Those interested in attending the 2022 Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit can now register for the 8th annual event. The Neighborhood Summit returns Saturday, May 21 to Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) downtown Pew Campus, 401 Fulton Street W, Grand Rapids.
This transformational day-long learning experience is centered around Summit’s core values of resident voice and racial equity and its 2022 theme: Building Equitable and Healthy Communities. The Neighborhood Summit brings Grand Rapids residents and stakeholders together to learn, strategize and connect. The bonds created at the Summit strengthen neighborhoods and belonging in community and help make Grand Rapids a more equitable place for all to live, work and play.
Registration is free with two attendance options – in-person and virtual. In-person attendance is limited as a COVID-19 precaution. Virtual attendance is unlimited.
To register for in-person attendance, CLICK HERE. In support of GVSU’s policy to keep community, students, faculty and staff safe - It is required that all in-person attendees are vaccinated against COVID-19 (or will be by May 21), and ready to show proof of vaccinations upon arrival. In person attendees will also be asked to wear a mask over nose and mouth while indoors at Summit. The in-person experience begins at 8 a.m. with check-In and a continental breakfast. The Summit begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Those who attend stay for fellowship at a Community Celebration from 4 to 5:30 p.m. featuring music, appetizers and refreshments.
To register for virtual attendance, CLICK HERE. Virtual attendees will have access to the opening and closing sessions, keynote speaker and workshops with a chat function to ask questions and offer comments. The Summit begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m.
Summit features an opening keynote presentation; several workshop options; lunch and lunchtime activities such as a fun photo booth, Zumba, yoga and several thoughtfully curated community resource tables; recognition of Grand Rapids residents for their leadership with Neighborhood Match Fund projects; Anishinaabe opening and closing drum presentation; and a Community Celebration to end the day with everyone who makes Summit special – attendees, volunteers, and sponsors. Dependents, age five to 12, of Grand Rapids residents attending Summit are invited to attend Kids Summit at the same time and place. This specially curated day-long interactive learning opportunity is provided free of charge.
“An equitable community is a healthy community where all people can thrive,” Stacy Stout, director of equity and engagement. “Racism, in all its forms, is a threat to the health of all of us. Our theme this year is based on the social and political determinates of health and was inspired in part by the recent resolutions declaring racism as a public health crisis in Grand Rapids and Michigan, and by our community’s desire to undo racism and heal the harm it causes. It’s a call to educate ourselves and act within our spheres of influence to advance policies, practices and efforts that foster equity, justice and belonging in our neighborhoods, social and family circles, organizations and city.”
In addition to the “traditional” May 21 Summit, a Summit Marketplace Park Party is also scheduled for Saturday, July 16 at Garfield Park, 250 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids. The event will feature several community resource tables, Summit Marketplace featuring Black, Indigenous and People of Color owned businesses, entertainment, children activities, and opportunities to learn about and engage with many City and community initiatives.
Summit officials are still looking for volunteers to help at the event. To volunteer, or for additional information on the Neighborhood Summit, including parking and transportation options, CLICK HERE.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up