In a nation increasingly riven by polarization and mistrust, the spirit of "civitas"—the collective body coming together for good—can feel like a distant dream. But amidst this bleak landscape, rays of hope shine through in the form of organizations like Welcoming America.

This week, Carrie Fox sits down with Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America, to discuss their new report, "The State of Welcoming." Perić shares her powerful personal story and sheds light on how creating a culture of belonging for immigrants and refugees can strengthen the social fabric of entire communities.

From the economic benefits to the democratic necessity, Perić outlines the "five whys" that underscore the vital importance of the welcoming movement. She cites success stories like Dayton, Ohio, a Rust Belt city that reversed a 50-year population decline by becoming a leader in immigrant inclusion.

This work is not without its challenges. Perić candidly discusses the dehumanizing narratives that scapegoat newcomers and the global forces displacing people at an unprecedented scale. Yet through it all, her message is one of determined hope: with intention and infrastructure, we can build welcoming communities equipped to meet the defining challenges of our time.

Anyone yearning to rekindle the spirit of civitas in an age of division, this is your episode. It will leave you inspired by the power of human connection and moved to join the growing chorus of upstanders working to ensure that everyone—no matter their origins—can belong and thrive in the place they call home.

Our great thanks to Rachel Perić for joining us for Mission Forward this week.

Links & Notes

• StateOfWelcoming.org
• WelcomingAmerica.org

• (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward