The Oceana Community Foundation invites nonprofit leaders, community partners, and stakeholders to attend its Spring Oceana Free Dive, a collaborative learning and networking event centered on systems change. The session will take place on Thursday, May 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the West Michigan Research Center in Hart.
Designed as an opportunity to pause from day-to-day responsibilities, this Oceana Free Dive will provide participants with a space to reflect, connect, and engage in meaningful dialogue about advancing long-term impact in rural communities. The event will bring together a diverse group of organizations to explore how systems change and collective impact approaches can strengthen community outcomes.
The program will feature guest perspectives from O’Nealya Gronstal of Lakeshore Food Club and Alyssa Merten of the Oceana College Access Network, alongside systems change context shared by Oceana Community Foundation staff members Tammy and Hannah.
Participants will engage in a combination of short presentations, panel discussion, and facilitated breakout sessions designed to encourage active participation and practical application. Key topics will include:
- Understanding systems change and collective impact in real-world settings
- The role of relationships, credibility, and community champions in driving progress
- Strategies for leveraging funding and partnerships to maximize impact
- Tools and approaches that can be applied within participants’ own organizations
“This Free Dive is about creating space for honest conversation and shared learning,” said event organizers. “By bringing people together, we can better understand the systems we’re working within and identify opportunities to collaborate more effectively for lasting change.”
Oceana Free Dives are part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting nonprofit capacity and fostering collaboration across sectors. These events are open to organizations of all types, and attendees are encouraged to invite colleagues and board members to participate.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
Location: West Michigan Research Center, 5185 N Oceana Dr, Hart, MI 49420
Registration: 2026 Spring Oceana Free Dive – May 21
Whether new to systems change or deeply engaged in this work, community members are encouraged to attend and contribute to a thoughtful and energizing morning.