Volunteer

In 1996, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance was founded by ordinary women and men. Bonded together by the desire to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all, the ordinary turned into the extraordinary when the dedicated themselves to dismantling barriers. Today, LEDA continues to depend on women and men who seek to promote acceptance, celebrate diversity, and empower others.

We invite you help shape the future of the Lakeshore region by sharing your time and talents as a LEDA volunteer. Together, we will continue to dismantle barriers and ensure equal access and opportunity for all. As a volunteer, you will

  • Make a difference in the lives of others.
  • Learn a lot and gain experience.
  • Be physically and mentally rewarded.
  • Promote personal growth.
  • Strengthen our community.
  • Give back to the community.
  • Encourage civic responsibility.
  • Make new friends.

Impact the Life of a Middle or High School Student. Be a Calling All Colors Conference Small Group Leader

Calling All Colors fosters inclusive school communities through a year-long program that creates safe spaces to talk about race and offers tools for increasing inclusion in middle and high schools.
  • Passionate, engaging and enthusiastic volunteers assist in facilitating small group dialogue at spring and fall conferences.
  • You may volunteer for one or more session.
  • Your time commitment per session is generally two hours in the morning.
  • A two-hour training prior to the fall and spring conferences is required.
  • The conferences are held at a local college or university.
Click here to submit your application. Questions: Email Alice Jasper, Associate Program Director, or call 616.846.9074.


Mentors Matter. Become a Migrant Mentor

Did you know each year, nearly 6,000 children accompany their parents to Ottawa County from February to late November? Due to long work hours in the fields (often six days a week), low wages, and social/ geographical isolation, parents are not able to provide after-school and summer activities/lessons for their children. The Migrant Mentoring Program matches children from local migrant camps with community volunteers. The program is designed to build cultural bridges between the larger community and the migrant worker population, while meeting the social and educational needs of the children. Click here to learn more and to submit your application. Questions? Email Eunice Ruiz, Migrant Programs Associate, or call 616.846.9074.