World Affairs Council of Western Michigan

Nuclear Risk in a Changing World with Page Stoutland
2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:15 (America/Detroit) | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum, 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
We welcome Page Stoutland, former consultant, NTI

The risk of nuclear weapon use is widely viewed as higher today than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing security alliances appear to be weakening, prompting additional states to consider developing their own nuclear capabilities. Weapons-usable nuclear materials remain in many countries, presenting proliferation and security risks. Emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence and increasingly digital command-and-control systems—are being integrated into nuclear systems, introducing new vulnerabilities including cyber threats and system manipulation. These converging pressures raise a critical question: are we approaching a “perfect storm” that increases the likelihood of catastrophic nuclear weapons use?

A reception for this event will take place from 5:15 – 6pm. Join us and meet other community members interested in the world.

Location and Parking
The program will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504).
Free parking is available.
Tickets
The event is free and open to the public and registration and/or tickets are not required to attend in person.
Video recordings of all programs will be posted on our YouTube channel, click here.

Our Supporters
More information on the Foreign Policy Association Special thanks to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Special thanks to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Special thanks to Recording sponsor Grand Rapids Community College Special thanks to Media sponsors, WGVU and Grand Rapids Community Media Center

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. This year’s Great Decisions series reflects our country’s long history in global affairs and the current events that shape our continued engagement with the world. To join in other America250 initiatives, visit: https://america250.org/

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF WESTERN MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
2026-06-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Varnum, 333 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49501, United States
Thursday, June 11, 2026
5:30 pm

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Members of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (the “Council”) will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Social time immediately precedes (5:00) and follows the meeting.
Varnum LLP
Bridgewater Place, 17th floor
333 Bridge Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49501
Park in the Bridgewater Place garage off Bridge Street NW.
Parking vouchers will be provided.
There is no cost to attend. RSVPS are requested for attendance.
RSVP to ek@worldmichigan.org

New Neighbors, Shared Stories: An Evening with Beth Nguyen
2026-10-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Kentwood Branch (Richard L. Root), Kent District Library, 4950 Breton Rd SE,, Kentwood, MI, 49508, United States
Celebrate stories of immigration and belonging with the author of Stealing Buddha’s Dinner, a memoir set in Grand Rapids. Beth (Bich Minh) Nguyen will share her experience growing up as a Vietnamese refugee in West Michigan and invite us to reflect on identity, family and finding home.

More on Beth Nguyen, author of Stealing Buddha’s Dinner and Owner of a Lonely Heart.

This program is the first in a series titled: 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.

With thanks to our sponsoring partner at Kent District Library

RSVPs and Tickets
This program is free and open to the public. If you wish to view a recording of the program, the program will be archived and available on our YouTube channel.

Parking
Free parking is available at the library.

From Global Displacement to Local Welcome: Making Sense of Migration Today
2026-10-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Kentwood Branch (Richard L. Root), Kent District Library, 4950 Breton Rd SE,, Kentwood, MI, 49508, United States
What does global migration have to do with our community? Drawing on decades of experience responding to humanitarian crises around the world, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, will explore how global forces such as conflict and climate change shape migration and how those realities connect to communities like ours.

More on Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International.

This program is the second in a series titled: 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.

With thanks to our sponsoring partner at Kent District Library

RSVPs and Tickets
This program is free and open to the public. If you wish to view a recording of the program, the program will be archived and available on our YouTube channel.

Parking
Free parking is available at the library.

Welcoming Together: Local Organizations, Global Impact
2026-10-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Kentwood Branch (Richard L. Root), Kent District Library, 4950 Breton Rd SE,, Kentwood, MI, 49508, United States
Global stories don’t stay far away — they become part of life right here in West Michigan. Members of the Office of Global Michigan, the Refugee Education Center and local leaders will share their own immigration journeys that led them to 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.

More on the Office of Global Michigan and the Refugee Education Center.

This program is the last in a series titled: 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.

With thanks to our sponsoring partner at Kent District Library

RSVPs and Tickets
This program is free and open to the public. If you wish to view a recording of the program, the program will be archived and available on our YouTube channel.

Parking
Free parking is available at the library.
