Polk County Board of Supervisors to Host FREE Welcoming Week Events

DES MOINES, IA – Polk County is thrilled to join Welcoming America and other organizations nationwide in hosting free events to celebrate the contributions of refugees, immigrants, and new residents in our community during this year’s Welcoming Week. This year, the County is partnering with the African American Leadership Academy for a free community meal and resource fair.  The County will also be hosting a panel discussion focused on belonging in our community.  

On Tuesday, August 30, the Polk County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation designating September 9-18, 2022 as Welcoming Week in Polk County.

"Polk County is an outstanding community for people of all backgrounds to live, work and play. The success of our state and county greatly depends on our ability to ensure that everyone that lives, works or plays here feels a sense of belonging. Our community must strive to create a culture where everyone can reach their fullest potential. To do so we must engage with all of the different communities that make up Polk County and actively listen and understand different histories, address opportunity gaps, recognize inequities and counter bias to ensure all can flourish. The Board of Supervisors is excited to be a host for Welcoming Week!", stated by Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair, Angela Connolly. 

Welcoming Week is an initiative created by Welcoming America, a nonprofit leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs, including immigrants. This year’s theme is “Where We Belong”.

All event are free and open to the public. Learn more about Polk County’s 2022 Welcoming Week events at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/welcoming-week.

Polk County Welcoming Week Events

Free Community Meal & Resource Fair

Date/Time: Saturday, September 10, 2-5PM
Location: Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Ave, Des Moines

This event is about neighbor meeting neighbor and sharing a meal together. We hope this event sparks engaging conversations, builds community, and educates about the resources available to all who live, work, and play here.

Places and Spaces We Belong: Panel Discussion
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 14, 1-3PM
Location: Event Center West, 1705 25th St, West Des Moines, IA or virtually via Zoom

The goal of this event is to introduce attendees to places and spaces in Polk County that are doing the work to foster belonging in the community, but are also not turning a blind eye to the challenges that exist to achieve this system change.

Register here