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4 <br /> BIENVENIDOS/WELCOMING INITIATIVE <br /> Page Two <br /> Alamance County warning of illegal aliens conveyed negative stereotypes and false <br /> information about the Latino community. <br /> The goals of the Bienvenidos/Welcoming Initiative are to facilitate dialogue that can <br /> address concerns and fears and promote better understanding among Orange County's <br /> long-term residents and its newest members of different racial and ethnic groups, <br /> particularly Latinos, and to take a stand with a community that feels especially targeted by <br /> anti-immigrant sentiment. <br /> The Commission will devote one of its new Community Firesides open dialogue series <br /> to the topic, "What are the issues involved in welcoming a new population into our <br /> community?" It will also provide a packet of information to area churches and community <br /> groups about the campaign and offer to facilitate dialogue on this issue. A free yellow <br /> and orange bumpersticker, `Bienvenidos/Welcome to Orange County" will be available <br /> at La Fiesta del Pueblo and from the Human Relations Commission office in Hillsborough. <br /> Quinton Baker, Chair of the Human Relations Commission, expressed his hopes for the <br /> welcoming initiative, "Our hope is that the`Bienvenidos/Welcome to Orange County" <br /> initiative will help to focus Orange County citizens and residents on the real issues and <br /> concerns surrounding the influx of new populations into our communities. These real <br /> issues are about reaffirming our historically inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that <br /> promotes and allows for the incorporation of new peoples into the life and fabric of our <br /> community in a just and equitable manner. It is to say to our new friends and neighbors- <br /> `Welcome. Join us. And how may we help you adjust to your new community?"' <br /> - more - <br />