What is Welcoming Week?
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign committed to building inclusive, safe, and equitable communities for immigrants and refugees. All activities are free, open to the public and include a focus on access to resources and cultural experiences including art, food, and music.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
2024 Schedule of Events
Opening Ceremony
Friday, September 13, 4–8 p.m.
Ventura Park, 460 SE 113th Ave., Portland, OR
The week kicks off with the opening celebration at Ventura Park. The event will feature family-friendly fun and games, beautiful music, dazzling dances, delicious food, and community building.
The Immigrant Story Live
Saturday, September 14, 7-9:30 p.m.
Cabell Center Theater, 8825 SW Barnes Rd., Portland, OR
The Immigrant Story Live presents an evening of soulful music and moving storytelling by immigrants and other residents of our community. we invite you to hear four compelling stories told — and lived — by men and women from a diversity of backgrounds. Some made arduous journeys here as refugees and some have wrestled with questions of personal identity as second-generation immigrants. All are helping to create Oregon’s rich patchwork of cultures. Storytellers with roots in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Japan and Laos will share their stories of courage, fortitude and resilience.
Eastern European Communities Celebration
Sunday, September 15, 2-6 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave. Suite 108, Portland, OR
Join us for a vibrant and culturally rich Eastern European Communities Celebration as part of Portland Welcoming Week. This free event offers a variety of engaging activities and delicious treats for everyone. This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Eastern European communities.
Uprooted: An Art Collection Inspired by Refugee Identity and Resilience
Monday, September 16, 5-8 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 108, Portland, OR
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the creativity and strength of refugee artists. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with compelling art pieces and connect with the community. Don't miss out on this impactful reception!
Naturalization Ceremony
Tuesday, September 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 108, Portland, OR
We have partnered with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to host a Naturalization Ceremony. This special event will celebrate the official naturalization of 30 immigrants who will be sworn in as new U.S. citizens.
The naturalization ceremony is a significant milestone in the immigration journey, symbolizing the culmination of the naturalization process. It is designed to be a positive and memorable experience for all participants, highlighting the importance of citizenship and the rights and responsibilities it entails.
Event Highlights:
- Official Naturalization Ceremony
- Celebration of 30 New U.S. Citizens
- Speeches and Welcome Remarks
- Refreshments and Networking
Job and Resources Community Fair
Tuesday, September 17, 4–7 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 108, Portland, OR
We are excited to invite you to our Job & Resources Community Fair, designed to connect job seekers with valuable resources and opportunities. This event, scheduled for September 17, will offer a variety of services and information to support individuals in their professional and personal development.
We are pleased to partner with the following organizations to bring you a diverse range of resources and opportunities:
- Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)
- Supporting Our Active Retirees (SOAR)
- Social Services Solutions (SoSS)
- Southeast Community Center of Northwest (SCC of NW)
- Dawn
- I Am Ukrainian
- CDL School
Legal Services Clinic & Community Engagement Resource Fair
Wednesday, September 18, 12–4 p.m.
Portland Community College - Cascade Campus, 5624 N Borthwick Ave., Portland, OR
As part of Welcoming Week 2024, we are hosting a Legal Services Clinic offering a range of essential legal support services. This event is designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals in need of legal help.
Block Party at the Alberta House
Wednesday, September 18, 4–8 p.m.
Historic Alberta House, 5131 NE 23rd Ave., Portland, OR
Celebrate Welcoming Week with us at the Alberta House Block Party! This vibrant event promises an afternoon and evening filled with fun, music, and community spirit.
Highlights:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances from local artists and bands.
- Food from Around the World: Savor a diverse range of international cuisines.
- Games and Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in a variety of engaging activities suitable for all ages.
- Bouncy House: Fun for the kids and the young at heart.
- Street Closure: The area outside Alberta House will be closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities.
We invite you to join us for this exciting community celebration and make the most of the diverse offerings and entertainment available.
Pacific Refugee Support Group
Wednesday, September 18 & Thursday, September 19, 4–8 p.m.
Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland, OR
Enjoy a special ceramic exhibit by Jenn DeMonte, a former PRSG volunteer and ceramic artist. Her works offer a poignant exploration of refugee experiences through the medium of ceramics.
