On Monday evening the Institute for Global Education, a Grand Rapids based peace group, celebrated their 25th anniversary at Trinity Methodist Church. The Reverend C. Peter Dougherty of the Michigan Peace Team was the featured speaker, addressing the theme of "Persevering Over the Long Haul." The event was also the annual meeting of IGE, with updates provided from the office volunteers about the state of the organization.

Founded in 1980, IGE has existed in several different locations in Grand Rapids over the years. Originally started as an outgrowth of the Quaker Friends Meeting, IGE is a non-profit organization without any direct religious affiliations. While many of the members come from a faith-based, non-violence perspective, the organization is open to all who:

support the non-violent resolution of conflicts and the pursuit of justice as the best way to achieve true, lasting peace through conscientious individual and group education and action.

IGE has an office at 1118 Wealthy St SE, which serves as a meeting place for IGE, as well as for several affiliated organizations such as the West Michigan Justice and Peace Coalition, Creative Response to Conflict, and the Grand Rapids Peace Team. The Kent County Green Party also rents out the IGE office for their regular meetings. IGE has put out a quarterly newsletter called Equity for most of its 25-year existence. Equity includes articles written by the membership as well as information about upcoming campaigns and events.

Over the past two years IGE has played a central role in the creation of the West Michigan Justice and Peace Coalition. This coalition was created in 2003 as a response to the invasion of Iraq and has organized several rallies and speaking events. The Coalition has a monthly open meeting at the IGE office as well as a calendar of events.