What is Common Ground?Picture a room with about 10 ordinary residents sitting in a circle. It’s a truly diverse group of people. There are men and women, blacks, whites, Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic groups. They represent different religions, backgrounds and generations, and they have much in common.
For six weeks, this small group of diverse people agree to meet at a regular time for two hours. Each week, they sit with a trained facilitator who leads an in-depth discussion on race relations.
It’s hard to talk about race. So it’s easier to avoid the topic. In this safe and open environment, it’s been proven that people will listen and freely share their thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. As a result, participants are learning more about themselves and others, building trust within our communities and developing relationships across racial divides.
During their time together, they share stories about their life experiences in the Mid-South or other communities. And in that time, something special happens. They begin to get a glimpse of new possibilities and start to understand how a person of another race, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation sees the world and identify common ground.
Common Ground isn’t just talk, it is about action. Participants in from the small groups will come together and take the talk to the next level. Through an Action Forum they will develop and implement specific recommendations on how to improve race relations in our community.
Common Grounds starts with us.
It is a personal decision to be available, be receptive, to share yourself and your stories.
Get involved. Join today.
For more information, call 901.260.3720 or e-mail commonground@bridgesusa.org
https://commercialappeal.wufoo.com/forms/common-ground-participants/
Sponsors: BRIDGES USA, Concerned Memphians United, Leadership Memphis, National Civil Rights Museum, Crichton College, Rhodes College, Temple Israel, Clear Channel Television, The Commercial Appeal
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