Past Human Rights Events
GR Response to ICE
November 2025
Jeff Smith from Grand Rapids Response to ICE visited GVSU to talk with students about the work GR Response to ICE does to defend immigrants in Grand Rapids. GR Response to ICE assists undocumented immigrants by providing sanctuary from arrest whenever possible, connecting detained immigrants with legal resources, and fundraising to provide financial support for the family members of detained immigrants.
Volunteering at Feeding America West Michigan
November 2025
Students and staff from the Human Rights program traveled to Kentwood to volunteer at Feeding America West Michigan. Volunteers assisted with preparing food packages for those in need. Feeding America is a food bank that works to get food directly into the hands of community members in need. They serve 23 million meals worth of food annually to 800 community partners across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Stay tuned for future volunteering events with Feeding America!
Combatting Human Trafficking in West Michigan
October 2025
Molly Spaak, the Deputy Director of Migrant Legal Aid, visited GVSU to discuss Migrant Legal Aid's recent victory in federal court against human trafficking in West Michigan. Several migrant farm workers experienced exploitation at the hands of their employer via low/unpaid wages, harsh working and living conditions, 100+ hour work weeks, and threats of retaliation for coming forward about abuse. Mrs. Spaak discussed how the case came to Migrant Legal Aid, the fight in court, and the judgement in favor of the migrant workers.
Global Gathering West Michigan
September 2025
This vibrant annual festival celebrates the cultures, cuisines, and stories that make our West Michigan community strong. Attendees had the opportunity to experience cultural performances, hands-on workshops, global cuisine, and volunteer to make the event a success.
Volunteering at events such as this is important for many reasons, including:
- It shows what you value – in this case, caring for your community and others.
- Improve your Intercultural Competency – meet new people from the many diasporas from the Grand Rapids area.
- Events of this nature are a great way to build your resume. Volunteering shows initiative, commitment, civic responsibility, and community engagement. Employers often like to see volunteer activities on your resume.
- Networking Opportunities – there were many organizations from the Grand Rapids Area. Meet professionals who work in the field. These can be future internship and employment opportunities.
- Meet fellow GVSU students at events.
- Helping others gives you a sense of purpose and belonging and builds your confidence levels.
Prison Based Higher Education Rights
May 2025
A prisoner from the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility discussed with GVSU students via Zoom his journey in higher education while incarcerated. Attendees learned about the impact that receiving an education while imprisoned can have on prisoners chances for future success once they are released.
Bethany Services Refugee Resettlement
November 2024
Bethany Services presented to GVSU students about the work that they do to assist refugees as they resettle in Michigan and the U.S. The Bethany Services location in Grand Rapids provides a variety of services to refugees in need, including employment assistance, short-term foster care, transitional living services, and pregnancy counseling. Their work is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Partners Relief and Development
October 2024
Partners Relief and Development is a non-profit organization that provides emergency relief to children in active combat zones in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Their presentation focused on the work that they do to assist civilians in combat zones, such as providing food packages, rebuilding schools and shelters, providing medical care, and providing career training. Their work is supported by a network of volunteers, specialists, and fundraising programs.
Day of Dignity
October 2024
In October 2024, a group of GVSU students, led by our Human Rights program coordinator Brian Johnson, traveled to Chicago to volunteer at the second annual Day of Dignity. The event, organized by the Chicago Refugee Coalition, is designed to provide essential resources, support, and a sense of community to those in need, particularly refugees and new arrivals.
One of our students was interviewed in this WGN segment! To learn more about this important organization, visit www.chicagorefugee.org/
To learn more about the Human Rights Minor, offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, visit www.gvsu.edu/humanrights/