Welcoming Rhode Island is a new, cutting-edge community based initiative sponsored by IIRI. 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, strategic communication, and public engagement. The initiative will be guided by a Statewide Advisory Committee and will pilot in East Providence and Cranston where local committees will steer and implement the grassroots work. There are currently 14 other states across the country that are affiliates of the national organization, from Nebraska to Massachusetts.

Welcoming Rhode Island Statewide Committee Member List

Governor Lincoln Chafee, State of Rhode Island (Honorary Chair)

Tony Aguilar, New Flavor Media

Rev. Don Anderson, RI State Council of Churches

Mary-Kim Arnold, RI Council for the Humanities

Toby Ayers, Ph.D, Rhode Island for Community and Justice

Bernie Beaudreau, Serve Rhode Island

Anna Cano Morales, RI Campaign for Achievement Now

Claudia Cardozo, ACCION USA

Stella Carrera, Diocese of Providence Office of Immigration and Refugee Services

Channavy Chhay, Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians

Doris De los Santos, State of Rhode Island Office of the Governor

Sandra Del Sesto, Rhode Island College Institute for Addiction Recovery

Grace Diaz, RI State Representative

Honorable Judge Jorge Elorza, Roger Williams University School of Law

Michael Evora, Esq., Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights

Nick Figueroa, Univocal Legislative Minority Advisory Coalition

Deborah Gonzalez, Esq., Gonzalez Law Offices, Inc. (East Providence Chair)

Roberto Gonzalez, Esq., Gonzalez Law Offices, Inc.

Amanda Heinsen, United WayofRhode Island

Jaein Lee, Annenberg Institute for School Reform (Chair)

Dr. Carol Lewis, Hasbro Children’s Hospital Refugee Health Clinic

Nick Longo, Ph.D, Providence College Public Service & Global Studies Departments

Heiny Maldonado, Fuerza Laboral

Marta Martinez, Progreso Latino

Mary Beth Meehan, Photographer

Corrie Mook, Plan International USA

Silaphone Nhongvongsouthy, Laotian Community Center

Juan Pichardo, RI State Senator

Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, Latino Public Radio

Elvys Ruiz, RI Department of Transportiation/Office on Highway Safety

Hillary Salmons, Providence After School Alliance

Scott Slater, RI State Representative

Keith Stokes, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation

Bruno Sukys, International Institute RI (Cranston Chair)

Jim Vincent, Rhode Island Housing

Martha Yager, American Friends Service Committee-SENE

Who can I contact to get more information?

Michelle DePlante

Community Outreach Coordinator

International Institute Rhode Island

(401) 784-8644

mdeplante@iiri.org

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Complete and return this form.

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