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Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans, Immigrants, and Refugees in West Michigan.
WELCOME PLAN UPDATES
 Click on Image for Volunteer Flyer
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year's Global Gathering a huge success! There are a variety of time slots and roles available, so you can choose a schedule and task that best fits your interests and availability.
Help us reach more volunteers by sharing this opportunity with your friends, family, and social networks.
Your participation is crucial to making the Global Gathering a smooth and enjoyable event for everyone. Thank you for considering volunteering with us—we can't wait to work with you!
Discover ways to participate at the Global Gathering as a vendor here!
If you or your organization share our passion in creating a space that welcomes everyone and would like to join us in making this event even more extraordinary, be sure to check out our Sponsorship Packet and Sponsor Form.
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 The WMWPC is asking you to nominate local leaders that help our Refugee/ New American/ Immigrant population to be featured in a monthly special recognition in our communications and online platforms. This highlight would be a great way to spotlight their work in our community and inspire others to do the same!
Please fill out this form to enter your nominee's information
 Michigan Immigrant Youth Conference Sponsorship Packet
We ask collaborative members share the attached sponsorship information to potential sponsors for this event!
Click on image for sponsorship information
Community Engagement
 Laup Fiesta
One of the longest-running events in West Michigan, the Latin American United for Progress (LAUP) Fiesta now draws over 20,000 attendees each year. A community favorite, our annual Fiesta is fun for the whole family! With live music and performances, delicious food, dancing, and more, this gathering truly celebrates Latino culture in Holland. For more information, visit the event page here.
Unlocking Opportunity: Accessing International Talent
Jul 23, 2024 8:00 AM
Grand Rapids Chamber
250 Monroe Ave NW #150 Grand Rapids, MI
Join the Grand Rapids Chamber to explore the untapped potential of our international student talent from local institutions like Grand Valley State University, Calvin University, Hope College, Aquinas, Ferris State University, Western Michigan University, and more! Discover firsthand how small and mid-sized local businesses in Grand Rapids have successfully integrated global perspectives into their workforce, boosting innovation and ROI.
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Wine, Food, and Fun with a Purpose
Thursday, July 25 · 4 - 8pm EDT
Tanglewood Winery, 15811 Riley Street Holland, MI 49424
$40 fee
Empowering Youth Global Connection (EYGC) is inviting you to spend a night out with us at Tanglewood Winery! $40 gets you a Drink ticket from Tanglewood, a meal ticket from Wok Me Up Food Truck AND a game ticket for Global Trivia!!
All sales help support EYGC in their efforts to empower the youth of the world! Enjoy this night out with friends and family. Music by Unwind (Matthew and Megan Abbott). Follow the link below and reserve your ticket today!!
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Whistlestops for Ukraine
Wednesday July 31st
250 Monroe Ave Grand Rapids Chamber, MI 49503
The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) with support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation invite you to a discussion about Why a Free and Sovereign Ukraine Matters to America
A Luncheon with Members of the Grand Rapids Chamber
featuring special guests
Heather Conley, President, German Marshall Fund
Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S.
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Hispanic Festival
August 2nd - 4th, Friday through Sunday
Calder Plaza - 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hispanic Festival 2024 is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan's premier annual celebration of our community's rich heritage
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National Night Out. That's why National Night Out is going to the Dogs!
Tuesday August 6th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Lincoln Park,1120 Bridge NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
We want to ensure all our furry friends keep up with the best health and safety tips. So, we are asking vendors to join us and bring a "gift to pass out" to our neighborhood walkers and pet owners (cats, birds, bunnies, etc). We ask that no merchandise be sold at this event, but we are happy for you to promote your services.
Please bring your table, chairs, and tent and donate $25 to John Ball Area Neighbors to help fund future events at Lincoln Park. You can mail the check to 1120 Bridge NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (mailing) or drop it off at 321 Marion Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI.
Please feel free to bring your furry friends too!
