The City of Durham’s Fund to Foster project focused on bridging relationships amongst foreign-born (refugees and immigrants) and other residents of Durham, North Carolina, through art and art therapy with funding from the organization Welcoming America. Our plan was simple, intentional, and with an expectation of lasting impact: develop relationships through culture-infused collaborative art activities to foster a rich sense of belonging for all residents. Many art projects celebrate and preserve the history of the city, but little show the future of the city or the inclusive and belonging community we strive to be. This project allows us to be able to specifically reach out to a population of the community that might not be as present or as loud as other members of our community and allows us to make a safe space for them to meet. With it, members were able to see the City’s true investment in the refugee and immigrant communities and show the rest of the city their work and value– exactly what inspired us to do this project.  This project intersects Durham’s historical emphasis on the arts with Durham’s strategic priority to equitably engage all residents.  

The City of Durham celebrated Welcoming Week for the first time in September 2022. Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all. 

Hope your 2022 is off to a good start! Here's a look back at some highlights from January from Durham Community Engagement.

In 2022, the Our Community Stories video will continue! In January, we explored stories from Wheels Fun Park. In February, we will hear stories from West End. The event will take place Friday, February 25 at noon. Register for the Zoom link - note, this is a new link different from the 2021 series!

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

Hope you're having a happy holiday season! Here's a look back at some highlights from 2021 from Durham Community Engagement.

We are continuing the Our Community Stories video series in 2022! Coming in January, we're exploring stories from Wheels Fun Park. This event will take place Friday, January 28 at noon. Register for the Zoom link - note, there is a new link for the 2022 series!

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

We're trying a new newsletter format starting this month, looking back on how we've engaged with Durham communities this November with our focus on equity. Let us know what you think, and please share with anyone who you think might be interested.

This December, we're exploring stories from McDougald Terrace as part of the Our Community Stories video series. This event will take place Friday, December 17 at noon. RSVP on Facebook and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

P.S. Did you get this email from a friend? Sign up to receive this newsletter directly.

Here's a roundup of important information this October. Please share with your friends and community members- you never know who might need it.

This month, we're exploring stories from Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing as part of the Our Community Stories video series. This event will take place Friday, October 29 at noon. RSVP and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

P.S. Did you get this email from a friend? Sign up to receive this newsletter directly.

Here's a roundup of important information this September. Please share with your friends and community members- you never know who might need it.

This month, we're exploring stories from Durham College as part of the Our Community Stories video series. This event will take place Friday, September 24 at noon. RSVP and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

Here's a roundup of important information this August. Please share with your friends and community members- you never know who might need it.

This month, we're exploring stories from Emorywood Estates as part of the Our Community Stories video series.  This event will take place Friday, August 27 at noon. RSVP and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

Here's a roundup of important information this July. Please share with your friends and community members- you never know who might need it.

This month, we're exploring stories from Algonquin Club as part of the Our Community Stories video series.  This event will take place Friday, July 30 at noon. RSVP and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team 

Here's a roundup of important information this June. Please share with your friends and community members- you never know who might need it.

This month is the Spring 2021 reunion for Our Community Stories video series.  This event will take place Friday, June 25 at noon. RSVP and register for the Zoom link.

As always, let us know if you have any questions.

Wishing you health and happiness!

-Your City of Durham Community Engagement Team