Institute for Global Education

IGE is a meeting place for community groups that share our concerns about human rights and education for multicultural and religious awareness. We promote peaceful conflict resolution through training, workshops with youth and adults, and ongoing community discussion.

Hope and Change in Cuba Today: a report back with Cheryl LaBash

Posted on May 30, 2017May 30, 2017

Hope and change in Cuba today: a report back with Cheryl LaBash

Come hear what Cuba is like first hand from Cheryl LaBash of Detroit and the IFCO/Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan. She visited Havana for International Workers Day on May 1 and then traveled far across the island to Guantanamo—the Cuban village to see for herself the effects of U.S. militarism.

Find out what the Cuban economy is like? What about life for women? Is there equality? How does socialism compare in Cuba to other countries?

Is the U.S. blockade finished? Is the U.S. bullying Cuba again under President Trump? Can we really travel to Cuba and spend money freely now, or does the U.S. government restrict it?

Promptly at 7pm we will show a short documentary “All Guantanamo Is Ours” about both the Cuban village of Guantanamo as well as the U.S. military base and torture prison. Followed by Cheryl LaBash sharing her experiences and insights, and answering questions. Then we will have discussion.

Institute for Global Education

1118 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Starts on time at 7pm, so come a little early

IGE tabling at Loving Day-Family Block Party, June 10

Posted on May 23, 2017

Join Institute for Global Education at the Saturday Block Party for Loving Day! Supporting loving relationships and opposing discrimination and oppression! Join IGE on Saturday, June 10 from 10am to 4pm at Park Church in Grand Rapids.

Concert with Catherine Bouwsma, May 27, 4pm

Posted on May 23, 2017

Catherine Bouwsma Concert

Casual type show with a renaissance instrument: Viola de Gamba

Singing and playing her own compositions and earlier music.

Donations eaccepted for the benefit of the Institute for Global Education: a 501(C)(3)

Saturday May 27^th, 4 PM

1118 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids

In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and what we can do about it

Posted on April 16, 2017

Love in action will change the lives of women who are survivors of addiction, prostitution, and human trafficking. Our Sisters and the Institute for Global Education invite you to hear author Nita Belles speak of a way out of exploitation. Ms Belles is the author of In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and What We Can Do to Stop It.

We’re changing location this time only — we’ll meet Monday, May 1 from 7-9 p.m. at Baker Book House, 2768 East Paris Ave SE, in the meeting area at the west end of the building. If anyone would like transportation, please inquire.

You have heard the stories and are aware of the scandal of modern slavery. Would you respond to a woman in severe and chronic distress? Find out about Our Sisters’ project to reach women who want to change their lives.

The U.S.-Cuba friendship caravan cancelled, stay tuned for mid-May event

Posted on April 11, 2017May 23, 2017

IGE cancelled this event because Gladys Abella suffered a mild heart attack and is now recovering. Moon Vazquez was going to take her place but a family member died and she is in mourning. Please stay tuned for a rescheduled event in mid-May when Cheryl LaBash returns from her trip to Cuba.

Inquiring minds want to know: What is education, health care, housing, and food like in Cuba? How is it different? What about jobs? Does everyone get the same pay? Is there equality for women, LGBTQ people, Afro-Cubans? What type of jobs and opportunities do women have in Cuba? Bernie Sanders praises Cuba, what is socialism like there? Is the U.S. blockade finished? Can we travel to Cuba under Trump?

Cancelled at the Institute for Global Education

1118 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI

IGE Talks presents: Building the movement against Trump’s attacks

Posted on February 20, 2017April 11, 2017

IGE Talks presents: Building the movement against Trump’s attacks

There is a rising movement opposing the racist, anti-woman, anti-Muslim, and anti-worker attacks of Trump and the Republicans. Can we turn it into a force that will actually make gains for women, oppressed nationalities, immigrants, and working people?

Monday, February 27 at 7:00pm at the Institute for Global Education

1118 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI

All are welcome to participate in this one hour plus discussion and to present their views to be aired on Grand Rapids cable television.

Please make a donation to keep the Institute for Global Education moving forward. We need it now more than ever. https://www.igegr.org/

Hosted by Tom Burke and Barbara Howard

Produced by Chuck Neller

Fred Van Liew on Restorative Justice

Posted on November 14, 2016

fred van liew photo Fred Van Liew will be speaking in Grand Rapids on restorative justice on November 16, 2016.

The first talk will take place at noon at the Kent County Courthouse and the second will take place at 7:00pm at the Dominican Center at Marywood.

Please see the flyers for more information:

Fred Van Liew – lawyer, mediator, consultant, community organizer, and writer:

“I write about ordinary people and their experiences with the justice system, with the professionals – the police, prosecutors, judges, those who run our jails, prisons and correctional programs, those who defend the accused and, most importantly, those most adversely effected by the system.” from The Justice Diary – An Inquiry into Justice in America by Fred Van Liew

IGE Altar-Dia de los Muertos at Grand Rapids Library

Posted on October 27, 2016

ige-altar

Photo of the IGE Altar at Día de los Muertos in honor of peacemakers at the Grand Rapids Public Library. It will be open during library hours thru Tues Nov 1.

Please donate to IGE in honor of the people who proceeded us in the peace and justice movements.

Support Our Rapid Bus Drivers!

Posted on October 20, 2016

We invite you to our next Talk at a slightly later time, at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Oct. 27 at IGE, 1118 Wealthy SE.

Hear from union bus driver Jay DeShane of ATU Local 836. Why is the Rapid Board (Interurban Transit Partnership) taking over a year to give the bus drivers a contract? Why is the Rapid trying to take away the workers’ pension and downgrade their health insurance? We will hear from union members, riders, and community leaders who are organizing to get a fair contract and social justice for workers in Grand Rapids and the surrounding towns.

Hosted by labor activist Tom Burke.