Community Learning Series Event to Highlight Local Effort to Welcome and Include Immigrants
Event Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation will host its second Community Learning Series event on Wednesday, October 30 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. The event is free and open to the public.
The Community Learning Series is a new effort by the Community Foundation to elevate awareness, generate conversation and encourage action around issues of broad community importance. Each event has a unique topic, and the format varies to allow for information sharing, discussion and collaboration.
This edition of the Community Learning Series will focus on a new program called Gateways for Growth, which provides resources to help make Cedar Rapids a more welcoming place for immigrants and refugees. Gateways for Growth is a program of New American Economy and Welcoming America. The City of Cedar Rapids, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is coordinating the effort locally with grant support from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Cedar Rapids was selected through a competitive process and will receive $25,000 to support the development and implementation of a multi-sector strategic plan to help attract, retain and include immigrants in our community and workforce.
To inform the Gateways for Growth effort, New American Economy has conducted research and gathered information on the demographic and economic contributions of immigrant populations within Cedar Rapids. Kate Brick, Director of State and Local Initiatives at New American Economy, will share these findings at the Community Learning Series. Her presentation will be followed by an update from the local collaboration and a question and answer session. The event will also feature the stories of several local immigrants, as well as remarks from Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in small group conversations about the topic.
WHAT: Community Learning Series: Gateways for Growth
A Plan for Welcoming and Including Immigrants
WHO: Open to the public
WHEN: Wednesday, October 30, 2019
4:30 – 6 p.m.
WHERE: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids
WHY: To elevate awareness, generate discussion and encourage action around issues of broad community importance.
RSVP: Online at www.gcrcf.org/community-learning-series/ or call 319-774-2375 by Friday, October 25.
More information about the event can be found at www.gcrcf.org/community-learning-series.