United Way Launches The Inclusion Exchange to Promote LGBTQ+ Affirming Spaces on the Lakeshore
Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties, MI (May, 2025) — United Way of the Lakeshore is proud to announce the launch of The Inclusion Exchange, a four-part community education series designed to help individuals, businesses, and service providers build more inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.
This free series is made possible through generous support from the Love is Love LGBTQ+ Fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and is offered in collaboration with the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium.
United Way of the Lakeshore fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Through The Inclusion Exchange, United Way is mobilizing the caring power of community to ensure everyone—regardless of identity—can live with dignity, safety, and belonging.
Each session will take place on a Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM and features interactive learning led by expert facilitators. The full series includes:
- June 18: The Triple A’s: Ally, Advocate, Accomplice – Learn how these roles show up in practice and how each contributes to meaningful support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- October 15: Respect is the Default – Explore tools for navigating respectful conversations across differing views and lived experiences.
- January 28: Power of Pronouns: A Business Case – Discover how inclusive practices and affirming environments drive better outcomes in workplace culture and business success.
- April 1: The Affirming Care Environment – Learn how to create welcoming, patient-centered care experiences for people of all identities and backgrounds.
The series is free to attend, but space is limited to 50 participants per session (with potential to expand to 70 based on demand). These trainings are ideal for human service professionals, business leaders, educators, healthcare providers, and community members who want to strengthen their commitment to inclusion.
New this year, individuals and organizations that complete all four sessions will be eligible to receive a Safe Spaces Designation from the Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium. This designation demonstrates a tangible commitment to building safe, respectful, and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
“This designation is a meaningful way to reflect a commitment to learning and creating inclusive spaces,” said Dominique Bunker, Senior Director of Community Solutions. “It’s about taking thoughtful steps to ensure that everyone feels safe, welcomed, and respected — whether in the workplace, in service, or in community.”
Registration is required. To reserve your spot and learn more, visit: https://www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/inclusion-exchange-series
About the Love is Love LGBTQ+ Fund:
The Love is Love LGBTQ+ Fund provides financial resources to support organizations and projects that serve Muskegon County’s LGBTQ+ community and their families. Striving to provide a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment, this initiative serves as a bold statement: declaring that all people are important in Muskegon County, vowing to support and address challenges and opportunities facing our LGBTQ+ community, and committing to hope for equality, inclusion, and belonging.
About United Way of the Lakeshore:
United Way of the Lakeshore fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We improve lives and create lasting change by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good. Serving Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties, we bring people and resources together to build a thriving and more equitable Lakeshore region.
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