What Happens When 20 Local Orgs Team Up to Improve Justice and Equity in Their Region? Find Out Tomorrow

GRAND RAPIDS—Together West Michigan, a non-partisan coalition of 20 organizations seeking substantive change in justice and equity, will present their research and plans to a group of more than 500 community members, more than 50 institution leaders, and at least 22 public officials on Thursday, June 30.

Following a three-month listening campaign that included interviewing 1,350 people in the region, Together West Michigan has compiled its priority list of issues that the group will work on moving forward.

The organization, led by everyday citizens who directly experience the problems they seek to improve, will invite the public to join their movement for justice and equity during the meeting, and will ask public officials in attendance to make a pledge of active partnership. The public is invited to attend all parts of this event.

HOW TO ATTEND: The event includes a walk and a presentation. The public is invited to join in at any point throughout the evening.

The walk begins at 6 p.m. Many walkers will wear organization t-shirts and carry signs from the 20+ institutions they represent. There are two starting points for the walk, and multiple places to join along the route. Both groups will finish at Westminster Presbyterian Church (47 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids).

The first starting point is St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (134 Division Ave. N., Grand Rapids). This group will pass by Fountain Street Church (24 Fountain St. NE) and Park Church (10 E. Park Place NE).

The second starting point, also at 6 p.m., is St. Andrew’s Cathedral (215 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids).

The main event will run from 7-8:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Those in attendance will include U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, State Reps Tommy Brann, Carol Glanville, and Rachel Hood, four Kent County Commissioners, four Grand Rapids City Commissioners, business and religious leaders and more.