Events and Programs

The Institute for Healing Racism exists to eliminate individual and institutional racism and to promote oneness of humankind. The Institute program began at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce in 1997.

Currently more than 2,000 people have completed a Chamber Institute for Healing Racism program. This program is ideal for anyone with an interest in healing racism, inequality and building an inclusive community.

Program Goals:

• To explain how racism came into being in the United States.
• To gain an understanding of the pathology of the disease of racism and what constitutes the wounds caused by it.
• To provide a place where those who have experienced racism and those who have perpetuated it may come together to help each other arrive at new understanding and heal the pain experienced by both.
• To promote action to eliminate institutional and individual racist behaviors and practices within business and community.

We offer one program:

• FACING RACISM, an intensive two-day experience

Register Today! Click here for registration form.

Hear what past participants said about the program, click video below:

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Institute for Healing Racism is a two day program that seeks to combat and heal the wounds of racism. IHR dissects the complex disease of racism by examining U.S. history, race, institutional power, self-awareness, privilege, and anti-racism.

The Institute for Healing Racism has great value to the business community and our citizens. Sponsorship support helps the Chamber continue to support Grand Rapids as a magnetic community that attracts and retains talent.

We encourage persons of all skin colors and ethnicities to participate.

Why sponsor the Institute for Healing Racism?
• Show support for the Chamber’s extensive diversity programming
• Illustrate your organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the local business community
• Receive recognition among Institute participants and in Chamber publications

We invite all Chamber Members to connect by participating in events and programs by becoming a sponsor. 

Click here for sponsorship levels and benefits or contact Leslee Fritz at 616.771.0357.

Photo courtesy of Tiberius Images.

Register Today!

Click here for registration form.

2012 Schedule

FACING RACISM- (2 day)
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Date: May 22-23, 2012
  Location: Hope Network, 755 36th Street SE
  
  
• Date: June 19-20, 2012
  Location: Kent ISD, 2930 Knapp St. NE
  
  
• Date: September 20-21, 2012
  Location: Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, 1515 Arboretum Dr. SE
  
  
• Date: October 16-17, 2012
  Location: Steelcase Learning Center, 901 44th Street SE
  
  
• Date: November 1-2, 2012
  Location: Varnum, 333 Bridge Street NW

Two-day Institute: $200 non-profit members and $300 for-profit members

* Additional $50 charge for non-chamber members.