IGGR Events

Friday, December 19 at 4 to 5 pm. Bridge Brigade Takeover Protest. Fuller over I-196. Future dates/locations:

• Dec 26 - Fuller over I-196

• Jan 2 - Hall over US-131 – Hours change starting this week, 4 to 5 pm. (We have been asked to continue here to show our support for the surrounding community--Keep that in mind as you choose your protest signs.)

• Jan 9 - Fuller over I-196

Tuesday, January 13 at 7 pm. IGGR Webinar on the Current Economy. Dr. Paul Isely, noted economist and Assistant Dean of the Seidman College of Business at GVSU, will help us to understand the current economy and how it is affecting and will continue to affect our lives. Get equipped with key facts and other information you can use to discuss this critical issue with friends and family. More info and a link to register coming soon.

Upcoming IGGR Members & Friends meetings in 2026, all at 6:30 pm at Fountain Street Church:

• January 26: This meeting will kick off with a short performance by the Grand Rapids Girls’ Choral Academy. We will be presenting our full campaign for this election year so you can prepare to get involved to help us turn around key seats up and down the ballot.

• February 23: Dr. Kristin Oldenberg, the new Medical Director at the Kent County Health Department, will share information about current health services offered by the County. After overall high living costs, healthcare is the next hottest issue for Kent County residents. This presentation will prepare you with helpful information to support your discussions on this topic with friends and family. We will also have a Volunteer Fair at this meeting so you can sign up to support specific initiatives.

• March 23: “Opposing Tyranny with Nonviolent Civil Resistance.” Professor Gary Stark will talk about the various forms of non-violent resistance that individuals can take

Events from other organizations

Monday, December 15 at 12 pm. Tesla Takedown. 2919 29th St SE. Every Monday from 12 - 1 pm.

Monday, December 15 at 5:30 pm. Sparta Village Special Planning Commission Meeting. Sparta Village Complex, 276 W. Division Street. A special meeting to discuss a proposed data center in the village. Make your voice heard, speak out against this data center, and stand together with your neighbors in Sparta. More info about the proposal here.

Tuesday, December 16 at 11 am to 1 pm. Michiganders Against Data Centers Rally. Michigan State Capital, Lansing. This is being held on Tuesday because state legislators will be in session. And we want them to hear us loud and clear before the next Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) hearing! Our top message is simple and urgent: NO SECRET DEALS, No fast-tracked utility approvals, No NDAs, No redactions, and No backdoor negotiations with Big Tech. We’re also calling for: A statewide moratorium on data centers, An end to corporate handouts, Protection of Michigan’s land and water, Support for the rural communities being bullied or sued into silence. This is a nonpartisan, statewide movement. Left, right, and everything in between - we are united as Michiganders! Sponsored by Stop the Data Centers -- Livingston County and others.

Wednesday, December 17 at 12 pm. Protect Social Security Rally at the Social Security Office, 3045 Knapp St NE.

Thursday, December 18 at 6 to 9 AM. Inaugural WHATCHAMACALLIT Holiday Networking Gig at Mammoth Distilling, 710 Wealthy Street SE. A different kind of holiday open house—with a purpose. How is it different? Well, for starters, it’s in the morning, which means you can stop by on your way to the office. And, it is tied to a good cause: helping families and children in our neighborhoods who suffer from food insecurity by supporting SECOM Resource Center, a community food pantry that serves families in neighborhoods in Kent County. Come grab a coffee (or coffee cocktail), a breakfast bite, mingle and connect, and celebrate the holiday season with live music by the Girls Choral Academy and DJ Disorder, all while helping out our community. Registration is FREE, but donations will be collected (cash, Venmo, credit card) for SECOM, in addition to non-perishable food items and other necessities. Sponsored by Unfiltered. Food pantry director’s emotional speech inspires holiday party to fight hunger

Friday, December 19 at 4 - 5 pm. Rush Hour Resistance. Jupiter Ave Bridge, parking near the intersection of Konkle and Jupiter, just off West River. (Alternates weekly with Veteran’s Memorial Bridge (North Park)). Upcoming dates:

• December 26: Veteran’s Memorial Bridge

• January 2: Jupiter Ave Bridge

Saturday, December 20 at 12 pm. Support Our Veterans and VA Rally. Michigan Veterans Home, 2950 Monroe Ave NE, GR. Every other week. Sponsored by the Support Our Veterans and VA Facebook group. Upcoming dates:

• January 3

• January 17

Saturday, December 27 at 3 - 4 pm. AVELO/ICE Protest. Patterson at 44th St at the entrance to the Grand Rapids Airport. Parking across the street at Wendy’s. Every other week. Sponsored by Stop GEO Group in Baldwin and Coalition to Stop AVELO. Upcoming dates:

• January 10

• January 17