Rotary of Atlanta West End member Leyla Compani, Chief Development Officer for Decatur based Welcoming America, shared her important work at a recent club meeting. Welcoming America promotes a movement to build inclusivity and acceptance of all citizens, strengthening the bonds of society and creating greater prosperity for all residents. As a non-partisan organization, Welcoming America supports the many diverse communities and partners who are leading efforts to make their communities more vibrant places for all. Leyla emphasized the importance of fulfilling the American ideal that all citizens and residents gain acceptance. She herself knows how important this is, as a native of Iran who has immigrated twice, to Canada and to the United States. She says being embraced enhances the ability to contribute and to contribute more. She also noted that strong communities in the 21st Century intentionally connect and actively include people of all backgrounds. Through these conditions local communities meet their highest civic and economic potential because they unleash the power of their greatest assets, their people, consistent with the American ideal. As communities look to harness the wealth and vibrancy that comes from diverse talents and a more global workforce, places that are more welcoming set themselves apart. To accomplish Welcoming America’s vision requires overcoming the backlash fueled by resentment among some who want to cling to power and exclude others not like them in color, religion, and/or culture. Welcoming America reduces barriers facing immigrants and builds bridges between newcomers and long-time residents. To be intentional requires government leadership. Several places in Atlanta are charging ahead to become Certified Welcoming Communities: Brookhaven, Clarkston, Norcross, East Point, and Stockbridge, among others. Leyla emphasized that in the 21st century the strongest communities and the ones with the brightest futures will be ones where all of their people embrace economic, civic and social life inclusion.