Welcoming Salt Lake 2023
Celebrating Diversity: Reflecting on the Vibrant Welcoming Salt Lake 2023 Celebration
From September 8-17 of 2023, Salt Lake County resonated with joy and unity during the annual Welcoming Salt Lake events which were held in conjunction with the county receiving the “Welcoming” designation from Welcoming America.
Welcoming America, a dynamic network comprising over 300 nonprofits and local governments, passionately works towards fostering inclusive and inviting communities across the United States. The Welcoming Network is both a network and a movement, driven by the conviction that communities make better decisions when residents of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are meaningfully engaged.
This recognition is not new for Salt Lake County, as it has proudly held the status of a "certified welcoming place" since 2018, making history as the first county to achieve this honorable recognition.
The Welcoming Salt Lake 2023 festivities were a demonstration of Salt Lake County's commitment to embracing diversity. The Salt Lake County Recorder's office, in collaboration with the Salt Lake County Mayor's Office for New Americans and various partners, excitedly participated in a series of engaging events that showcased our shared values of belonging, equity, and inclusion.
Highlights from the 2023 Welcoming Salt Lake events included:
- Mayor's proclamation signing and heartwarming naturalization ceremony
- Latinx/Hispanic Health & Heritage Festival
- Celebrating Immigration Stories
- English as a second language classes
- Tree planting ceremony in honor of SLC refugees and New Americans
- Citizenship application completion assistance
- Afghan cooking classes
- ... and so much more!
Beyond the festivities, the Recorder's office staff enthusiastically immersed themselves in the events, gaining a deeper understanding of county services and having a blast discovering the rich tapestry of languages spoken by their own colleagues. This delightful experience became a catalyst for fostering stronger connections among the staff, creating an atmosphere where diverse cultures were celebrated and embraced.
The Salt Lake County Recorder's office takes pride in its unwavering commitment to good policy and practice, emphasizing equitable access, civic engagement, and the public celebration of welcoming as a fundamental core value. As we continue on this journey, we look forward to building a community where everyone feels not only welcomed but truly valued.
#WelcomingSaltLake #WelcomingWeek2023 #WeBelongHere
