BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//World Affairs Council of Western Michigan - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://worldmichigan.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for World Affairs Council of Western Michigan
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Detroit
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20280312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20281105T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261008T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261008T193000
DTSTAMP:20260810T152127
CREATED:20260727T183629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T183839Z
UID:10000093-1791484200-1791487800@worldmichigan.org
SUMMARY:New Neighbors\, Shared Stories: An Evening with Beth Nguyen
DESCRIPTION: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. \n  \nMore on Beth Nguyen\, author of Stealing Buddha’s Dinner and Owner of a Lonely Heart. \n  \nThis program is the first in a series titled:  From New Americans to Neighbors\n \n  \nWest 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. \n  \nWith thanks to our sponsoring partner at Kent District Library \n  \nRSVPs and Tickets \nThis 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. \n  \nParking \nFree parking is available at the library.
URL:https://worldmichigan.org/event/nguyen_kdl/
LOCATION:Kentwood Branch (Richard L. Root)\, Kent District Library\, 4950 Breton Rd SE\,\, Kentwood\, MI\, 49508\, United States
CATEGORIES:KDL
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://worldmichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0733.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261015T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261015T193000
DTSTAMP:20260810T152127
CREATED:20260727T184326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T184326Z
UID:10000094-1792089000-1792092600@worldmichigan.org
SUMMARY:From Global Displacement to Local Welcome: Making Sense of Migration Today
DESCRIPTION: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. \n  \nMore on Jeremy Konyndyk\, President of Refugees International. \n  \nThis program is the second in a series titled:  From New Americans to Neighbors\n \n  \nWest 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. \n  \nWith thanks to our sponsoring partner at Kent District Library \n  \nRSVPs and Tickets \nThis 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. \n  \nParking \nFree parking is available at the library.
URL:https://worldmichigan.org/event/konyndyk_kdl/
LOCATION:Kentwood Branch (Richard L. Root)\, Kent District Library\, 4950 Breton Rd SE\,\, Kentwood\, MI\, 49508\, United States
CATEGORIES:KDL
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://worldmichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Jeremy-Konyndyk.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261022T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261022T193000
DTSTAMP:20260810T152127
CREATED:20260727T185021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T185021Z
UID:10000095-1792693800-1792697400@worldmichigan.org
SUMMARY:Welcoming Together: Local Organizations\, Global Impact
DESCRIPTION: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. \nProgram 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. \n  \nMore on the Office of Global Michigan and the Refugee Education Center. \n  \nThis program is the last in a series titled:  From New Americans to Neighbors\n \n  \nWest 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. \n  \nWith thanks to our sponsoring partner at Kent District Library \n  \nRSVPs and Tickets \nThis 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. \n  \nParking \nFree parking is available at the library.
URL:https://worldmichigan.org/event/panel_kdl/
LOCATION:Kentwood Branch (Richard L. Root)\, Kent District Library\, 4950 Breton Rd SE\,\, Kentwood\, MI\, 49508\, United States
CATEGORIES:KDL
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://worldmichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Meg-Wheeler-Derrer-Headshot.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20270128T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20270128T150000
DTSTAMP:20260810T152127
CREATED:20260810T152356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T153349Z
UID:10000096-1801132200-1801148400@worldmichigan.org
SUMMARY:Academic WorldQuest™ - Global Trivia Competition for Local High School Students
DESCRIPTION:Test Your Global Knowledge. Represent West Michigan. Compete in Washington\, D.C. \nThe Academic WorldQuest (AWQ) program brings together high school students from across the country to explore international affairs\, current events\, global issues\, and more through a fun and challenging team competition. In partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)\, the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) hosts and funds the regional competition\, giving local students the opportunity to develop global awareness\, critical thinking skills\, and leadership experience while connecting with peers who share an interest in the world beyond our borders. \n  \nWhat Is Academic WorldQuest? \nAWQ is a nationwide competition of the World Affairs Councils of America that engages more than 3\,000 students annually. Teams of four students study a series of global topics and compete in local World Affairs Council competitions for the opportunity to advance to the national championship in Washington\, D.C. Winning teams will compete in D.C. April 12-13\, 2027. \nStudents who win locally earn the chance to represent West Michigan on the national stage and compete for national recognition among the country’s top  students. \n  \nWhy Participate? \nDevelop Real-World Knowledge \nAcademic WorldQuest encourages students to engage deeply with international issues that influence our communities\, careers\, and future. Topics complement many high school curricula\, including social studies\, international studies\, government\, history\, and AP courses. \n  \nBuild Leadership Skills \nParticipation gives students meaningful leadership opportunities that strengthen college applications\, résumés\, and future career readiness. \n  \nConnect with a Global Community \nStudents become part of a network of globally minded peers\, educators\, and community leaders through the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan and the national World Affairs Councils network. \n  \nRepresent West Michigan \nWinning teams advance to Washington\, D.C.\, where they compete nationally and have opportunities to visit embassies\, universities\, think tanks\, and other globally focused institutions. \n  \nThe Road to D.C. – Key Timelines/Dates \nSummer/ Fall – Contact the local Council expressing interest (registration below): \nTeachers\, students\, and schools begin forming teams and learning about Academic WorldQuest opportunities. Schools often recruit students involved in National Honor Society\, Model United Nations\, debate\, forensics\, and other academic organizations\, though all students are welcome. \n  \nFall/Winter – Build Your Team and Start Studying \nTeams of four students prepare using official AWQ study resources. Competition questions are based on materials distributed through the national program. Registered teams will receive study materials from the World Affairs Councils of America in September/October\, as well as logistical communications from the local Council sharing more information on the local competition leading up to it. \n  \nWinter/Spring – Compete Locally \nThe World Affairs Council of Western Michigan hosts the local AWQ competition\, bringing together students from schools across the region. The competition will be held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum\, in downtown Grand Rapids\, on Thursday\, January 28th\, 2027. And alternative date in case of inclement weather has been scheduled for Thursday\, February 4th. \n  \nApril 12-13 2027 – National Competition in Washington\, D.C. \nThe winning local team advances to Washington\, D.C. to compete against top teams from around the country and experience the nation’s capital through a global affairs lens. Costs to compete in D.C. (including travel and lodging) are covered by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan\, and the local Council will facilitate travel arrangements and offer logistical support. \n  \nRegister Your School or Team \nInterested in bringing Academic WorldQuest to your students? \nWhether you’re a teacher\, administrator\, student\, or parent\, we’d love to help you get involved. \nContact the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan to learn more about: \n\nTeam registration\nCompetition dates\nStudy resources\nSponsorship opportunities\nVolunteer opportunities\n\n  \nJoin the Academic WorldQuest family and help prepare West Michigan students to lead in a globally connected world. \n  \nWhy the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan? \nFor decades\, the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan has connected our community with global experts\, international perspectives\, and educational opportunities that help people better understand the world around them. Our mission is to empower people and organizations in West Michigan to engage thoughtfully in the world. Academic WorldQuest is one of the most impactful ways we engage the next generation of globally aware leaders. \n  \nWith gratitude to our national partners at the World Affairs Councils of America\, and our local partners at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum\, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. \n 
URL:https://worldmichigan.org/event/academic-worldquest-global-trivia-competition-for-local-high-school-students/
LOCATION:Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum\, 303 Pearl St. NW\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49504\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://worldmichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/awq27_logo_FINAL-1024x423-1.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR