Welcoming Week with Lana Graybeal & Beth Norton

Mosaics

This week we talk about what it means to feel welcomed, and what it takes to reach the next level of belonging. We hear from Lana Graybeal, City of Boise Senior Community Outreach Manager, and Beth Norton, Idaho Office for Refugees Events & Partnerships Coordinator.

In September, communities across the country celebrate Welcoming Week. This global initiative by Welcoming America brings together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.

Lana and her family experienced the meaning of welcome when she was 5 years old and resettled in the United States as refugees. And Beth, who moved around a lot as kid, remembers feeling alone in a new school and how it felt to have someone reach out. Tune in to hear their experiences.

Links and events mentioned in this episode:

Idaho Welcoming Week Events 2023:

• City of Boise First Thursday on the Plaza dedicated to Welcoming Week and Pride Month
• Sept. 12: Afghan Culinary Cultural Experience in English & Dari with IMID and IOR at Jump!
• Sept. 23: Welcoming Week Family Day with the YMCA & NU Transportation Committee
• Sept. 23: Community Unity Table in Hailey hosted by the Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho

Other Events and Resources:

• Global Lounge Saturday Farm & Art Market
• Glocal Community Partners Friendship Partners
• Welcome Corps – sponsorship program
• Houseyourneighbor.org
• Idaho Office for Refugees Community Calendar

Contact us with your ideas, questions, and feedback at [e-mail].

Thank you to the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for the grant funding to produce this podcast, and to the Afrosonics for our theme song, Mosaic.