#CommonGroundCLE: What’s Next?

People seated across the table from one another engage in conversation
Photo credit: Rob Muller

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to Cleveland Public Square and sites across Cuyahoga County for Common Ground!

Together, hundreds of Greater Clevelanders gathered over a shared meal for shared conversation. In Public Square, more than 600 lunches were served as residents discussed how to move our community forward. And at more than 40 sites across Cuyahoga County, people came together to talk about our community’s future. We met as strangers, and left as neighbors. We met in homes, libraries, gardens, churches, schools, neighborhoods, parks, and businesses. We discussed the environment, STEM education, the opioid crisis, diversity, early childhood education, and more. You can see the full list of Common Ground conversation locations here, and check out these images from a few of the events: 

The Cleveland Community Police Commission hosted a brunch conversation at Punch Bowl Social, to explore empowerment and the feelings that drive positive change in communities.

The Cleveland Community Police Commission hosted a brunch at Punch Bowl Social to explore empowerment and the feelings that drive positive change in communities. (Photo credit: Rob Muller)

Ohio City Inc. and The Global Table hosted a community potluck at the Ohio City Farm to discuss how we can create welcoming neighborhoods for all residents. (Photo credit: Rob Muller)

Ohio City Inc. and The Global Table hosted a community potluck at the Ohio City Farm to discuss how we can create welcoming neighborhoods for all residents. (Photo credit: Rob Muller)

Karamu House hosted a conversation focused on placemaking and the arts.  (Photo credit: Karamu House)

Karamu House hosted a conversation focused on placemaking and the arts. (Photo credit: Karamu House)

Judson Smart Living hosted a Common Ground conversation to discuss the changing face of aging in Northeast Ohio. (Photo credit: Judson Smart Living)

Judson Smart Living hosted a conversation to discuss the changing face of aging in Northeast Ohio. (Photo credit: Judson Smart Living)

Sustainable Cleveland hosted at conversation at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium focused on how we can reduce single-use disposable plastics.

Sustainable Cleveland hosted at conversation at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium focused on reducing single-use disposable plastics. (Photo credit: Rob Muller)

The Cleveland Heights - University Heights School District hosted a community conversation at Cain Park that sought to find commonality in the definitions of “equity,” “resilience,” and “support” for students.

The Cleveland Heights – University Heights School District hosted a conversation in Cain Park that sought to find commonality in the definitions of “equity,” “resilience,” and “support” for students. (Photo credit: Rob Muller)

At the Cleveland Foundation, we believe in creating spaces where meaningful connections can become possible. It was in this spirit – to encourage the crossing of paths and to foster an exchange of ideas – that Common Ground started.

Thanks to you — our community and our partners, Common Ground became more than that. By taking part, you each become a part of the work happening in Greater Cleveland to improve the future of our community—our shared home, our common ground. Thank you.

Stay tuned for more outcomes from Common Ground, including photos, stories and ideas sparked during the conversations. Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter for more news, event invites, and features. 

4 Comments

  1. Joann Mraz

    I would like to be more involved. I am recently retired so have considerable open time to fill

    Joann Mraz

  2. Caroljean Gates

    Would you be interested in working with an agency for troubled youth. If so, please call. 216/650-3429

  3. Phyllis Benjamin

    Tutors are needed for second graders at Gearity Professional Development School. Tutors work with second graders from 3:00 to 4:30 on one day or days of their choice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Program starts on October 2, 2017.
    Call Phyllis Benjamin, 216.381.0975 or email
    phylbenji@gmail.com.

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