Do You Believe In Your City?

A New Mini-Series!

Every city and town has its struggles. Ours certainly does from time to time.

For years, Grand Rapids has dealt with unequal access to economic opportunity and social mobility. We’ve tried many ways to solve these problems. But it’s clear we need to do more—much more.

That’s why earlier this year we hosted a big event called “Believe in Our City.”

We brought together hundreds of local community, business, faith, and government leaders. Over several days, we shared our stories—and sought to rally around the principles that can transform our city.

Now, I want to share this experience with you. Because these principles matter to your city as much as mine.

We’ve put together seven episodes that draw on the best of Believe in Our City:

-          Episode 1: New Mini-Series—Believe In Your City!

Do you believe in your city? In the first episode of this new mini-series, Doug DeVos looks at how your ideals and actions can transform your hometown—no matter where you live or who you are. He previews what you can expect from this seven-episode mini-series: Groundbreaking content from diverse leaders and thinkers, drawn from an event Doug recently hosted in Grand Rapids.

-          Episode 2: How To Apply America’s Principles, with Jeff Rosen

Do you believe in your city? In the second episode of this mini-series, Doug DeVos talks to Jeff Rosen about what you can learn from America’s successes and failures. The head of the National Constitution Center, Jeff speaks to the American idea—an idea you can help kindle in your hometown.

-          Episode 3: How to Help Everyone Thrive and Prosper, with Doug DeVos

Do you believe in your city? In the third episode of this mini-series, Doug DeVos gives a keynote presentation on the problems facing his beloved Grand Rapids. As a longtime local business and philanthropic leader, he speaks to the solutions—and collaboration—that can save his city, and yours.

-          Episode 4: How to Empower People, with Evan Feinberg and Daron Babcock

Do you believe in your city? In the third episode of this mini-series, Stand Together’s Evan Feinberg and social entrepreneur Daron Babcock show how empowering people is key to progress. Learn how to foster bottom-up solutions—and avoid top-down control—to transform your hometown.

-          Episode 5: How MLK Advanced Justice, with Jonathan Eig and Jamelle Bouie

Do you believe in your city? In the fifth episode of this mini-series, New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie interviews bestselling author Jonathan Eig about his new book, King. Learn how America’s most famous civil rights activist advanced equal justice—and what it means for you and your hometown.

-          Episode 6: How to Live Up to America’s Promise, a Panel Discussion

Do you believe in your city? In the sixth episode of this mini-series, David French, Jamelle Bouie, David Bobb, and Jeff Rosen explore America’s past successes and failures, while sketching a vision for a better future for all. Learn how your hometown can solve problems and live up to America’s promise.

-          Episode 7: How Grand Rapids Can Turn Around, a Panel Discussion

Do you believe in your city? In the seventh and final episode of this mini-series, local leaders including Jerry Bishop, Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez, Attah Obande, Kelsey Perdue, and Joe Jones talk about how to move Grand Rapids forward. Learn how one of America’s most dynamic cities is learning from—and serving as a model to—hometowns like yours.

This is the first time we’ve done a mini-series like this. We hope you find it helpful and inspiring.

Most of all, I hope this mini-series leaves you inspired and ready to act.

After all, I’m betting you believe in your own city, too—wherever you live. And like me, you want to see your hometown to rise and thrive.

— Doug DeVos