Common Ground conversations to take place this Sunday

For the second year, the Cleveland Foundation’s Common Ground initiative is bringing residents together for a series of conversations on a common theme. Various community organizations will host forward-looking conversations around the topic “My Environment” in various locations throughout the region on Sunday, June 30. Host organizations will also share a meal or a snack with participants.

According to the foundation’s website, “Common Ground is a day of community conversation. United by a common question, all Common Ground conversations have the same goal: to create spaces where meaningful connections are made and purposeful actions begin.”

Several Cleveland Heights-University Heights groups are hosting conversations. Here is a list, and information on how to register to participate:

1. Host: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
   Time: 10 a.m.–noon
   Location: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd.
   Join Nature Center at Shaker Lakes' President & CEO, Kay Carlson for a light brunch and round-table discussion that deeply connects to our mission to conserve a natural area, connect people to nature and inspire environmental stewardship. We will be discussing the theme within the context of our communities and how the Nature Center has, is and could continue to foster the best environment possible.
   Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/ce6d3
2. Host: CH-UH City School District and Heights Schools Foundation
   Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
   Location: Top of Cain Park Hill, Lee and Superior roads
   This table is open to fostering forward- facing dialogue around the topic of equitable and engaging environments. Guests are asked to bring a dish or beverage to share and be ready to dive right into discussions designed to move us toward actions that build upon Tiger Nation's legacy of more than 100 years.
   Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/b538c
3. Host: Spirit Corner
   Time: noon–2 p.m.
   Location: Spirit Corner, corner of Hampshire Road and Cadwell Avenue
   Join us in celebrating and analyzing the transformation of a vacant lot in the Coventry Village neighborhood of Cleveland Heights into a vibrant community-designed and community-maintained green space. There will be food, games for children, and brainstorming to plan for the next phase in the evolution of Spirit Corner and how similar spaces can be created in other neighborhoods.
   Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/c5b48
4. Host: DMP 21
   Time: 1–3 pm.
   Location: Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus, 2843 Washington Blvd.
   Come reflect on the educational environment for African Americans: past, present and future. Education has always been an African American value. Find out how we are measuring up today. How will the current state of education impact the African American community in the future? We will discuss strategies for sustaining ourselves.
   Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/d76cd
5. Host: Appletree Books
   Time: 2–4 p.m.
   Location: Appletree Books, 12419 Cedar Road
   Join neighbors, friends, and other interested individuals in discussing the Cedar Fairmount neighborhood's past, present, and future with an emphasis on the presence and incorporation of public art and pedestrian amenities amidst an area bisected with commuter traffic. Summer refreshments and snacks will be available!
   Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/e3dd2
6. Host: North Ohio Life Members Guild of National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
   Time: 3–5 p.m.
   Location: Lee Road Library, 2345 Lee Road
   Bring your thoughts and ideas to make a difference in our community.
   Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/d3dfd
7. Northcliffe Road Neighbors, Donna Johnson and Mike Smith
   Time: 3-6 p.m.
   Location: 3503 Northcliffe Road
   Donna Johnson and Mike Smith are inviting residents of Northcliffe Road to have a conversation about their neighborhood and its future. Meet your neighbors. Share ideas and information on improving the neighborhood. Come together for community building. Register: https://nvite.com/clevelandfoundation/f012d Due to limited seating, this invite is for adult residents of Northcliffe Road only. Contact Mike at 216-633-7560 or e-mail mjsmith99@gmail.com

Learn more about Common Ground at https://nvite.com/community/clevelandfoundation#events.