Welcoming Together: Local Organizations, Global Impact

Global stories don’t stay far away — they become part of life right here in West Michigan. Dilli Gautam and Laura Hofman of the Office of Global Michigan and Meg Derrer of the Refugee Education Center will share their journeys that led them to supporting immigrants in West Michigan. Learn how global challenges translate into local action and how communities come together to create a culture of welcome.

Program begins at 6:30 PM. Join us for a reception beginning at 5:30 PM, in which we will have booths and tables with local area organizations sharing information on how they are supporting our immigrant and refugee neighbors.

From New Americans to Neighbors

West Michigan has long taken pride in being a welcoming place for immigrants and new Americans. What does immigration in that welcoming West Michigan look like today? Join the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan for their annual community speaker series for a discussion designed to foster learning and dialogue around immigration and refugee experiences and to help us educate our community on the importance and value of immigration in the larger world as well as in West Michigan.