and

Whereas, today, more than ever, we see an increased need to welcome those fleeing conflict, oppression, and unrest in countries all over the world; and

Whereas, this week, we honor the spirit of unity that is bringing neighbors together across the Quad Cities. During Welcoming Week, we invite all of the Quad cities to join the movement of communities nationwide by renewing our commitment to our core American values and by taking action in the spirit of welcoming. By working together, we can achieve greater prosperity and make our community the kind of place where diverse people from around the world feel valued and want to put down roots; and

Whereas, regardless of where we are born or what we look like, we are residents united in our efforts to build a stronger community. By recognizing the contributions that we all make to create a vibrant culture and a growing economy, we make our community more prosperous and more inclusive to all who call it home; and

NOW, THEREFORE, we do hereby proclaim September 9, 2022 – September 18, 2022, as:

Welcoming Week in the Quad Cities.

And encourage the business community, civic groups, other units of government, and community institutions to undertake initiatives beyond this proclamation, to make the region a place of welcome for new and long-term residents alike.