As the state's largest and longest-running immigrant and refugee service provider, IIRI brings hope and opportunity to the lives of immigrants and refugees by helping them to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community.

Welcoming Rhode Island: follow us on Tumblr

Welcoming Rhode Island is a new, cutting-edge community based initiative sponsored by the International Institute Rhode Island.

The goal of Welcoming Rhode Island is to create a more welcoming atmosphere where foreign-born individuals can thrive and become well-respected, integrated members of their communities. This initiative is not policy-orientated, but focused on grassroots outreach and education to create a stronger state.

Welcoming Rhode Island will use a three pronged approach to achieve its goals:

• local leadership development through welcoming committees

• strategic communication

• public engagement

The initiative will be guided by a Statewide Advisory Committee and will pilot in East Providence and Cranston where local welcoming committees will steer and implement the grassroots work.

Welcoming Rhode Island is an affiliate of Welcoming America. There are currently 18 other states across the country that are affiliates of the national organization, from Nebraska to South Carolina.

Learn more about Welcoming Rhode Island and our Statewide Committee.

If you are interested in getting involved in IIRI’s Welcoming Rhode Island initiative contact us