MORE ABOUT US
Welcoming Gainesville & Alachua County (WG&AC) is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit dedicated to making Gainesville, Florida, an inclusive community that welcomes immigrants, international students, and refugees. It celebrates diversity as a source of strength and innovation. Since 2016, WG&AC has represented the City of Gainesville and Alachua County as part of the nationwide Welcom
ing America network by: creating and promoting immigrant-friendly policies, communicating welcoming principles and benefits of inclusion among residents, and organizing programs and events that unite individuals from a variety of backgrounds. VISION
WG&AC envisions a city in which neighbors, local government, businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, institutions of higher learning, and other organizations work together to create a climate that supports and welcomes immigrants through long-term integration into our community. This vision is founded in the principles of eliminating prejudice, celebrating diversity, and assisting newcomers in becoming neighbors. Eliminating prejudice
2. Celebrating diversity
3. Assisting newcomers in becoming established in our community
HISTORY
The roots for WG&AC were established in September, 2014, when local residents, faith communities, and advocacy groups established a movement to both embrace and welcome immigrants, refugees, and visitors to the Gainesville, Florida, region. WG&AC was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in December, 2015, and it quickly grew to include a variety of programs and activities that promoted inclusion and understanding among individuals of diverse backgrounds. In March, 2016, the Gainesville City Commission voted unanimously to make Gainesville the first “Welcoming City” in Florida, connecting Gainesville to 70 other U.S. cities and counties working to eliminate prejudice and integrate newcomers. In June, 2016, the Alachua County Commission took similar action, establishing Alachua County as a “Welcoming County” and authorizing WG&AC to develop programs and events aimed at achieving this goal. PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
In addition to hosting speakers, film screenings, and other educational and community-building events, WG&AC operates and/or participates in the following programs in Alachua County:
English Partner Program: WG&AC works alongside the UF English Language Institute and the Alachua County Library System to host an English language exchange program. The program now includes nearly 50 participants who spend one or more hours each week in conversation, typically in a local coffee shop or library, with the goal of improving English-language skills among non-native speakers. On average, 2-3 new volunteers sign up to participate each week. "Welcome Your Neighbors" Yard Signs: WG&AC adopted the “Welcome Your Neighbors” sign from Immanuel Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, VA. We have sold hundreds of signs to residents, organizations, and businesses in Gainesville and across Alachua County, since we began printing them in early 2017. Signs are available for purchase for $10/each. Contact us to arrange purchase and pick up! Naturalization Ceremonies: Each month, representatives from WG&AC attend the naturalization ceremonies in federal court to demonstrate support for new residents and share information regarding essential services and programs that may facilitate immigrants' transition to their new place of residence. Rural Women’s Health Project: WG&AC has partnered with the Rural Women’s Health Project to create a guide of social and medical services and immigrant-friendly businesses (including those that offer legal and tax services) within the Alachua County region.
