|
|
|
|
|
Join Us! >
finding common ground Initiative Newsletter
finding common ground Initiative Newsletter
Dec 15, 2025
December 2025 Newsletter
Good Day to you! This is our first finding common ground Initiative Newsletter. A big thank you for everyone who helped, participated and help patience as we formed. We’ll send a Newsletter out monthly as the main way to stay up with our efforts.
We are here in NE Washington (NEWA) with a focus on building communication skills and community in these polarized times!
Over this past 10 months, we have formed as a non-profit, hosted four Community Socials, facilitated six Community Conversations on healthcare, selected a training approach and launched a media campaign.
Focus 2026: Given all that we have learned these past months our focus in 2026 is:
1. Bi-monthly Community Socials in NEWA: These typically rotate between Chewelah, Colville, Kettle Falls and that may change as we evolve. These events are intended to build relationships and community. There is food and music plus something of interest like BINGO or a game of sorts. The next Community Social is January 17th in Chewelah at the Huff building from noon to 2PM. We plan to play Bingo so bring you bingo lover friends. The food theme is appetizers so please bring one to share.
2. Skill Building: From day one, the main thing we hear from people when we talk about finding common ground is, “How do I? How do I talk with my family, neighbors, colleagues, those who disagree with me on important topics.”
Starting in late January we will begin bi-monthly training sessions on “How to talk to each other when we disagree.” These sessions will be in person with tools and a variety of ways to learn. Sessions will be 2 hours. We may host some on Zoom if there is interest.
3. Living Room Groups (LRG): Over the past few months we have been learinng about and hosting Living Room Groups. These are groups of people, typically 10 or less that connect regular in support of each other, sharing conversation and food, learning, taking action and building relationships. It’s an easy and fun way to connect and support each other. Groups are started by anyone interested in being a Living Room Group Host and thinking about who they would want in there “Living Room”. We provide orientation for hosts, tools and support for Living Room Groups.
4. Community Conversations: We continue to offer support and facilitation for local community conversations on community issues.
5. Getting the word out to find common ground: Our media campaign includes a few key billboards, banners, yard signs etc. (see below) If you are interested in one of these items please send us an e-mail and we’ll get it to you. The more people hear the words finding common ground the more it becomes possible.
Looking Ahead: No doubt it is a wild time on the planet. We know connecting locally, taking care of each other, owning our part of what has created this mess, and being willing to see a better future, is all and everything we have. Here’s to stepping in and stepping up to the task. I look forward to seeing you out and about. All the Best, LT
___________________________________________________~___________________________________________________
Contact Us findingingcommongroundinitiative@gmail.com
Finding Common Ground Initiative (“Common Ground”) is a fiscally-sponsored project of the Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA), a 501(c)(3). Your donation is tax-deductible.The proceeds of your donation directly support Finding Common Ground.
|
|
|
|
|
