Welcoming Week 2025 – Belonging Begins With Us
During Welcoming Week, September 12–21, 2025, the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA joins Welcoming America, YMCAs, and organizations nationwide to celebrate all community members and their contributions to the fabric of our country.
Welcoming Week is a chance for neighbors to connect and celebrate what unites us. At the AMA YMCA, we believe that belonging begins with us—and that our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and collaborates for the common good. This week highlights how people of all backgrounds come together to build stronger connections, celebrating the values we share as neighbors, parents, and colleagues.
How can you get involved? Here are a few activities!
Join us at any AMA YMCA location September 12–21 for fun, free activities:
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September 12th – Kickoff Breakfast: Start Welcoming Week with us on Friday, September 12, 8:30–10:00am at Breakfast in Paris—a morning gathering with French pastries and coffee.
- All September “Bring a Friend for Free”: During Welcoming Week (and all September), bring a non-member to the Y for a free visit! Pick up an “I’m a Welcomer” sticker while you’re here.
- September 12th – 21st Bring a Friend for a Chance to Win: Snap a selfie with your guest, post it, and tag @amaymca for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Use hashtags #WelcomingWeek #YForAll. We will announce the winner on September 22nd.
- September 12th – 21st World Maps: Pin your country of origin at every branch.
- September 12th – 21st Flag Displays: Take a photo with our international flags and share on social with #WelcomingWeek #YForAll.
- September 15th – “I Am a Welcomer” Photo Day: Come in to take a photo, showing you are a “Welcomer”
- September 18th – Taste of the Y: On Thursday, September 18, enjoy an international culinary experience at three of our branches!
2025 North Branch Exclusive Activities
- Mon, Sept 15 – Coffee & Connection: Grab a cup of coffee and break the ice with fun, conversation-starter card games designed to spark laughter, stories, and new friendships.
- Tues, Sept 16 – India – Bollywood Beats: Sip chai and join a lively YMCA360 belly dance class (8 AM & 5:30 PM).
- Wed, Sept 17 – Mexico – Fiesta Fit: Taste Mexican pastries and join Hatha Yoga in Spanish (10:15 AM – Community Room).
- Thu, Sept 18 – Japan – Zen Day: Enjoy a calming YMCA360 beginner meditation class (8:30 AM & 5:45 PM).
- Fri, Sept 19 – Brazil – Carnival Celebration: Cool off with tropical fruit popsicles and dance in our high-energy Zumba Carnival party (10 AM).
2025 Welcoming Week Key Event
Taste of the Y – A Culinary Experience
Enjoy flavors from around the globe as we partner with local restaurants to provide international tastings.
Thursday, September 18, 12:00–1:30pm
North YMCA, Cooper Street YMCA, and Mansfield YMCA
Free to the community
Celebrating Welcoming Week in our YMCA Programs
Before & After School Care
All of our Before & After School program sites, housed in local schools throughout Arlington will be learning about different countries and recreating their flags with handprints!
Youth International Soccer Leagues
Played in over 200 countries and territories, Soccer or “Fútbol” is considered the world’s most popular sport. With the FIFA World Cup™ coming to Arlington, Texas in 2026, the AMA YMCA has changed its look to an International-Themed Soccer League. Kids will have the opportunity to play on national teams like Vietnam, Germany, and Brazil sporting exclusive World Cup-style uniforms. Additionally, families will learn about the countries their teams represent and its’ influence in our local community. Check out a soccer game near you or volunteer to coach! Learn more.
