Norwich - A citywide, 24-hour Twitter campaign designed to encourage unity among immigrants and U.S. born neighbors will launch at 8 a.m. Tuesday with the theme, "Speak Kindly."

The social change initiative is part of “We Are Blended,” an outreach of the Chinese and American Cultural and Assistance Association in Uncasville.

The campaign coincides with National Welcoming Week this week, which highlights the contributions of immigrants to American communities.

Norwich students speak 35 different primary languages at home. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino have attracted several thousand foreign-born workers the region.

To participate in the Twitter campaign, you must have a Twitter account. Use #weareblended and tweet either general welcoming messages or specific messages to a specific audience. The tweets with this hashtag will be filtered to ensure the comments are appropriate and then will be presented in a digital display at a celebration at 6 p.m. Friday at Kelly Middle School.

The comments also will be printed on a specially designed display and presented to various locations in Norwich for a commemoration of the city's cultural diversity.

At the event, Carlos Castro, a self-made millionaire immigrant featured nationally in the Huffington Post and Washington Post, will deliver a keynote address.

A mini-documentary featuring students from Norwich Adult Education, Norwich Free Academy, Norwich Regional Technical High School, Norwich Public Schools, and Three Rivers Community College will be shown.

The event will feature musical and dance performances from various ethnic groups, red-carpet, celebrity-style photo display for attendees to take photos, and free prizes.

There is no cost to attend, but donations are encouraged. “We are Blended” decals are available for $10 to support the effort. Call (860) 861-4246 for information or to order a decal.