Local Community Resources
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan is a non-profit organization that aims to educate and engage the people and organizations of West Michigan on international topics. They host over 40 programs annually focusing on global issues, international relations, and foreign policy. The Council's mission is to help the community understand and thoughtfully engage with the world.
​
Some of their key programs include:
​
-
Great Decisions: An award-winning discussion series on global issues, which is utilized by local colleges and universities for credit courses.
-
CHINA Town Hall: A program focusing on U.S.-China relations.
-
WorldQuest™: A global knowledge competition.
-
Global Business Roundtable: Discussions aimed at local businesses involved in international trade.
-
The Vandenberg Prize: An award recognizing contributions to international affairs.
The Council's work is supported by a diverse membership base and regional companies, reflecting its non-partisan and educational focus. They provide a forum for discussing critical foreign policy issues and foster a globally aware community.
The Rotary Club of Lowell, Michigan, is dedicated to community service and local development, holding weekly meetings to plan various initiatives. One of their key events is the annual "Denim and Diamonds" auction, which raises funds for local causes. They also support educational programs by providing scholarships for high school students and engage in projects that address community needs, such as improving local infrastructure and aiding non-profit organizations
Aquinas College's International Studies department enhances global awareness and competence through a variety of programs. It supports international students and facilitates study abroad opportunities, including long-standing programs like Irish Studies. The department offers a degree in translation and interpretation and emphasizes language acquisition and cultural immersion. These initiatives help students build cultural sensitivity, language skills, and a global network, enhancing their academic and career prospects.
At Grand Valley State University (GVSU), the Global Studies and Social Impact (GSI) program stands out as a key global resource. This interdisciplinary program addresses pressing global issues such as international migration, food security, climate change, and human rights. The GSI program encourages students to think creatively and cross disciplinary and national boundaries, equipping them to be innovative and adaptable thinkers in both local and global contexts. Core courses within the program delve into global systems, the movement of people and ideas, cultural identities, and regional studies of various world cultures.
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) in Lowell, Michigan, offers a range of services aimed at supporting the local community. Their programs include a food pantry that provides healthy food options and supplemental nutrition to over 150 families each month, helping them stretch their budgets and maintain a healthy diet. FROM also runs a thrift shop called Treasures, where community members can shop for affordable items and donate goods. Additionally, FROM offers family support services, medical equipment loans, housing assistance, and transportation services.
International Learning Resources
Check out some of these great resources to bring global education into your classroom today!
Sustainable Development Goals
The UN's 17 SDGs were created as a guide for all countries and all people to help transform our world for the better by 2030. Find fast facts, partnerships, and ways to get involved.
GapMinder
A fact based site used to help fight misconceptions around the world relating to things like extreme poverty to global warming. Has several tools to use within the classroom including my favorite, Dollar Street, which shows how people around the world live on various income levels.
iEARN
​
A global network that connects students and educators in over 140 countries through collaborative online projects aimed at enhancing learning and addressing global issues. These projects are integrated into classroom curricula and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on topics such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. Participants engage in activities that foster global citizenship, intercultural understanding, and the development of various skills​
Global Nomads Group
An organization that fosters dialogue and understanding among youth worldwide through virtual exchange programs. They provide opportunities for students to engage with global issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity. Their "Student to World" programs use interactive activities, curated media resources, and peer stories to inspire young people to think globally and act locally.
Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms
A full-year professional development opportunity for pre-K-12 teachers that includes a 10 week intensive online course in global education, travel to a global education symposium in Washington, DC, and a two to three week international field experience. Participants also create a capstone project (like this website) to share their learnings with their community and the world.
Mission
To create a more just and sustainable world, one that fosters understanding and sees diversity as the asset that it is.
Vision
To merge the local with the global. To make bridges instead of walls.
