Timothy Ready Director June 2, 2008

Background Founded in 1989 as the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations, the Institute was later renamed in honor of Lewis Walker, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, in recognition of Dr. Walker’s long-standing and ongoing contributions to Western Michigan University, the community, and to the study of race and ethnic relations.

Mission The mission of the Walker Institute is to engage in research, teaching and service to promote: understanding of race and ethnic relations, with a special emphasis on the causes of disparities and the contexts in which conflicts as well as shared purposes and perspectives arise appreciation of the diverse peoples and cultures of the United States, with a special emphasis on the peoples and cultures of Michigan more equitable and inclusive communities and institutions, especially in this region of the state and throughout Michigan

What We Do and Propose to Do Engage in community-focused research focused on the needs of vulnerable children and families, in collaboration with our principal partner, the Kalamazoo County Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) and other community partners Sponsor cultural and educational events promoting understanding and appreciation of diversity for both the university and broader communities Develop an undergraduate major and masters degree in race and ethnic relations Serve as a conduit linking university resources (eg, volunteer tutors and mentors, classes offering service learning opportunities in the community for WMU students) and community-based organizations serving vulnerable youth

Recent Projects The Human Race Machine (March, 2008) Research and Creative Activities Awards (April, 2008) “On Becoming the Education Community: The Kalamazoo Promise, the Community and Its Schools” (May, 2008)

Current Projects

Community Voices, Community Visions Youth Development Project July 7 – August 15, Kalamazoo teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds will produce videos in which they and their peers discuss education and the Kalamazoo Promise. Teens receive education and training and produce information important for community leaders This is first in a series of community-based research and service projects

Community Voices (cont.) Partners: – Walker Institute – School of Communication – City of Kalamazoo – Kalamazoo Community Access – Douglass Community Center – Boys and Girls Club – Eastside Neighborhood Association

Peoples of Michigan Conference To be held October 9-10 at Fetzer Center We expect 250 participants, with primary focus on middle and high school educators The conference will highlight the contributions, challenges and issues facing various racial and ethnic groups in Michigan

Projects in Planning

Community Indicators System Re-create community indicators system, previously sponsored by College of Health and Human Services The system will focus on indicators of health, development and learning of children, and various factors that can affect child outcomes Collaboration with Poverty Reduction Initiative of Kalamazoo County, CHHS, Kalamazoo County and others

Center for Community Service, Research and Learning (Promise Center) Resource Center for the university to promote: – Community-based service learning – Tutoring – Mentoring Coordinate research focused on the needs of vulnerable children and families in Kalamazoo

Research Briefs Produce a series of research briefs on the effects of deindustrialization in Michigan and elsewhere in the Great Lakes region – The disparate effects of economic changes on minority and low income communities – Promising strategies that have been used to redevelop communities in equitable ways in changing economic climate

What We Aspire To... To become – a highly respected research center focused on providing information on building inclusive communities that work for all... – An integral academic program focusing on race and ethnic relations on cross-cultural and historical perspective – A resource to help make WMU a more authentically diverse and hospitable campus community

Walker Institute and WMU Make WMU more authentically diverse through academics and cultural programs Provide community based learning opportunities for WMU students Deepen WMU’s involvement in community service Cultivate the applicant pool – diversity is key

Funding Needs Only two core staff (Ready and Bellamy)... Need at least two additional professional staff Peoples of Michigan Conference ($10,000) Community Voices, Community Visions ($15,000) Funding for Center for Community Service, Research and Learning Community Indicators System