Welcoming Week 2026 🌎

Welcoming Week 2026 Training: Know Your Rights (KYR), Understanding Oregon’s Hate Crimes, Bias Incidents, and Sanctuary Laws

Entrenamiento de la Semana de Bienvenida 2026: Conozca Sus Derechos (KYR)Comprendiendo los delitos de odio, incidentes de prejuicio y las leyes de santuario de Oregón

@welcomingweek is an annual opportunity to celebrate our communities and explore what it means to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, included, and supported.

This year, the City of Portland in partnership with the Civil Rights Unit of Oregon Department of Justice ODOJ, and Pacific Refugee Support Group is hosting a full day of FREE virtual educational sessions on Monday, September 14.

📚 Topics include:
🕘 9–11 AM: Know Your Rights (KYR)
🕐 1–2 PM: Understanding Oregon’s Hate Crimes & Bias Response Hotline
🕒 3–4 PM: Sanctuary Promise Laws

Learn about your rights, Oregon’s legal protections, and resources and hotlines available to community members.

💻 Virtual
✨ Free & open to everyone

Day of Dignity (Volunteers Needed!)

PRSG team is proud to return this year for Day of Dignity, supporting Portland’s houseless communities with essential resources. Thanks to our partners at Bombas, we’ll be providing high-quality socks to help meet an immediate need with care and dignity. This event brings free services to our houseless neighbors in the heart of Portland.

• Event Date: September 13, 2026; Sunday

• Event Timeframe: 12:00-4:00 pm.  Setup will start at 10 am.

• Event Location: Downtown Portland Park District-North Park Block B (Park of the Elephant) between NW Burnside and NW Couch and between NW Park Ave and NW 8th Ave. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XjEfUBuhxiW6dUdNA
  

***We’re looking for volunteers:

1. to help transport few medium boxes of socks from our office to the event site between 10-11:30AM

2. assist staff with distributing Bombas socks to between 12-4PM

If you’d like to help, please email Alex@pnwrsg.org

Join our education team and partners for an exciting back to school event with music and more resources.

This year, Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG) is partnering with Oregon Community Asylum Network (OCAN), and Shrine 13 for a special film screening and fundraiser in honor of World Refugee Day (WRD). Proceeds from the ticket sales will fund a new animation workshop program to benefit refugee and immigrant families in Oregon.

About the Film: Pour the Water As I Leave

A surreal exploration of the war in Bosnia and the unbreakable spirit of eight of her people whose strength to leave was as powerful as the fight to stay. Blending live action with haunting collage animation and choreographed dance, the film follows two lovers whose connection forms as war descends upon their world.

At 1:30 p.m., come to the Portland Art Museum’s Finley Studio for a Masterclass Animation Workshop with award-winning filmmaker and animator Daniela Repas.

Celebrate World Refugee Day Before the Film

Before the screening, at 7 p.m., join our community members and partner organizations for a free family friendly celebration event and connection from 12 - 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church.

About World Refugee Day

According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee.

Partners

This year, Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG) is partnering with WorldOregon and Shrine 13 for a special film screening and fundraiser in honor of World Refugee Day (WRD). Proceeds from the ticket sales will fund a new animation workshop program to benefit refugee and immigrant families in Oregon.

About the Film: Pour the Water As I Leave

A surreal exploration of the war in Bosnia and the unbreakable spirit of eight of her people whose strength to leave was as powerful as the fight to stay. Blending live action with haunting collage animation and choreographed dance, the film follows two lovers whose connection forms as war descends upon their world.

At 1:30 p.m., come to the Portland Art Museum’s Finley Studio for a Masterclass Animation Workshop with award-winning filmmaker and animator Daniela Repas.

Walk For Refugees Before the Film

Before the screening, at 10 a.m., join the annual World Refugee Day walk [Click here for details].

Schedule

• 10 a.m. World Refugee Day Walk starting at Salmon St. Springs

• 1:30 p.m. Masterclass Animation Workshop with Daniela Repas and Co: Lab at Finley Studio

• 3 p.m. Screening of Pour the Water as I Leave with Q&A Featuring PRSG in Whitsell Auditorium

Lunch & Fundraise

We have partnered with Cheryl’s on 12th and Thai Peacock as recommended lunch destinations. When you hand the flyer, a portion of the sale will be donated to help fund a new animation workshop program to benefit immigrant and refugee communities.

About World Refugee Day

According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee.

Partners

☀️ Shine or 🌧️ Rain, We Will Be There!

One Walk. One Community. All Are 🌈 Welcome.

This World Refugee Day, join neighbors, friends, and community members across the Portland metro area for a casual walk in honor of refugees and displaced people around the world. Life can feel full and overwhelming and one way we can cope is with simple moments of connection.

No big program, no speeches. Just a welcoming space to move together, reflect, and reconnect with what matters.

Why We Walk:

World Refugee Day is a time to remember and honor people around the world who have been forced to leave home. Here in Portland, we mark the day by simply showing up and walking together—with open hearts and no agenda—toward a future that includes everyone.

