This Welcoming Week (September 13-22), the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington will join Welcoming America, other YMCAs and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community.
Welcoming Week
WELCOMING WEEK ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Welcoming Week World Map Activity
Visit one of our branches to have a chance to mark your country of origin or heritage on a large world map we have displayed to help showcase the diversity that your Y represents!
Hiring Events
Hiring events will be taking place throughout the week. Click here to learn more.
Click here to view the Welcoming Week Calendar or browse by branch below.
September 14th: Welcoming Week Open House
September 19th: Blood Drive – 10:30am – 3:30pm
September 20th: Open House
- Back Pack Community Give Away – 2pm – 2:30pm
- Global Food Tasting – 4pm – 5pm in the Lobby: Stop by, share a story, meet a new friend, and sample a bite of Latino food
- Make It Make Sense 5pm – 8pm: Art Exhibit Reception, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the rich culture of the immigrant community.
- September 13th: Blood Drive – 12pm-6pm
- September 14th: Open House – 10am-2pm – Click here to learn more!
- September 17th: National Voter Registration Day- 9am-8pm. Staff will be available all day assist interested members and guest in registering to vote, checking your voter registration, and more.
- September 20th: Job Fair – 10am-2pm
- September 21st: Family Fun Day – 11-2pm – Click here to learn more!
Coming Soon!
- September 16th: Classical Music of World Cultures at 5:30pm
- September 17th: Voter Registration from 4pm – 6pm
- September 18th: French Movie Night at 5pm
- September 29th: Open House – All Day
Coming Soon!
Dance Around the World – All Week long! Click here to learn more.
Welcoming Week Dance Party
Friday, September 13th from 5pm – 7pm
Click here to learn more.
PLUS, YMCA Silver Spring is excited to have a table at these FUN community events below. Be sure to stop by for games, giveaways, to learn more about membership at the Y and all of the various programs we have to offer.
Community Celebration
September 19th at 5pm
Click here to learn more and click here to view in Spanish.
Welcoming Week Block Party!
September 21st at 11am
Click here to learn more and click here to view in Spanish.
Community Celebration
September 19th at 5pm
Click here to learn more and click here to view in Spanish.
Welcoming Week Block Party!
September 21st at 11am
Click here to learn more and click here to view in Spanish.
Tuesday, September 17th:
DC Youth & Government Bring a Friend Night!
YMCA Anthony Bowen at 6pm: Learn about what DC Youth & Government is and how civic engagement impacts teens.
Learn more on Instagram: @dcyag
Thursday, September 19th:
Silver Spring Leaders Club Bring a Friend Night!
YMCA Silver Spring at 6pm: Meet other teens from the area and participate in games and leadership training.
Learn more on Instagram:@dcmetro_leaders
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
