Bing Goei appointed Third Ward Commissioner

The Grand Rapids City Commission has chosen and appointed Bing Goei to fill the vacant Third Ward Commissioner position. The Welcome Plan acknowledges this as a joyous occasion as he takes on the role as the first Asian American appointed Commissioner in Grand Rapids. Commissioner Goei's leadership and steadfast support in advancing the ethnic communities of West Michigan make him an excellent choice!

Statewide Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Enumeration Profile Study

The Office of Global Michigan has released a request for information.  The intent is to better understand best practices for the implementation of the Michigan Statewide Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Enumeration Profile Study.

The information gathered may be used to assist the State in developing program strategy and possibly in developing the Request for Proposal to follow. 

Click on Image for more information!

Empowering Our Generation: Transforming the Congo and the African Continent

Friday and Saturday - May 3rd and 4th, 2024

More Details to Come

In collaboration with The Congolese Student Association at Western Michigan University, Les Clay is proud to announce our partnership in organizing a dynamic 2-day conference that will facilitate networking and conversation. 

Click on Image for Sponsorship Package Information

FREE MASKS!

Ama Without Borders is aiming to distribute around 1 million masks in the next month

Register here to recieve free masks!

Building Leaders Building Communities (BLBC)

Wednesday, March 20th - May 29, Dwelling Place Community Building & Engagement Department Offices

106 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

A group of change makers who come together for a 10-week, hands-on, dinner workshop series where you will connect with neighbors to strengthen and grow your community together.

• Exciting interactive experiences led by experts in their field.
• Hands-on discussions with guest speakers.
• Utilizing a national leadership curriculum designed to engage, energize, and activate communities.
• A place to learn and acquire the tools to solve problems with the intention of creating long lasting change.
• Connect with elected officials and local community leadership opportunities.
• Workshops offered in both English and Spanish.

ASIAN INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Friday, April 12th Goei Center 8:30am - 5:00pm

The registration fee is $100 

WMAAA is thrilled to host the Asian International Leadership Summit, which aims to empower brands with global influence through sponsorship. By aligning with our summit, sponsors have the unique opportunity to engage in unparalleled networking, thought leadership, and market expansion. Click on the image for Sponsorship Packet

A Glimpse of Africa 2024 Events Sponsorship

A message from AGOA

"Your kind donations, in-kind gifts, and partnership have been instrumental in the success of our programs and events.

As we gear up for 2024 community initiatives, we are honored to invite you to join us once again as a partner, sponsor, vendor, and supporter for one or more of the outlined events in the attached packet."

Click on the image for Sponsorship Packet

Leadership Grand Rapids

Class of 2025 applications are now open! Scholarships available!

The Grand Rapids Chamber believes we have it within ourselves to create a community of uncommon greatness. To foster the further development of community trustees, we offer the Leadership Grand Rapids program.

Each year, a class of leaders is accepted into the program to take part in an intensive community and professional leadership program founded on these principles:

• Community Connections
• Leadership Skills
• Diversity
• Systems Thinking

Apply for free this week to be a part of West Michigan's premier leadership program. 

The Grand Rapids Policy Conference 

Tuesday, April 16 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

 Local and regional thought leaders will share insight on Grand Rapids' resilience and ability to tackle the problems and challenges ahead to create a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.

Attend to hear about these key issues:

• Meet the top Grand Rapids mayoral candidates
• Election integrity and what to expect in 2024
• Area leaders will discuss the top issues impacting their community and the things that will define success in the years ahead

ECONOMIC INCLUSION SUMMIT

Volunteers needed to support refugee resettlement efforts in Michigan 

Global Michigan continues to call for volunteers to welcome and support refugees from around the world seeking freedom and safety through the CHNV program, Uniting for Ukraine and the Welcome Corps.  

For questions about private sponsorship or other ways to get involved, visit Global Michigan’s webpage for resources to support refugee resettlement or contact LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov. Connect with Michigan’s lead Private Sponsor Organization, Zaman International, at welcomecorps@zamaninternational.org for support with your Welcome Corps application.

To offer financial support, you can make a direct tax-deductible donation through our charity partner in this effort

Immigration Legal Assistance Services 

Due date – by 11:59pm, Friday, March 22^nd, 2024

The Office of Global Michigan is pleased to share a funding opportunity for Immigration Legal Assistance Services. Please see the attachment for additional details and a few key dates below.

Please submit any questions regarding this Request for Proposal (RFP) to LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov by 12pm Tuesday, March 12^th, 2024

This information is also posted on our website at Office of Global Michigan.

