Community members are learning how they can become more involved in local government and make sure their voices are heard through a civic engagement session on Tuesday night as part of Erie Welcoming Week.
The 10-day celebration promotes culture, diversity and community throughout Erie, with events designed to bring neighbors together and welcome people from different backgrounds.
Katie Kretz, the Executive Director of the Multicultural Community Resource Center (MCRC) said Welcoming Week provides opportunities for both longtime residents and newcomers to learn from one another. “That’s part of the opportunity about what Welcoming Week is, not just allowing opportunities and educational opportunities for people who weren’t born here, but people who were born here in the United States to welcome our new neighbors.”
The week has included community conversations, prayer vigils for immigrants, Fiesta on the Square and educational lectures. Organizers said the goal is to build stronger connections among neighbors, both new and longtime residents.
Wuji Ahmad, the New American Affairs Coordinator for the City of Erie said civic engagement is an important part of helping people feel connected to their community. “The U.S. being a land of immigrants, it is beautiful to see what lands and walks of life everyone comes from and teaching them how to be civically engaged. They want to learn and participate”, said Ahmad.
The week also included lectures focused on civic engagement and ways residents can get involved with local government.
Kretz said there are still many ways for people who are not yet eligible to vote to participate in their communities, “Even though they aren’t legal residents yet, they are on their way to citizenship. They still have a lot of opportunities. Even though they can’t vote, there’s still a lot of opportunities for them to have civic engagement.”
As Ahmad explained inclusion goes beyond Welcoming Week. They want residents to continue getting to know their neighbors, learning about different cultures and making sure everyone feels heard and valued, “It’s very important to know who your neighbors are and understand where people come from. Just like you want your neighbors to know you, everyone has a story.”
Kretz agreed and said, “Erie is a beautiful mosiac of different cultures right and that’s something that’s very unique to our community and we like to honor that.”
The civic engagement session is happening Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Erie City Hall.
Welcoming Week will conclude with the New American Jamboree in Perry Square on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.