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A Glimpse of Africa's Annual Cultural Festival
Friday thru Saturday / August 9th, 10th and 11th
Calder Plaza, 300 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Last year's festival had approximately over 10,000 attendees with an array of free entertainment, fashion shows, art, and food from various African cultures! As this festival continues to grow every year, organizers expect a high number of attendees, and hope that together, we can make it a great, successful, safe event!
Registration deadline for vendors is Monday July 15th
Food Vendor Registration Merchandise Vendor Registration
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Family Fiesta
August 16, from 4:30-7:30 pm
Clemente Park, 546 Rumsey St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Roosevelt Park Advocates will be hosting the 11th annual “Family Fiesta”. Celebrate an amazing decade of Family Fiesta events as well as include many fun, free, and family-friendly activities. This exciting event brings together families from SW Grand Rapids and throughout the city to enjoy food, local vendors, live entertainment, and outdoor activities.
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Research Shows: Immigrants Make Societies More Successful
Webinar, Tuesday August 20th 7:00pm
University of Pennsylvania professor Zeke Hernandez will talk about his new book, The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers.
- He draws from nearly 20 years of research to answer all the big questions about immigration.
- Originally from Uruguay, Zeke has a personal view of immigration to share.
- He also shares his ideas for fixing our broken immigration system.
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Upcycle Bikes Pedals for Progress
$75 Ticket Fee
Wednesday, September 18th, 6pm-8:30pm
Embassy Suites 710 Monroe Ave.
Join Upcycle Bikes for our annual fundraising event to support greater access to community resources through the power of a bike. Together we'll provide community members with enhanced independence and opportunity as they ride refurbished bikes on the road to greater stability.
The Pedals for Progress program will highlight Upcycle Bikes' efforts and growth, individual and partner impact stories, and opportunities to support the large community need for an affordable mode of transportation.
To become a Pedals for Progress sponsor, please contact rick@upcyclebikes.org.
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2024 Health Equity Conference
Thursday, September 19, 2024 8:00am-3:00pm
The Health Equity Council, in collaboration with Grand Valley State University’s Master of Public Health Program, are pleased to invite you to the Health Equity Conference. At the heart of this event is a commitment to community engagement and collaboration as the foundation for creating a community in which everyone can thrive. Join us on September 19 as we work together to advance health equity in Kent County through education, collaboration, and actionable solutions!
Click on image for more event poster!
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Education Resources
Coding Bootcamp
$200 registration fee - financial assistance available on case by case basis
Friday, July 19th through Monday, August 19th
10:30 AM - 12 PM - 1:PM- 2:30 PM EST (includes 1 hour lunch break)
This month-long course is set to empower high school students and adults with the high-demand skills needed to obtain careers in web development and programming. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your skills, this boot camp is designed to provide you with a solid foundation and the confidence to build your own projects. The Sangwa's team instructors speak English, French, Kinyarwanda, intermediate Luganda and intermediate Spanish. More course information here.
Welcome Back Center Event
Thursday, July 25 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Michigan Health and Hospital Association's Advocacy Center office - 110 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200, Lansing, MI 48933.
the Michigan Global Talent Coalition invites you to the release of some promising research from the Michigan Health Council on the prospects of developing a Welcome Back Center (or centers) in Michigan to better prepare and connect foreign-trained, educated and experienced health care workers living in Michigan for health care careers, helping to fill critical talent gaps in health care and improving the quality of care for Michigan's growing immigrant communities.
This meeting is designed to be a working meeting for key stakeholders, including health care employers, economic development organizations, and State officials to hear about the Michigan Health Council's research; provide feedback about the viability of launching a Welcome Back Center (or centers); and to potentially develop a coalition of supporters who may be interested in assisting in this process.
Please RSVP to Shanea Condon at shanea@globaldetroitmi.org
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Narrative Bootcamp
Webinar - Friday, July 26, 2024 2-3:30 pm
This webinar will introduce narrative change and how it can help us achieve long term success in immigration advocacy! The Narrative Bootcamp series is the first set of offerings from TOA’s (The Opportunity Agenda) newly launched Immigrant Narrative Strategy Table which aims to create a 50 year vision for immigrant justice.