This walk began a few years ago thanks to a dedicated local community member. It continues today as a shared tradition for all who call the Portland metro area home. If you see us—come walk with us.

🧡 With deep appreciation to CareOregon for continuing to sponsor this event and walk beside us year after year.

A celebration of our amazing PRSG-CSO (Central & Southern Oregon) office with a fun-filled event of connection and to show our appreciation for all their hard work!

PRSG Volunteers and Community Partners, we invite you to celebrate a special milestone with us—our Central and Southern Oregon office Open House and one-year anniversary! Join us on Thursday, June 18th, 2026, at 5:30 PM for an evening of connection and gratitude.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, connect with community partners and spend time with our staff and board members. Together, we’ll celebrate what we’ve built over the past year and look ahead to what’s next.

For questions & RSVPs, please email Habibatou@pnwrsg.org

Attendance by invitation only. For questions and RSVPs, please contact Sofia@pnwrsg.org

Dear PRSG Volunteers, Core Volunteers, and Tutors,

We are excited to invite you to our PRSG Volunteer Appreciation Event! Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM for an evening of connection and gratitude.

Come meet fellow volunteers—the incredible people who make our work possible—along with PRSG staff and board members. Let’s come together as a community.

We can’t wait to see you there!

~PRSG Team

 Join us on April 18 from 11am - 3 pm to celebrate Nation Arab American Heritage Month!

There will be Arabic music, local vendors, henna art, balloon art, face painting, kids’ activities, arts & crafts, free books, raffles, THPRD resources & services, community resources, photo booth, and Arabic food for purchase, and more!

This is a FREE event, and everyone is welcome!

انضموا إلينا يوم 18 نيسان من الساعة 11 صباحًا حتى 3 مساءً للاحتفال بشهر التراث العربي الأمريكي! سيكون هناك موسيقى عربية ، بازار، نقوش الحناء، بالونات، رسم على الوجه، أنشطة للأطفال، فنون وحرف يدوية، كتب مجانية، وسحبات وجوائز، موارد وخدمات مجتمعية، وخدمات THPRD، كابينة الصور، لطعام العربي للشراء، والمزيد!

هذا أحتفال مجاني والجميع مرحب به!

Our upcoming Know Your Rights workshop aimed for Arabic speakers - contact us to get the link to join.

Email info@pnwrsg.org

Day of Dignity

PRSG is honored to return this year for Day of Dignity, supporting Portland’s houseless communities with essential resources. Thanks to our partners at Bombas, we’ll be providing high-quality socks to help meet immediate needs with care and dignity. This effort brings free services to our houseless neighbors in the heart of Portland, and we’ll be at the North Park Blocks downtown.

***We’re looking for volunteers:

1. to help transport six medium boxes of socks from our office to the event site between 10-11:30AM

2. assist staff with distributing Bombas socks to visitors between 12-4PM

If you’d like to help, please email Alex@pnwrsg.org

PRSG at Beaverton Welcoming Week Resource Fair

Join Us for Beaverton’s Welcoming Week Resource Fair!

Welcoming Week, celebrated nationally and led by Welcoming America, brings together neighbors of all backgrounds to affirm that communities are stronger when everyone feels they belong.

This year, we’re excited to join the City of Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5–8 PM for the Welcoming Week Resource Fair. The event will bring together immigrants, refugees, and long-time residents to connect, share resources, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes our community thrive.

PRSG will be tabling to share helpful resources and connect with community members—we hope to see you there!

We hope to see you there!

Our Community Legal Clinic team is facilitating a Know Your Rights workshop focused on immigration. Registration required.

This KYR event is part of Welcoming Week 2025 and is presented in partnership with the City of Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life – Immigrant & Refugee Program. Together, we aim to make vital knowledge accessible and support the vision of a more welcoming and inclusive community.

This event is open to all community members.

Our Family Wellness Fair is a collaboration between PRSG, Lutheran Community Services NW, Sabin Community Development Corporation, and Portland Bureau of Transportation, designed to bring families together in a safe, welcoming environment where they can connect with community, build trust, and access resources that support their overall well-being. Scroll down to view volunteer roles needed for this event.

By hosting this event as part of the Portland Play Street Program, we aim to:

• Build trust & connection: Create a welcoming wellness space that strengthens relationships between PRSG staff, peer-support partners, and local families.

• Increase access to essentials & services: Reduce barriers to school readiness and basic needs by distributing school supplies, care packages, and referrals to community resources.

• Promote holistic family wellness: Provide fun, trauma-informed wellness activities and direct supports (haircuts, health/wellness info, peer support) that improve family well-being.

🙌 Volunteer support needed:

💪 Set up and Clean up support (10-11AM) and (2-3PM)

1. Set up and break down canopies

2. Set-up activity stations

3. Set-up and break down event tables

1. ✁🪮Hair stylist to provide haircuts for around 5 people

2. 😎 Be in charge of one of these activity stations (11-2PM)

   1. Popcorn machine

   2. Sno-cone machine

   3. care bags giveaway

   4. School bags giveaway

   5. Socks giveaway

   6. Photographer

   7. Face painting for kids

   8. Jenga, corn hole, bubbles (help families and kids play)

If you are interested in volunteering, please email our Volunteer Coordinator <Alex@pnwrsg.org>

PRSG Offices will be closed observing Labor Day holiday

Our Family Wellness Fair is a collaboration between PRSG, Lutheran Community Services NW, Sabin Community Development Corporation, and Portland Bureau of Transportation, designed to bring families together in a safe, welcoming environment where they can connect with community, build trust, and access resources that support their overall well-being. Scroll down to view volunteer roles needed for this event.

