This past weekend, Kent County’s Welcome Plan West Michigan hosted its annual Global Gathering festival downtown Grand Rapids. The festival, held Saturday at Garfield Park, welcomed student volunteers from Grand Valley State University.
The Global Gathering festival aims to celebrate diverse cultures by bringing together ethnic food vendors, performers, workshops, activities and sponsors. The event is part of Liberation Saturdays, which are events hosted to bring together people of different backgrounds who may not feel welcome or connected yet in the greater Grand Rapids area. Nationally, Welcome Plan is an organization that seeks to create an inviting environment for new immigrants and refugees.
The Global Gathering spotlighted many booths and activities that promoted and celebrated various cultures and experiences. Diversity was exhibited through dance performances, beauty and wellness services that offered hair braiding and products, and food from around the world.
One such booth offered both a taste and demonstration of another culture, as Kala Pokhrel taught event attendees how to cook the Nepali food she was selling.
“(Cooking) is everything,” Pokhrel said. “It’s my passion, so I see it as fulfilling my dreams. When I’m empty, or when I’m tired, this is something I do.”
This was Pokhrel’s first time being part of the event, but like many other vendors and performers, she was introduced to the opportunity through Treetops Collective, a nonprofit organization that connects immigrant and refugee women with the local community.
Brian Johnson, who serves as the Human Rights Program coordinator at GVSU, played an active part in gathering student volunteers for the event. While Global Gathering has been held for several years, this was the first year that human-rights students and faculty were asked to take part in volunteering.
“The most interesting part of participating in this event is the energy and enthusiasm that GVSU faculty, staff and students have shown,” Johnson said. “This ‘can do’ attitude and student dedication to their community is simply great.”
Senior Natalie Haveman was one of the students who responded to the volunteer request, and worked at the event to welcome other volunteers and assist with questions that people might have had.
“I am really passionate about creating a welcoming community for all people,” Haveman said. “For me personally, (volunteering) looks like learning to be a good neighbor to my physical neighbors and also being an active participant in any needs my community may have.”
Haveman said she had never worked an event like this before, but that she was really excited to be involved in it.
“I am always looking for opportunities to volunteer and engage with the refugee and immigrant community,” Haveman said. “I love this work and feel like I’ve found my purpose whenever I am helping bridge the gap between the ‘us versus them’ (mentality).”
Johnson added that volunteering is important for students to take part in, especially at an event that includes human rights and nonprofit organizations in the Grand Rapids area. He said providing this type of support can serve as both an educational and connecting experience.
“It truly shows the heart of our students and their commitment to be global citizens,” Johnson said. “The students and their level of commitment to others makes GVSU a great university to be part of.”
