DEMOCRACY CAFÉ
Made possible thanks to:
This new, mobile civic experience is bringing free refreshments, conversation and learning opportunities to neighborhoods across Grand Rapids.
With financial support from America250MI, the Café is designed as a welcoming space to explore what civic engagement looks like today, and what we can learn from our history. 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.
Get InvolvedWith financial support from America250MI, the Café is designed as a welcoming space to explore what civic engagement looks like today, and what we can learn from our history. 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.
Grab A Snack.
Share Your Story.
Share Your Story.
AMERICA250MI HISTORY GRANT
America250MI’s investment in local history was crucial in delivering Democracy Café to the citizens and guests of Grand Rapids.
America250MI was established by Governor Whitmer in 2020 to encourage, advance and foster the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution's role in Michigan's history and the impact these, and other historic events had on the people of Michigan’s past, present and future.
A key strategic goal of the Committee is to support historical organizations that undertake initiatives to interpret, preserve and explore Michigan's rich and diverse history, foster collaboration and enhance accessibility to its impact on all communities.
Learn more about America250MI and its Five Guiding Themes for the semiquincentennial.
Learn MoreAmerica250MI was established by Governor Whitmer in 2020 to encourage, advance and foster the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution's role in Michigan's history and the impact these, and other historic events had on the people of Michigan’s past, present and future.
A key strategic goal of the Committee is to support historical organizations that undertake initiatives to interpret, preserve and explore Michigan's rich and diverse history, foster collaboration and enhance accessibility to its impact on all communities.
Learn more about America250MI and its Five Guiding Themes for the semiquincentennial.
Our Team
Gabriel Edoway - CU
Gabriel Edoway is an International Relations student at Calvin University, originally from Indonesia. He is passionate about community engagement, democracy, and public affairs, and has been involved in multicultural and community-focused initiatives both on and off campus. He aspires to contribute to Indonesia’s political landscape as a future political consultant.
Grayson Rodgers - GVSU
Grayson Rodgers is a student at Grand Valley State University, originally from Farwell, Michigan. He is studying Public and Nonprofit Administration with an emphasis in community health. Grayson is passionate about community engagement and development, and learning how local organizations make an impact.
Through the GR A250 internship, he is eager to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, and gain new skills. In the future, he hopes to pursue opportunities in public administration and policy advocacy.
Through the GR A250 internship, he is eager to gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, and gain new skills. In the future, he hopes to pursue opportunities in public administration and policy advocacy.
Franklin Specter - GVSU
Franklin Specter is a graduate from Grand Valley State University with a degree in sustainability studies and local administration. He studied environmental management in Australia at the University of the Sunshine Coast in early 2026, living and learning how vibrant and cooperative communities work with Nature.
Franklin aspires to be a state politician, growing into the space from a career focused on relationships, leadership, and understanding all different kinds of knowledge. His days off include playing volleyball, amateur game development, and reading/watching media with a compelling villain.
Franklin aspires to be a state politician, growing into the space from a career focused on relationships, leadership, and understanding all different kinds of knowledge. His days off include playing volleyball, amateur game development, and reading/watching media with a compelling villain.
Solomon Dukes - GVSU
Solomon Michael Dukes, Grand Valley State University Student and Democracy Cafe Intern.
Majoring In Public-Nonprofit Admin and Political Science. Skilled in Communication and problem-solving.
Grand Rapids native and member of Students Leaving a Mark.
Majoring In Public-Nonprofit Admin and Political Science. Skilled in Communication and problem-solving.
Grand Rapids native and member of Students Leaving a Mark.
DEMOCRACY CAFÉ PUBLIC EVENTS
Come experience the Democracy Cafe at any of the events listed below.
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