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Kent ISD English Classes
Classes begin August 26th.
Classes are offered - mornings, afternoons and evening and everything is NO COST!!
Sign up Here to be notified about registration times and dates.
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Funding Opportunity
Domestic Medical Exam Services
Proposal Submission: Proposals and subsequent attachments must be submitted via email to LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov by 12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT, July 19th, 2024
Estimated Average Award: $470,000 (one year); $1,410,000 (three years)
Award Ceiling: $750,000 (one year); $2,250,000 (three years)
Award Floor: $45,000 (one year); $135,000 (three years)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Offfice of Refugee Resetlment (ORR) recommend a Domestic Medical Exam (DME) for refugee and refugee-equivalent newcomers. Additionally, local refugee resettlement agencies are required to offer and support each of their clients in attending their DME. The Domestic Medical Exam should be completed no more than ninety (90) days after U.S. arrival, and ensures health issues are recognized, diagnosed, and treated, in addtion to providing immunizaitons, arranging follow-up appointments and referrals, and establishing medical homes in Michigan. Due to the nature of the DME, close collaboration, and partnerships with local refugee resettlement agencies, local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices, and Local Health Departments (LHDs) are essential. The purpose of this RFP is to invite health providers to provide a comprehensive DME for refugee and refugee-equivalent newcomers.
Click Here for RFP Submission Template
Refugee Social Service
Proposals and subsequent attachments must be submitted via email to LEO-RefugeeServices@michigan.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT, July 26th, 2024
Estimated Total Funding: $5,000,000
Estimated Average Award: $500,000
Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
Award Floor: $50,000
Refugee Social Services (RSS) funds this program and is intended to assist eligible populations with preparing, applying, obtaining, retaining, and upgrading employment in the American workforce to achieve self-sufficiency. The funding is also intended to assist eligible populations with successfully socially integrating into their new communities.
Note: Grantees who apply and are awarded for the employment preparation and placement component/option of this grant will serve as the Employment and Training Refugee Contractor for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) recipients in their region.
Click Here for RFP Submission Template
Remote Refugee Social Services
Proposals and subsequent attachments must be submitted via email to LEO-
RefugeeServices@michigan.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT, July 31st, 2024
Estimated Total Funding: $500,000
Estimated Average Award: $250,000
Award Ceiling: $500,000
Award Floor: $50,000
This program and is intended to assist eligible populations and
relevant community organizations remotely with preparing, applying, obtaining, retaining, and upgrading employment in the American workforce to achieve self-sufficiency. It is also intended to assist eligible populations and relevant community organizations remotely with successfully socially integrating into their new communities. Grantees will provide technical assistance for Employment and Training for Michigan Works! Agencies and may provide virtual services to meet requirements for the employment and self-sufficiency activities. Some services and technical assistance associated with this grant may be provided virtually, but some travel may be necessary to develop relationships, identify available resources, conduct community needs assessments, and develop partnerships in new or rural areas of the state.
Click Here for RFP Submission Template
Midwest Culture Bearers Award
Applications close at 11:59 pm CST on Monday, July 29
Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the Midwest Culture Bearers Award, a $5,000 award that celebrates and supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.
Culture bearers keep their cultural traditions alive through craft, storytelling, dance, performance, visual arts, foodways, language preservation, and more. They are deeply connected to their communities and share their knowledge with new generations. Applicants must:
- Live in the Arts Midwest region. This includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography.
- Have been practicing arts and culture rooted in their heritage and ancestry for over 10 years and share their practice with their community
The first awards will be made in September 2024. Click here to learn more about the opportunity and how to apply.
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2025 Our Town Grants
The application deadline is Thursday, August 1
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce more than $110 million in recommended grants in all 50 states and U.S. jurisdictions. These grants fall under three NEA funding categories, including the Our Town grant program. Through project-based funding for cross-sector partnership work, the Our Town program supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities.
For FY2025, the NEA is continuing to encourage projects that work at the intersection of arts and transportation/infrastructure, health, and/or climate.
Click here to learn more about the grant opportunity.
