Welcome Week

Welcome Week  

National Welcoming Week is September 12 – September 21, 2025.

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the work in communities to become welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places achieving collective prosperity. 

The 2025 Welcoming Week theme is #StoriesWeShare! 

The City of Grand Rapids is home to people of all backgrounds, including those who were not born here, but now call Grand Rapids home. Grand Rapids’ success depends on making sure that all Grand Rapidians feel welcome. New Grand Rapidians are a vital part of our community, along with our long-time residents, bringing ideas, starting businesses, serving in civic roles, working in critical industries, and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we value.

Join us in honoring, celebrating and welcoming New Americans to our home. 

Get Involved 

  • Attend the 2025 Global Gathering West Michigan on Saturday, September 13th from 12:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. at Garfield Park.
  • Purchase and promote Welcoming Week swag

Kent County Welcome Plan 

Gateways for Growth in Kent County and Grand Rapids is a community-led process aimed at implementing welcoming initiatives. This is spearheaded by 36 multi-sector organizations who value the diversity of the community and the need to celebrate and welcome all community members. Download the final Kent County Welcome Plan here:

Gateways for Growth Kent County Welcome Plan

Learn more