Blueprint for thriving diverse communities

 

The Immigrant Times Solidarity Prize Project honours towns, cities, and communities where people from diverse backgrounds live with mutual respect, trust, and a readiness to support each other.

 

When discussions about immigration occur, attention often centres on politics, borders, laws, and statistics.

 

However, the success of a community is rarely determined solely by national policies. It is shaped daily by ordinary people: neighbours greeting one another, children playing together, colleagues working side by side, volunteers assisting those in need, and residents showing interest in people whose experiences may differ from their own.

 

To illustrate how communities can thrive together, the Solidarity Prize Project has compiled examples of actions and initiatives that residents and newcomers can undertake to benefit the whole community. The following examples highlight some of the actions and initiatives the Solidarity Prize Project recommends.

 

These examples are not exhaustive, as communities demonstrate solidarity in countless ways. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please contact the Editor if you would like to propose additional examples of solidarity and cooperation.

 

 

Suggested acts of solidarity by residents

> Volunteering to teach the local language to newcomers.

> Helping newly arrived families navigate schools, healthcare systems and public services.

> Supporting refugees or migrants in securing employment, apprenticeships, or work experience.

> Organising community events that actively include newcomers rather than merely inviting them as guests.

 > Providing temporary accommodation or support during housing emergencies.

> Defending newcomers from discrimination, harassment or misinformation.

> Supporting migrant-owned businesses through local partnerships and mentoring.

> Creating sports clubs, youth groups, and cultural organisations that bring people from different backgrounds together.

> Helping newcomers understand local customs, laws and civic responsibilities.

 > Campaigning to preserve community services that benefit both long-term residents and newcomers.

> Donating time, money or resources during humanitarian emergencies affecting migrant communities.

> Encouraging newcomers to participate in local decision-making, neighbourhood associations and voluntary organisations.

 > Fostering personal friendships across cultural, ethnic, or religious boundaries.

 

 

Suggested acts of solidarity by newcomers

> Learning the local language and trying to communicate with neighbours.

> Participating in community activities, voluntary groups, and local events.

> Volunteering to help other newcomers settle in and navigate local systems.

 > Contributing professional skills, expertise, or business experience to the broader community.

> Supporting local charities, schools, sports clubs, and community projects.

> Respecting local laws, institutions, and democratic traditions.

> Sharing elements of their own culture in ways that enrich community life.

> Supporting older or vulnerable residents regardless of their background.

> Starting businesses that generate jobs and services for the broader community.

> Participating in neighbourhood improvement and environmental projects.

> Serving as cultural bridges between different groups within the community.

> Helping local authorities and organisations better understand the needs of diverse communities.

> Standing in solidarity with neighbours during local crises, natural disasters, or economic hardship.

 

 

Suggested shared acts of solidarity by residents and newcomers

> Residents and newcomers collaborating to organise festivals, markets, or cultural events.

> Mixed volunteer teams supporting local charities.

 > Community gardens and environmental initiatives.

 > Sports and social clubs with members from diverse backgrounds.

 > Joint responses to floods, fires, or other emergencies.

> Neighbourhood improvement initiatives.

> Interfaith initiatives.

 > Community centres run by people from various backgrounds.

> Local initiatives supporting vulnerable residents regardless of their background.

 

The examples above are meant as guidance rather than a definitive checklist. The Solidarity Prize Project acknowledges that every community is unique and that solidarity can take many different forms.

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We invite nominations of towns, cities and communities that demonstrate how residents and newcomers work together to create welcoming, resilient, and prosperous places to live.

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Please nominate a place where solidarity between people of all backgrounds matters

 

Please email us with the following information

• Your name or how you would like to be known. (We only publish your first name and the initial of your last name.)

• Your place of residence (city and country)

• Name of the town or city, including country, you wish to nominate for the Solidarity Prize.

• Please add the name of your nominated city to your email’s subject line.

• Please describe the reasons why you feel your nominated city should be shortlisted and considered for the Solidarity Prize. (Please provide specific examples rather than generalisations.)

 

Thank you for taking part in the Solidarity Prize Project.

Please email us if you require further information.

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On other pages: Introduction to the Solidarity Prize || Nominees from North America. || Nominees from Europe || First list of confirmed candidates for the Solidarity Prize ||

 

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