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Statewide Michigan Migrant Farmworker Enumeration Study
Proposal Submission: Proposals and subsequent attachments must be submitted via email to LEO-GLOBALMICHIGAN@michigan.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT, August 2, 2024
Estimated Total Funding: $800,000
Global Michigan is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to conduct the
Michigan Statewide Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Enumeration Profile Study.
• Objective: The primary objective of this study is to holistically capture the evolving landscape
of MSFWs in Michigan. The study aims to examine demographic and social characteristics of
MSFWs and their households; identify the locations and migration patterns of MSFWs across the
state; and assess the emergent needs of this population to inform state policy.
Click Here for RFP Submission Template
Refugee School Impact (RSI), Childcare and Early Education
Proposals and subsequent attachments must be submitted via email to LEO-
RefugeeServices@michigan.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT, August 7th.
Estimated Total Funding: $1,000,000
Estimated Average Award: $300,000
Award Ceiling: $500,000
Award Floor: $100,000
The RSI’s program goals are to facilitate education access, promote academic performance, and increase school district capacity to support ORR-eligible students and families. The RSI program services ORR-eligible children from birth to the age of 18. Currently, there is a demonstrated need for greater services that support children between birth and age 5 (or the age they start school) and their parents.
Click Here for RFP Submission Template
Job Opportunities
Community Engagement Manager
Under the general direction of the Programming & Outreach Manager, creates opportunities to bring the library to the community through innovative approaches. The Community Engagement Manager coordinates efforts of those they supervise, develops strategic partnerships, provides outreach guidance, and facilitates relevant staff training.
Program Leader
The role of the Program Leader, in cooperation with the EYGC Director and entire Empowering Youth Global Connection (EYGC) Team is to further the EYGC mission by:
- Providing leadership to the New American Community through holistic engagement,resource and opportunity connections, and deep relationship that leads to theachievement of specific goals communicated by the program participants
- Growing in leadership through professional development in order to activate
sustainable community impact
- Increase sense of belonging and connectedness to their new community through the
fostering of new
Click on image for more detailed information
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Director of Equity
Muskegon Community College is seeking a dynamic and passionate Director of Equity to join our team. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within our community.
Please Contact Ken at kenneth.james@muskegoncc.edu with any questions or requests for additional information.
Apply Here!
Come Work with Welcoming America!
Welcoming America is seeking summer and fall interns to support our Development, Communications, and Events/Network teams. If you know of a college student looking for an internship, who is passionate about supporting belonging and welcoming initiatives, please share these opportunities with them. View all our job openings here.
Michigan United Action
Now Hiring for the Following positions:
- Relational Organizer
- Relational Organizer Program Manager
- Electoral Data Manager
- Canvassing Fellowship Deputy Director
- Canvassing Fellowship Manager
- Canvassing Fellow
With multiple positions available all across Michigan, you can join our diverse and inclusive team.
Be part of a movement that changes lives while using your skills and dedication to make a real impact in 2024.
If you're ready to take the next step, visit bit.ly/MichiganUnitedJobs to explore our openings and apply today!
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Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities: Cook Arts Center Studio Manager - full-time, $20-$22.40/hr. View the full job description here.
Family Futures: Community Development and Events Coordinator - full-time, $50,000-$58,000/yr. View the full job description here.
Family Futures: Volunteer Coordinator - full-time, $45,000-$52,000/yr. View the full job description here.
Community Food Club: Floor and Stocking Associate - full-time, $18.50/hr. View the full job description here.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Early Learning Workforce Development Senior Director - full-time, $57,3000-$71,600/yr. View the full job description here.
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 Looking for a rewarding career? Consider Kent County!
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and contribute to your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, please visit accesskent.com/jobs.
Want to Join the Collaborative?
 Completion of this interest form will connect you with our coordinator to learn more about the Welcome Plan Collaborative and get connected to a workgoup.
 Please share communications with Marcial Benavidez (marcial.benavidez@kentcountymi.gov) any communications that you would like to include on Tuesdays by 9am to be shared on the Weekly Wednesday Communication.
Quick Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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