CLEVELAND — On Sunday, June 30, thousands of people across Northeast Ohio will gather in more than a hundred different locations to simply have a conversation.
It’s called Common Ground, organized by the Cleveland Foundation, now in its third year.
When it began, the day of “community conversation” had about 40 host sites. Now, it has more than 100 in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties.
Each site is hosted by people who are passionate about what is going on in Northeast Ohio - business owners, schools, community groups, restaurants, a group of friends.
On one day, folks share a meal and a conversation.
And sometimes, it goes beyond just talking.
“They take action, they create community projects, they get stuff done. But sometimes you also just meet a new friend, and it’s just an amazing way to build community,” said Stephanie Hicks-Thompson with the Cleveland Foundation.
Lisa Hunt is the family engagement specialist for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School district and has been hosting since the event began.
“You don’t know where the conversations are going to lead, you don’t know really who’s going to show up because it is open and it is public,” Hunt said. “I think just staying in a place of listening and inquisition and being curious opens up the possibility for really great things.”
Over the years, the Cleveland Foundation and partners have given $26,000 to fund more than 40 different community projects that have come about through Common Ground — something as simple as a neighborhood block party to a sensory room for victims of domestic violence.
For a full list of events for Common Ground on Sunday, June 30 — click here.