By hosting this event as part of the Portland Play Street Program, we aim to:

• Build trust & connection: Create a welcoming wellness space that strengthens relationships between PRSG staff, peer-support partners, and local families.

• Increase access to essentials & services: Reduce barriers to school readiness and basic needs by distributing school supplies, care packages, and referrals to community resources.

• Promote holistic family wellness: Provide fun, trauma-informed wellness activities and direct supports (haircuts, health/wellness info, peer support) that improve family well-being.

🙌 Volunteer support needed:

• 💪 Set up and Clean up support (10-11AM) and (2-3PM)

  1. Set up and break down canopies

  2. Set-up activity stations

  3. Set-up and break down event tables

• ✁🪮Hair stylist to provide haircuts for around 5 people

• 😎 Be in charge of one of these activity stations (11-2PM)

  1. Popcorn machine

  2. Sno-cone machine

  3. care bags giveaway

  4. School bags giveaway

  5. Socks giveaway

  6. Photographer

  7. Face painting for kids

  8. Jenga, corn hole, bubbles (help families and kids play)

If you are interested in volunteering, please email our Volunteer Coordinator <Alex@pnwrsg.org>

OHSU is hosting PRSG as one of the community booths at their OHSU Farmer’s Market on the last Tuesday of each month this summer.

Visit our booth to learn about our community response and current initiatives

Join our education team and partners for an exciting back to school event with music and more resources.

Our Family Wellness Fair is a collaboration between PRSG, Lutheran Community Services NW, Sabin Community Development Corporation, and Portland Bureau of Transportation, designed to bring families together in a safe, welcoming environment where they can connect with community, build trust, and access resources that support their overall well-being. Scroll down to view volunteer roles needed for this event.

By hosting this event as part of the Portland Play Street Program, we aim to:

• Build trust & connection: Create a welcoming wellness space that strengthens relationships between PRSG staff, peer-support partners, and local families.

• Increase access to essentials & services: Reduce barriers to school readiness and basic needs by distributing school supplies, care packages, and referrals to community resources.

• Promote holistic family wellness: Provide fun, trauma-informed wellness activities and direct supports (haircuts, health/wellness info, peer support) that improve family well-being.

🙌 Volunteer support needed:

1. 💪 Set up and Clean up support (10-11AM) and (2-3PM)

   1. Set up and break down canopies

   2. Set-up activity stations

   3. Set-up and break down event tables

2. ✁🪮Hair stylist to provide haircuts for around 5 people

3. 😎 Be in charge of one of these activity stations (11-2PM)

   1. Popcorn machine

   2. Sno-cone machine

   3. care bags giveaway

   4. School bags giveaway

   5. Socks giveaway

   6. Photographer

   7. Face painting for kids

   8. Jenga, corn hole, bubbles (help families and kids play)

If you are interested in volunteering, please email our Volunteer Coordinator <Alex@pnwrsg.org>

OHSU is hosting PRSG as one of the community booths at their OHSU Farmer’s Market on the last Tuesday of each month this summer.

Visit our booth to learn about our community response and current initiatives

OHSU is hosting PRSG as one of the community booths at their OHSU Farmer’s Market on the last Tuesday of each month this summer.

Visit our booth to learn about our community response and current initiatives

One Walk. One Community. All Are Welcome.

This World Refugee Day, join neighbors, friends, and community members across the Portland metro area for a casual early evening walk in honor of refugees and displaced people around the world. With everything going on, we know how full life can feel—and how needed simple moments of connection are.

No big program, no speeches. Just a welcoming space to move together, reflect, and reconnect with what matters.

🎒 Grab a World Refugee Day care bag when you arrive (while supplies last)

👕 Wear whatever’s comfortable—WRD T-shirts from past years are always welcome

🌳 After the walk, stay and relax under the trees by the waterfront

Why We Walk:

World Refugee Day is a time to remember and honor people around the world who have been forced to leave home. Here in Portland, we mark the day by simply showing up and walking together—with open hearts and no agenda—toward a future that includes everyone.

This walk began a few years ago thanks to a dedicated local community member. It continues today as a shared tradition for all who call the Portland metro area home. If you see us—come walk with us.

🧡 With deep appreciation to CareOregon for continuing to sponsor this event and walk beside us year after year.

Help spread the word. Download the flyer below.

Our Community Wellness Director, Ala Alabed, is going to represent PRSG on a panel during 

World Refugee Day - Community As A Superpower

This event will be held virtually via Zoom and in person at ODHS building on NE Glisan Street

Here is the registration link: 

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/1BNDIyZTS0qLHqqeC3doqQ#/registration