From September 13-28, the City of Bend and Latino Community Association (LCA), in collaboration with Benditas, will celebrate Welcoming Week with the theme “We’re All In.” Through two events, LCA seeks to establish dialogues that strengthen the inclusion and sense of belonging of all people, mainly refugees and the Latino immigrant community. 

Celebrate with us through these events: 

• • Photographic exhibition: “My Migration Story” with Carmina Morgado. September 16-23. Officially opening Thursday, Sept. 19, 5-7 pm at the Bend La Pine Schools building, 520 NW Wall St. The exhibition seeks to encourage reflection on the migrant experience of Spanish-speaking people among residents and visitors to Bend. This means understanding and raising awareness about what migration means for many people: their reasons for migrating, their fears and hopes living in the United States, their present lives, and their aspirations for the future. Appetizers provided, and music.  

• • Workshop: “Stepping into Allyship” with Joanne Mina. Thursday Sept. 19, 7-8 pm, next to Está Bien!, 221 NW Hill St. Did you know that since 1987, Oregon has been a sanctuary state that supports immigrant and refugee communities by prioritizing human rights, dignity and safety?  Join LCA to learn about the Oregon bias response hotline. Immediately following the photo exhibit, we will offer a workshop and a community forum where you will learn the specific protections for protected classes in Oregon, why it is important to report hate and bias incidents, and how to be an ally and effective legal observer. 

For more information, visit welcomingamerica.org or https://www.bendoregon.gov/events/welcoming-week or call the Latino Community Association (541) 382-4366.