Common Ground Process

The Common Ground Process focuses more on community dynamics and decision-making than it does on community character or specific land use planning issues.

The concept for Common Ground is based on a Venn diagram, in which two individual entities overlap slightly; the Common Ground Process focuses on identifying and using those areas of overlap in viewpoints, rather than creating consensus or resolving differences.  As a community process, Common Ground uses small groups and community interactions to discuss community issues and identify the issues or aspects of community character that are common to the most people.

The process can be adapted to fit many different groups and circumstances, but typically follows the same general pattern:

• A study committee (2-3 organizers plus facilitators) publicize and set up the process.
• At the first meeting, facilitators form small groups of diverse participants that will remain together throughout the process.  Groups first respond to a question like, “What are the personal experiences that have shaped your views and beliefs on [this community’s] character?”  Participants would have been invited to bring materials to share.
• At the second meeting, groups address additional questions that expand on their experiences of the place, their values and beliefs, the resources or specific things that influence them.
• Subsequent meetings focus on the main points garnered from the first meetings.  Each major viewpoint has one dedicated study session, at which groups explore their points of agreement or disagreement on the issue.

At the final session, each group reflects on the wisdom or points of agreement culled from their previous discussions.  The organizing committee synthesizes the responses, which can then be distributed and used for planning.