The internet and expanded access to technology have made our small communities part of a global landscape. Exploring the world is easy from the comfort of our living rooms.

However, your next cultural experience may be right outside your front door. Walk around your community, and a cultural experience may come to life.

That’s the case in rural communities across the nation. In Nebraska, an influx of immigrant families from various ethnic backgrounds has meant a change in population. That’s a positive sign for jobs and economic impact. But it also brings its own struggles and challenges.

In newly diverse communities, chief topics of conversation include language differences and a lack of services and resources. How can we confront the challenges when language, religion and ethnic backgrounds are so diverse?

In my small community, we looked for a common denominator. It began with the idea that “we all live in this community.” A conversation centered on working together for the well-being of everyone around us was a great place to start. With that premise, we began to explore how to strengthen our communities by learning about our differences.

Creating an inclusive community is a two-way street. The effort should come from both sides.

During National Welcoming Week, from Sept. 10 to 19, bring together your neighbors. Start a conversation with local leaders and get involved to create changes that ignite the process of welcoming everyone in your community.

When people have a sense of belonging in a community, this is a mark of a healthy rural community.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

Carlos Barcenas is a consultant with the Center for Rural Affairs. Founded in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening small businesses, family farms and ranches and rural communities through action-oriented programs that address social, economic and environmental issues.