The YMCA of Central New York is excited to be involved in a nationwide movement to welcome immigrants and newcomers to our communities known as Welcoming Week.
Welcoming Week is a time to celebrate the values that unite us and to make our community more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls Central New York home. Join us at free events across CNY this September and throughout the Fall!
ASSOCIATION-WIDE
September 13-22
Expand Your World Activity Card
Try new activities and learn about different cultures with our activity card. Print your own or pick one up in the branch.
Learn a new language or try out a new recipe. Expand your world!
September 13-22
World Maps
Leave your mark on world maps displayed at each of our branches to create a collaborative portrait of the many places we come from. Please visit any of our Welcome Centers to learn more about how to participate.
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ARTS BRANCH
Friday, October 25th | 7:00pm
Visiting Author Reading • Poets Samodh Porawagamage & Jessica Cuello
Hybrid Event | Online and In-Person at the Downtown Writers Center
Friday, November 8th | 7:00pm
Visiting Author Reading • Poets Sara Daniele Rivera & Leslie Neustadt
Online Event
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DOWNTOWN BRANCH
Tuesday, September 17th
6:30am - 8am, 11:30am - 1pm, 4:30pm - 6pm
Snacks from Around the World
Wednesday, September 18th
5pm - 7pm
Open House/Family Night with voter registraton, courtesy of the NAACP
Thursday, September 19th
9:00am - 2:00pm
Lunch available for purchase from Black-owned business, Super Salads
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EAST AREA FAMILY BRANCH
Share Your Language - Character Value Activity
Monday, September 16th
5pm - 7pm
Culture Creation Stations
Wednesday, September 18th
9am - 12pm & 4pm - 7pm
Cuisine from Around the World
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MANLIUS BRANCH
Expand Your World Activity Card
Childcare Snack Calendar
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NORTH AREA FAMILY BRANCH
Beverages from Around the World
Monday, September 16th
4pm - 6pm
Hummus Tasting
Tuesday, September 17th
10:30am - 12:30pm
Hummus Tasting
9:00am - 5:00pm
Table for National Voter Registration Day
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NORTHWEST FAMILY BRANCH
Voter Registration Materials
"Hello" Word Art
Saturday, September 14th
Basketball Around the World
Monday, September 16th
Mobile Mammography Bus
Screening Awareness Table
Tuesday, September 17th
Byblos Street Grill: 11:30am - 2pm
Oompa Loompyas: 3pm - 6pm
Moonchot's Authentic Thai Cuisine: 12pm - 6pm
Constitution Day - Free Pocket US Constitutions available while supplies last
Wednesday, September 18th
Torn Paper Rangoli craft
Nazca Line Craft
Thursday, September 19th
Soccer Around the World
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SOUTHWEST BRANCH AT OCC
Childcare Snack Calendar
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ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
What are the dance traditions of your ancestors? Are you curious to learn more about dance from cultures around the world? Check out some of these educational videos featuring a diversity of global folk dances. Enjoy learning more about how people across time, geography, and culture connect to their bodies through movement and music!
Hula Is More Than a Dance—It's the 'Heartbeat' of the Hawaiian People
The Dazzling Diversity of African Dance – in 14 Moves | Chinyanta Kabaso | TED
A Bharatanatyam Dancer Challenging Racial Stereotypes: Charles Ma
A Flamenco Dancer Finds Himself Through Performing in Drag | The New Yorker Documentary
Mariachi & Folklorico: Celebrating Our Mexican Heritage Through Music and Dance
All of these videos can also be viewed as a playlist on the YMCA of Central New York YouTube channel. This list was curated by staff members of the YMCA of Central New York, and includes documentaries and educational videos of various lengths found on youtube. If you have any suggestions of cultural dance videos you’d like added to our list, please email virtual@ymcacny.org.
If you’d like to learn more about global dance traditions locally, you’re in luck! We’re grateful to work with some fantastic artists and teachers who offer classes, workshops, and performances across and beyond Central New York. Learn more about Anjani Dance Academy at www.seemakathak.com and Wacheva Multicultural Dance, Drum, and Fitness at www.wacheva.net and on Wacheva’s facebook page.
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In 2022, along with Interfaith Works, our team put together a list of local international restaurants. Explore cuisines from around the world right here in Central NY.