Detroiters looking to engage with their community or advance their careers have numerous opportunities available throughout October, ranging from professional development and networking to community forums and job openings.
This Thursday, October 1st, several events are scheduled. Co.act Detroit, located at 6568 Woodward Ave., is hosting a Drop-In Work Day and Professional Headshot Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free headshots available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Later the same day, TechTown, at 440 Burroughs St., will host its First Thursdays networking event from 5:30 to 9 p.m., welcoming both new founders and seasoned entrepreneurs with live music. Registration for this free event is available at the door starting at 5:15 p.m. or online. Additionally, Detroit Documenters have partnered with The Outlier Collective for Documenters Speed Dating at Mockery Zero Proof, 7400 W. McNichols Road, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., bringing together local journalism leaders to share insights on various aspects of reporting. Tickets for this event are still available.
On Friday, October 2nd, students are invited to submit artwork for the upcoming Civil Rights Summit. Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department seeks submissions in any medium reflecting what civil rights look and feel like in the 21st century, with art to be displayed and voted on at the summit on October 9th. Questions can be directed to Naomi Barbour. Also on Friday, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and other organizations are hosting a student-led forum with Detroit Public Schools Community District board candidates at the Shrine of the Black Madonna, 7625 Linwood St., from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3rd, features the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition Summit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Detroit, gathering environmental activists statewide to co-create systemic solutions. The summit includes speakers, a movement art gallery, live entertainment, and a healing justice space, with childcare and dietary accommodations provided. Registration is required for the address. Concurrently, the Coalition for Property Tax Justice is holding Coffee & Stories at the Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St., from 10:30 a.m. to noon, inviting residents to share their experiences with property tax foreclosure. RSVP is encouraged. Rounding out the weekend, Run G.R.I.T. invites the community to its 1st Sunday Rundays on October 4th at 9 a.m. at The Love Building, 4731 Grand River Ave., for outdoor exercise, with no registration needed.
Mid-October events include a Media Swap & Book Drive on Saturday, October 10th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Roar Brewing Co., 666 Selden St., hosted by The Audiofiles and Roots Strong, offering music, raffles, and food for those trading books, records, CDs, and tapes. On Sunday, October 11th, The Love Building, 4731 Grand River Ave., hosts the first part of a two-part Peer Support Worker Training from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for those interested in becoming a Detroit Peer Respite support worker. Childcare and snacks will be provided, with the second part of the training held online on Wednesday, October 21st, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration and an interest form are required, and the training is not open to individuals working for law enforcement, military, or child protection agencies. Also on October 11th, the James and Grace Lee Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership, 3061 Field St., will hold a Film Screening & Community Safety Exhibit Closing from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the abolitionist film “We Call Each Other,” followed by a discussion with filmmaker Sarah Oberholtzer and activist Frank Joyce.
Several programs and positions have upcoming application deadlines. Detroit Area Youth Uniting Michigan (DAYUM) is seeking interns for a paid youth internship program, offering a $400 stipend to those who complete all trainings; the application deadline is October 14th. Inside Out Literary Arts is hiring an Operations Assistant, paying between $20 and $25 per hour for 10-15 hours a week, with applications due by October 18th. Detroit Heals Detroit is relaunching its Destination: Liberation 12-week travel immersion program for formerly incarcerated or justice-impacted youth aged 18 to 25, aiming to develop job readiness and community leadership skills, with applications due by October 23rd. The Umoja Debate League is hiring Debate Coaches to lead its after-school program, with applications accepted until November 6th.
Immediate job openings and ongoing opportunities are also available. Detroit Heals Detroit is hiring several positions for The Healing Hub, including two part-time interns, a part-time after-school program assistant at $20 an hour, a full-time Healing Hub director with a salary of $45,000, and board members. Friends of Rouge Park is hiring a full-time MI Healthy Climate Fellow to document and report on climate resilience in Rouge Park, a position running from January to August 2027 and paying $24 an hour with benefits. Next Chapter Books is seeking a seasonal part-time bookseller for 10-15 hours a week from mid-October through December, paying $16 an hour; applicants should send a résumé to [email protected]. The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition is hiring an Executive Director to lead strategic direction and fundraising, with a salary of $140,000-$150,000 plus benefits. Focus: HOPE is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer to solicit and steward donors, paying a salary of $96,000 to $98,000.
Artists can also find ongoing opportunities to showcase their work. Paris Bar has an open call for art, inviting artists to send photos, a bio, and a proposal to [email protected]. Café Noir is also accepting submissions for art to be displayed and sold, with artists able to submit up to two ready-to-hang pieces priced between $100 and $500, with no nudity, profanity, or politically charged content.
