What does it mean to give a warm welcome? As I am entering into another school year, I am sitting in trainings on student engagement in a remote environment and reconnecting with old teammates and forging new teams I am thinking about this challenge. How can I make students and colleagues feel a warm welcome in a colder than usual cultural climate? Feeding off the energy in the room while staying 6 feet apart or communicating solely through screens are not as warm as they could be. Smiles are hidden by masks and we are all struggling to feel less isolated.    

Word origins for “welcome” stem from “willa” meaning pleasure, desire, and choice and “cuma” meaning guest. “Wilcuma” is an exclamation of kind greeting and the idea that a welcome is for one whose coming suits the wish or will of another warms my heart. How can we, in this time of new challenges related to social behaviors greet others in ways that they will feel their being there is bringing joy to the heart, soul or wish of another person. Welcome is a kind word, a kind feeling and an active decision to connect to others. How can we incorporate no-contact salutes to greet others and honor those that we wish to feel welcomed? What will be your socially distant symbol of greeting? 

The expression “warm welcome” dates back from the mid-1700s but the feeling is timeless.  Diverse cultures have varying ways to show a welcome environment for their guests. Greeting guests with floral arrangements, offering them the best view at the dinner table, serving tea or coffee, etc. Many cultural traditions center around welcoming guests into the home and while we may not be able to do so how we have traditionally, what are the parts of your past practices or those of other cultures you could incorporate into your hospitality?

For this week on social media I am challenging you to share your socially distant symbol of greeting. Upload your greeting to Instagram (@krstnmcleod) or TikTok (@KristinMcLeod618) or Facebook(kristin.mcleod.3)