Have you experienced Democracy Café yet?
Democracy Café brings people together to explore ideas, share perspectives and better understand the issues that shape our communities. Each conversation is designed to create space for thoughtful dialogue, respectful exchange and new ways of seeing the world around us.
Explore upcoming sessions or learn how to host a Democracy Café of your own at gra250.com/democracy-cafe
Democracy Café is made possible with funding by an America250MI History Grant.
Have you ever wondered how decisions actually get made and how your voice can make a difference? 🗣️
Civics Camp is an interactive experience designed for middle and high school students who want to better understand how government works, how ideas become action and how everyday people help shape their communities.
Through hands-on learning and real-world examples, students will gain practical knowledge they can carry into school, future careers and community life.
Learn more or sign up at devoslearningcenter.org.
Sometimes connection starts with simply showing up and lending a helping hand. 🤝
This week’s One Small Step: Attend a local event in your community.
From cultural festivals and neighborhood gatherings to volunteer opportunities and public conversations, local events offer a chance to experience the people and ideas that shape our community.
Try it this week and see what you discover! Explore events near you at gra250.com/events
What did the Founders mean by “the pursuit of happiness”?
A new online course from the National Constitution Center and Arizona State University explores how ideas like virtue, civic responsibility and human flourishing shaped the American founding — and how they still influence our lives today.
Learning about the past can help us better understand the responsibilities we share today. Explore the course and start learning at constitutioncenter.org.
Looks like @johnballzoogr has always been a popular gathering spot.
This historic photo shows crowds enjoying time together at one of Grand Rapids’ most beloved community spaces — a tradition that continues today with concerts, festivals, family outings and more.
Some things don’t change. When there’s something to experience together, Grand Rapids shows up!
Photo credit: historygrandrapids.org
Change doesn’t always start big. Sometimes, it starts with a simple hello.
Introducing One Small Step: a weekly series of small actions that help build stronger connections, deeper understanding and a more engaged community.
This week’s step: Introduce yourself to a neighbor you’ve never met.
Strong communities are built on everyday moments of connection. Try it this week and see what starts to grow!
Two Days. One City. One Community.
A Grand Rapids tradition since 2009, the Community Cleanup brings neighbors, businesses and organizations together each spring to care for the places we share. Nearly 1,000 volunteers participated last year. Help us make 2026 the largest cleanup yet!
Celebrate together at the Volunteer After Parties following each cleanup day. Sign up now: /wsccleanup
Celebrate the richness of Arab and Islamic culture through art, music, food and storytelling.
Join us on April 18 at @ Grand Rapids Public Museum for Tale of Two Worlds: Arab & Islamic Cultural Festival, inviting the Grand Rapids community to experience traditions, perspectives and creative expression that shape our shared cultural landscape.
Events like this remind us that understanding grows when we take time to experience one another’s stories.
View event details and plan your visit: /events/tale-of-two-worlds-arab-islamic-cultural-festival
Have you stopped by the Democracy Café yet? ☕🇺🇸
This new, mobile civic experience is bringing free refreshments, conversation and learning opportunities to neighborhoods across Grand Rapids.
This is designed as a welcoming space to explore what civic engagement looks like today, and what we can learn from our history. The Democracy Café invites people to make new connections and share meaningful conversations about the history and future of our city and country.
Explore upcoming events or book your own experience at gra250.com/democracy-cafe
Democracy Café is made possible with funding by an America250MI History Grant.
As Grand Rapids prepares to commemorate America’s 250th, GR A250 invites the community to reflect on the values that connect us and that shape the future we hope to build in the years ahead.
You can spot the OUR CITY. OUR FUTURE. building wrap on Van Andel Arena downtown! Next time you walk by, be sure to snap a pic, share it to your story and tag @ gra250 to be part of this moment in history. 📸
Learn more and explore ways to participate at the link in bio.
A big idea, now at city scale.
We designed the GR A250 building wrap on Van Andel Arena, celebrating 175 years of Grand Rapids and looking ahead to America’s 250th this July.
Proud to help bring this story to life from concept through production coordination.
Installation by: @fastsigns_gr
Before innovation reached cruising altitude, it lifted off in Grand Rapids. 🛫
Long before his name became synonymous with business jets, Bill Lear built and scaled much of his early success right here in Grand Rapids through Lear Service. From pioneering radio technology to advancing aircraft systems, Lear’s work helped push American innovation forward by proving that world-changing ideas didn’t just come from the coasts, but from communities like ours. 🙌
Grand Rapids wasn't a witness to innovation. It helped launch it.
#GRA250 #America250 #GrandRapidsFirsts #innovationinmotion
Image Credit: Grand Rapids Public Museum
