Bob Sierra YMCA staff greeting guests for Welcoming Week.
The Tampa YMCA is joining Welcoming America, other organizations and YMCAs nationwide to celebrate Welcoming Week, which started on September 13th and will continue until the 22nd. Welcoming Week is an annual initiative and celebration that highlights the movement of communities striving to be a more welcoming place for all, including immigrants.
Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week allows individuals and communities to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants and deeper belonging for all.
Throughout the week-long celebration, our 14 YMCA locations are showcasing world maps to celebrate Welcoming Week, allowing members to “pin” their home state or county. Many locations are hosting potluck lunches where members share family recipes and native dishes, and kids can create their own world map.
“At the Tampa YMCA, we believe that belonging begins with us and that the Bay Area is stronger when everyone feels welcome and collaborates for the common good,” said Yaimy Marshall, Executive Director at the Bob Sierra Family YMCA.
“We are proud to participate in Welcoming Week, showcasing how people from all backgrounds come together in large and small communities to build stronger connections. This is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, making our community more welcoming to all.”
The YMCA is proud to be one of the many organizations striving to create a sense of belonging and togetherness in communities worldwide. Welcoming Week is our largest annual event, which allows the YMCA to celebrate diversity, build connections, promote inclusion, empower youth and extend the welcoming spirit.
As we reflect on this year’s Welcoming Week's success, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued. The Tampa YMCA, alongside countless YMCAs and organizations nationwide, has demonstrated that we build a stronger, more inclusive society when we come together to celebrate our differences and foster mutual understanding.
The week of shared experiences and heartfelt connections reaffirms our commitment to making every individual feel like they truly belong. We look forward to continuing this journey, embracing diversity, and working hand-in-hand to ensure that our community remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making Welcoming Week a remarkable celebration of unity and togetherness. If you have yet to participate in our Welcoming Week celebrations make sure you stop by your local YMCA to join in on our inclusive activities!
Published Wednesday, September 18, 2024.