Community Talent, Skill, and Business Showcase (9/18-19):
Discover the talents, skills, and businesses of our community members, both new and established. This event will feature diverse food vendors representing various communities supported by PRSG and partner organizations. Visitors can experience a range of culinary delights and appreciate different cultures.
Panel Discussion (9/19):
Join a panel of experts as they discuss efforts at the state, regional, and city levels to foster a culture of belonging. Topics will include grassroots achievements, opportunities for advancing immigrant-refugee policy, and ways to support a welcoming community amid a polarizing election season.
In line with this year's theme, "We're All In," we invite you to celebrate through art, music, and local cuisine from Portland's newcomer artists, chefs, and creators. Experience the vibrant contributions of our city's immigrant, refugee, and newcomer communities.
Citizenship Day
Friday, September 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave. Suite 108, Portland, OR
Citizenship Day is a significant event dedicated to celebrating and supporting aspiring Americans as they take their final step toward U.S. citizenship. This event honors the legacy of the U.S. Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787, which laid the foundation for a nation that continues to inspire and welcome immigrants seeking the American Dream.
Event Highlights:
Objective: To assist 60-75 U.S. lawful permanent residents in preparing, processing, and filing their Application for Naturalization.
Services Provided: Attendees will have access to a dedicated team of pro bono lawyers, accredited representatives, legal assistants, interpreters, and community volunteers.
Significance:
Citizenship Day represents a milestone in the journey of many immigrants who have worked diligently to become full members of society. This event celebrates their commitment and the continued relevance of the American Dream."
Afghan Cultural Celebration
Saturday, September 21, 5-8 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 108, Portland, OR
Join us for an evening of vibrant cultural expressions, featuring food, music, and storytelling that highlight the beauty and richness of Afghan heritage. This event is open to everyone and aims to foster community and cultural understanding.
Event Highlights:
Cultural Cuisine: Enjoy delicious Afghan dishes.
Music: Experience traditional Afghan music.
Storytelling: Hear heartfelt stories that unite families in celebration of their rich cultural heritage.
Immigrant & Refugee Welcome day
Sunday, September 22, 1-3:30 p.m.
Kindness Farm, 7101 SE 127th Ave., Portland, OR
Join us for the second annual Immigrant & Refugee Welcome Day at Kindness Farm! This community-focused event is an opportunity to connect with neighbors of all ages, enjoy the beautiful farm setting, and engage in a variety of fun and enriching activities.
Event Highlights:
- Farm Tour: Explore the flowering and edible plants on a guided tour of the farm.
- Outdoor Cooking Demonstration: Watch and learn from a live cooking demonstration.
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by local musicians.
- Outdoor Games: Participate in fun games suitable for all ages.
- Free Drinks and Snacks: Refresh yourself with complimentary beverages and snacks.
- Pet and Feed the Goats: Interact with the farm’s friendly goats.
- Kids' Activities: Engage in activities like rock painting and more.
Türkiye Day in PDX
Sunday, September 22, 1-5 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 108, Portland, OR
Join us for Türkiye Day in PDX, a vibrant celebration of diversity and community hosted by the ORTA Oregon Turkish American Organization as part of Welcoming Week 2024. This annual event brings together individuals from all backgrounds to build stronger connections and foster inclusivity.
Event Highlights:
- Cultural Exhibits and Performances: Enjoy a showcase of Turkish culture through art and live performances.
- Friendly Discussions: Engage in conversations about inclusion and diversity.
- Family-Friendly Games and Activities: Participate in fun activities suitable for all ages.
- Live Cultural Workshops: Experience hands-on workshops highlighting Turkish traditions.
- Tasting of Turkish Coffee & Delights: Sample traditional Turkish coffee and sweets.
Get Involved:
- Attend the Event: Bring your family and friends to enjoy the festivities.
- Volunteer: Contribute your time and skills to help make the event successful.
- Share Your Story: Submit your stories of community and belonging for sharing during the event.
Mariupolis 2 Film Screening
Sunday, September 22, 5:30 p.m.
The Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 108, Portland, OR
Join us for a screening and discussion of Mariupolis 2, a film by Mantas Kvedaravičius (1796-2022). Mariupolis 2 depicts life in Ukraine as it continues amidst the Russian invasion and reveals images that convey both tragedy and hope. The film will be shown in Ukrainian and Russian with English subtitles.
