EVENTS
Common Good Conversations LIVE!
A few years ago brothers-in-law Nick and Shawn started doing the unthinkable at family gatherings – talking about politics and faith at the dinner table. While at times tense and cautious those conversations were filled with curiosity, nuance, grace, and humor. Wanting to lean into that experience they decided to start a podcast. Common Good Conversations is a weekly opportunity for Nick and Shawn to talk about the politics and faith of West Michigan by being curious, nuanced, grace-filled, and humorous; perhaps they’ll learn something along the way.
- Special Guests, Christian Kleinjans and Mayor Mark Northrup
Chris Kleinjans is the Democratic candidate selected to run against Commissioner Lucy Ebel in the District 2 county commissioner recall election scheduled to take place on May 7, 2024. Chris is a US Navy veteran, has a 25-year history of working in the nonprofit sector, and is committed to good governance, transparency in government, and public health.
Mark Northrup is the Republican candidate running against incumbent Commissioner and Board Chair Joe Moss in the District 5 Republican Primary scheduled to take place on August 6, 2024. Mark is a US Coast Guard veteran, is the 3-term mayor of Hudsonville, and seeks to lead a professional county commission, avoid polarized politics, and focus on advancing the county economically.
- Alcoholic beverages and pizza available for purchase
Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies
Dr. Gushee a Christian Ethicist, Pastor, Univesity Educator, and Author delivers a public talk on his latest work Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies (Eerdmans 2023). A penetrating analysis of the phenomenon of authoritarian reactionary Christianity. Questions and discussion to follow with Muskegon Community College Professor Nicholas Budimir.
The Soul of Politics
Join us for an engaging panel discussion, The Soul of Politics, on March 10, 3pm at Port 393. The panel will feature Dr. Fred Johnson from Hope College, Sarah Leach from the Holland Sentinel, Christy Berghoef, Communication Consultant, and Rev. Dr. Jared Cramer, St. John's Episcopal Church. Stan Greene will be moderating.
The conversation will help us discover how we can move from the politics of fear to the politics of faith, and how our faith can help heal, rather than harm our nation.
Event co-sponsored by Vote Common Good West Michigan, Still Processing, Douglas UCC, the Holland UCC Justice Action Team, the Hope Church Justice and Reconciliation Ministry, First United Methodist Church, and St. John's Episcopal Church.
Confronting Christian Nationalism
Join Vote Common Good: West Michigan and the Ottawa Coalition of Unifying Christians for an informative discussion by renowned author, pastor and social activist Doug Pagitt about Confronting Christian Nationalism. Learn about this alarming trend that is infiltrating many aspects of our society—including Ottawa County — where Nick Brock will discuss Ottawa Impact’s local influence. Doug and Nick will help us understand what Christian Nationalism is and how we can respond when we are faced with it. This is an important and timely topic.
Purchase your tickets here for $10.
Ticket purchase supports the work of VCG:WM
What happened to my Republican party?
Join Republicans and former Republicans as they share the stories of their own political identity crisis and how they are engaging now in the world for The Common Good.
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VOTE COMMON GOOD : OTTAWA COUNTY
Join us in rallying for Common Good Candidates in Ottawa County. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to this inspiring, bipartisan event. We’ll hear from community members committed to The Common Good.
Voices of The Common Good
Get up close and personal with Vote Common Good: West Michigan’s Voices of Common Good. Local artists will perform and share the stories behind their art.
DETAILS >
Ottawa County Commissioner Candidate Forum
Candidates will field questions from our panel on the themes of The Common Good Commitments and Running with Integrity.
LAUP Fiesta
A community favorite, this annual Fiesta is full of fun for the whole family! With live music and performances, delicious food, dancing, and more, this gathering is a true celebration of Latinx culture.
Grandville 4th of July Celebration!
If you are looking for a fun-filled, family-friendly way to support the work of Vote Common Good: West Michigan, come join us in Grandville's 4th of July Parade!
JUNETEENTH
Join us for Juneteenth Freedom Festival—a time of learning and celebrating black culture and history and connecting with each other.
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Community Picnic
Eat. Engage. Enjoy
Come connect with the Common Good community
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May Love Overcome & Justice Roll Down
Join us May 25—marking the 2-year anniversary of the unjust killing of George Floyd.
A time for deep lament, reflection, and inspiration featuring community leaders, speakers, and musical guests,
GR Commissioner Meetings (May 10 and 17)
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Is not love in society named justice?
Nearly one month has passed since Patrick Lyoya was fatally shot in the back of the head by Christopher Schurr, a white, Grand Rapids police officer. Since that time a strong and bold collective of black leaders and activists have proactively been in pursuit of justice, transparency, and accountability on behalf of the Lyoya family. Conversely, white leaders and activists have displayed collective apathy and a laissez-faire approach.
It’s time to wake-up in the name of love and justice for Patrick Lyoya. Join us.
COMMON GOOD IMMIGRATION
Join us for this LIVE event The Park Theatre in Holland! The event will also be streamed.
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In the Fall of 2021, Vote Common Good rode bicycles along the entire 3,200-mile U.S./Mexico border and the U.S. coastline, and are now making of documentary of what they experienced and witnessed.
Come preview footage from the documentary, hear from speakers who live and work on the border, professionals who understand our immigration system, musicians who witnessed incredible stories of bravery and human struggle.
Our speakers will include Danny Strong, Shane Clairborne, Dora Rodriguez, Alma Ruth, Vanessa Ryerse, Dan Deitrich, Brandon Pfeiffer and Doug Pagitt.
Details at
www.VoteCommonGood.com
www.WeThePeopleRide.org