Welcome BG leads and administers campaigns, programs, events, and other initiatives that advance welcoming and inclusion around the community. Check out a full list of our current and past initiatives to learn more about our work. (WA)
International Education Week International Education Week (IEW), is an annual opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. Participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, associations, and community organizations is strongly encouraged.
Welcome BG celebrates the swearing in of the New Americans as they fulfill their dream of becoming Americans. Welcome BG attends the ceremonies as we distribute welcome packets and collect information on our newest American citizens. Ceremonies are held at Bowling Green State University's (BGSU) Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Naturalization ceremonies at BGSU are in November each year.
Welcome BG International Friday WIF) was created in response to the Bowling Green State University's international students' food insecurity exacerbated by COVID-19 and the stay-at-home order. Most international students' income is through 20 hours a week employment on campus. When the university shut down, the students were left without an income. According to BGSU's, pilot data , it was estimated that around 41% of students experienced some form of food insecurity, indicating that food insecurity was a real issue even in our community (BGSU Food Justice and Equity) WIF offers cultural and religious sensitive foods that are not readily available through the local food pantries.Some common staples are still donated by First United Methodist Church and Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry. Welcome BG has thus far been able to sustain the WIF program primarily due to a grant awarded in December 2020 by the Bowling Green Community Foundation. Community involvement has included monetary and food donations. For a list of needed items, contact us.
Welcome BG is proud to be among the "growing network of hosts and partners around the United States and world who strive to make their communities a more welcoming place for all. Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together new Americans, refugees, and long-time residents to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. Welcoming Week reminds us to double down on our inclusive vision and find new ways to bring together people across lines of difference to develop greater understanding and mutual support".(Welcoming America) Welcoming Week is a nationwide event every September.
217 S. Church Street . Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 . (567) 413-4003 . Copyright: Welcome BG. All rights reserved. 2021