Mitchell, S.D. – Welcoming Week has been a national event since 2012 and starting this year, Mitchell will join the celebration. Mitchell’s Welcoming Week will take place from September 5 – 13 and will kick off with a Mayoral Proclamation at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the City Council Meeting.
Events being held during Welcoming Week include Collegepalooza from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 at the Corn Palace Plaza, and ‘Saturday Storytime’ at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Mitchell Public Library for stories in English and Spanish in the Community Room. Additionally, the United Church of Christ at 301 E. Fourth Avenue is hosting a ‘Meet and Greet with your Local Police Department,’ from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 13. The public is invited to attend all events.
Welcoming Week is being hosted by the Mitchell Area Inclusion Coalition, a fledgling group that has been meeting to consider ways to make sure that all residents, visitors, and newcomers feel welcome in Mitchell. Matt Christiansen, a leader of the Coalition shared, “Newcomers are a vital part of our community – bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, starting businesses, and contributing to a diverse and vibrant community. If we want to grow and prosper, we need to embrace and welcome others.”
Pastor Matthew Richards from the Congregational United Church of Christ said, “Our goal is to foster an inclusive and welcoming community, guided by the principles of mutual respect, self-worth, education, community engagement, and advocacy for all community members, those who have lived here their entire life or just moved here.”
The Coalition plans to release a community assessment survey during Welcoming Week to learn what barriers community members encounter in Mitchell and gather information about housing, employment, transportation and translation and medical services.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Mitchell Area Inclusion Coalition, please reach out to Dr. Matthew Christiansen at 605-999-0728 or for more information, reach out to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation at 605-996-5567.