Calvin College
Faith & International Development Conference
About Us
The main purpose of the Faith and International Development Conference is to provide a space for sharing ideas and exploring passions with students and professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. They will struggle together to connect their minds, hearts and hands in an international context under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Participants will delve into the important theme of sustainability and examine how it applies to their lives as students and practitioners of international development.
The conference also strives to balance prayerful discernment of students’ callings, relationship building among students and professionals and practical learning about international development. Small group breakout sessions provide opportunities for in-depth discussions of a wide variety of topics. Organization display tables allow for one-on-one discussion and guidance from professionals working in the field. Exploration of volunteer, internship, and career opportunities is a key focus and a source of excitement for both students and organization representatives. The Four Corners coffee shop will provide steamy mugs of coffee and an ideal place for chatting and processing new information.
This year’s keynote speakers will address the theme of sustainability as it applies to their own specialty area and then respond to questions during Q&A breakout sessions. At the close of the conference, all the keynoters will come together during the final plenary to tackle broad development and mission questions from their unique points of view.
One special event we’ll be hosting is the Acting on AIDS Broken Bread meal during Friday’s supper. At this supper students have the opportunity to eat food rations sent by relief agencies to areas in crisis. This powerful experience will remind us of the reality of suffering in the world and focus us again on loving service to the poor.
The registration fee of $40 is inclusive of all meals and sessions during the conference, as well as housing in the dorm rooms of Calvin students. If you have any questions about the conference please read through our FAQ section and fill out the feedback form. If you are interested in coordinating the attendance of a group please email Kelly at kjd33@calvin.edu for your group registration code.