Community Conversations: Welcoming

How do we welcome people into our community? What are the factors that might influence our reception of newcomers? In this Community Conversation we hear from a number of different perspectives, and we can discuss ways in which we are a welcoming community, and ways we might improve.

Presenters:

Margaret Nelson ~ Director of the River Center

Leaf Seligman ~ a founder of  Monadnock Restorative Community, helping those returning from incarceration

Lina Hervas ~ immigrant from the Philippines who has worked with refugees from Southeast Asia

Andy Peterson ~ Realtor and co-owner, The Peterson’s

After short presentations the floor will be open to all to discuss ways in which we are already  welcoming,  ways we might improve, and how our entire community might become stronger as we become better welcomers. Social service organizations and representatives of churches are especially encouraged to attend, participate in the discussion, and also bring printed collateral which can be dispersed to those present. Additionally, families or individuals who have experienced being new to the community are encouraged to attend and share their stories.

Download a poster for this event for printing and placement in your location.

Community Conversations is a series that explores many of the issues impacting our communities. A partnership between the Monadnock Center for History and Culture and the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript, each Conversation features local experts talking about challenges faced by our communities. Some issues are global in nature, but each conversation is designed to examine the topic from a local perspective. The program provides residents with the opportunity to learn more about key issues impacting their communities, to engage in a civil dialog with speakers and with each other, and to come away with a sense that there are things that individuals and communities can do to foster change and improvement.