OUR LGTBQ FUND 2024 GRANT

April 22nd deadline

Up to $100,000 will be awarded for programming that addresses social determinants of health for LGBTQ+ communities in Kent, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties.  Our advisory committee welcomes applications from both 501c3 organizations and community groups with a fiscal sponsor and will be prioritizing projects led by and serving LGBTQ+ Youth and LGBTQ+ people of color. Detailed information about focus areas for these funds, eligibility criteria, and the application process are in our grant guidelines (attached and on our website).  You can apply now using Grant Central through the April 22nd deadline- a comprehensive timeline can be found at GRFoundation.org/LGBTQFund. 

If you are considering applying you can learn more about the current request for proposal (RFP) by joining us for an optional application information session, on Zoom, on Monday, March 25^th from 4:30-5:30 pm register here! 

Build Readiness for a New Minority-Owned Food and Agriculture Business Grant Program

Applications are due to MDARD by 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024

the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) from minority-owned food and agriculture businesses and supportive organizations looking to increase capacity initiatives. In this phase one RFP, businesses should be looking to increase capacity initiatives in business plan development, grant management training, partnership development, and financial investment planning. More Information Here

Ready by Five Funding

The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funds various types of programs that serve expecting parents and children through the age of five who live in Kent County. This funding is administered by First Steps Kent.

Agencies apply through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process that occurs annually.  If your organization would like to learn more about the requirements related to Ready by Five Millage funding and the process to apply for funds, we would like to hear from you! The next RFP will be released on Thursday April 18, 2024. Once the RFP is released, our team will only respond to questions submitted in writing and are required to post all responses online. 

For this reason, we recommend that you reach out to Heather Boswell at hboswell@firststepskent.org before Monday, April 1, 2024, to schedule a time. 

Learn more here!

Elevating Migrant Leadership: Building Inclusive Futures

Applications Close Monday, March 25

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund is thrilled to launch Elevating Migrant Leadership: Building Inclusive Futures. This new grantmaking opportunity aims to support organizations in the United States that are working to strengthen immigrant and refugee voices and leadership. At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to equip individuals who have lived experience with the civic leadership skills and connections needed to influence programs and policies that improve their communities.

The initial application process is open now until Monday, March 25 after which selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal. Successful proposals will focus on civic leadership and advocacy programs for immigrants and refugees from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Click here to learn more and how to apply.

Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP)

Empowering Latinos to participate in creating a better community for all through advocacy, celebration, and education. LAUP has the mission to encourage and welcome people from every nation, race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual identity, age, disability status or any other dimension of diversity to partner with us to achieve this goal. 

Services include:                                                                   

• Document Translation/Interpretation
• Form Assistance
• Language Services
• Mexican Mobile Consulate
• Referral Assistance
• Intake Forms

LAUP also has several youth and adult programs that empower the Hispanic Community in West Michigan. For more information Visit thier Website HERE For more information, visit LAUP's website HERE

Companionship Workshop

Saturday March 23, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Moran Park Church, 97 W 22nd St, Holland, MI 49423

Have you ever wondered how to sustainably support someone in distress without burning out? 

Participants will learn:

• The five practices of Companionship
• Skills to listen consciously and with openness
• How to maintain an awareness of limits and boundaries
• Ways to ease the isolation these difficulties often bring

Register Here!

Refugee Mental Health Series

Kent County Community Health Improvement Plan

Wednesdays / February 21st - March 20th

8:30am - 10:30am / 700 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids MI

Every month in Grand Rapids, people who are refugees are arriving after fleeing horrendous conditions in their homelands caused by war and civil unrest. Many arrive with mental health challenges, such as PTSD.

This 5 part educational series will provide useful information for both clinicians and non-clinicians who are working with refugees community members. 

for more information and to register click here

Great Decisions Programs

Free Event - Every Tuesday in February and March

Public Program: 6 pm - 7:15 pm

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program provides background information and policy options for the most critical issues facing America each year and serves as the starting place for dialogue and discussion within the community. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) each year selects eight topics. Our Council develops a discussion series featuring those topics with complementary material provided by the FPA. It is our longest-running and largest community program on global issues.

View the February Schedule Here!

Corrections Officer Jobs for Newcomers

Jackson County - 3855 Cooper Street
Jackson, MI 49201 $20 - $31.00/hour

•  8-week training and can also be paired with/mentored by others on staff from immigrant and refugee backgrounds 
• The facility offers three shifts for workers and employees would supervise offenders, help facilitate hospital visits, supervise food services, visits off-site etc.
• Potential employees need to be work-authorized (not necessarily citizens) and have sufficient proficiency in the reading, writing and speaking of English.
• By virtue of having support services located on the campus facility, employees are exposed to a diverse staff of doctors, medical professionals, etc. from around the world.
• Health and support services for employees that are available to assist with stress, acculturation support to the system, and more.

Apply Here