Community Events and Gatherings

Celebrating Our Community

Common Ground Athens hosts a variety of events throughout the year that bring together diverse community members for celebration, education, and connection. Our events are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction across differences.

From intimate social gatherings to large community celebrations, our events reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Athens. We believe that shared experiences build the relationships and trust that make effective community action possible.

All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted. We strive to make our events accessible to everyone and welcome requests for accommodations.

Annual Events

Mark your calendar for these community traditions

Spirit Day Celebration

Each October, we join communities across the nation in recognizing Spirit Day, standing together against bullying and showing support for LGBTQ+ youth. Our celebration includes speakers, performances, and opportunities for connection.

This event brings together community members of all backgrounds in a powerful display of solidarity and support.

Evening for Equality

Our annual Evening for Equality is a fundraising celebration that brings together supporters of Common Ground and our partner organizations. The evening features food, entertainment, and inspiring stories of community impact.

Proceeds support our ongoing programs and services.

Community Volunteer Day

Join us for our annual day of community service, when volunteers from across Athens come together to work on projects that benefit our community. Past projects have included park cleanups, school beautification, and support for local nonprofits.

This event is a great way to give back while connecting with fellow community members.

Holiday Gathering

As the year draws to a close, we invite the community to gather for a festive celebration of the season. This informal event provides an opportunity to reflect on the year's accomplishments and connect with friends old and new.

All are welcome at this inclusive celebration.

Ongoing Programs

Regular opportunities for connection and learning

Book Club

Our monthly book club reads and discusses books on social justice, community organizing, and related topics. Open to all, no prior registration required. Check our calendar for meeting dates and current reading selections.

Game Night

Join us for a relaxed evening of board games, card games, and casual conversation. Game nights are held monthly and are a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure environment. All skill levels welcome.

Community Forums

Regular forums on topics of community interest, featuring presentations by local experts followed by facilitated discussion. Recent topics have included affordable housing, mental health resources, and environmental sustainability.

Support Groups

We host several peer-led support groups that meet regularly in our space. These groups provide safe, confidential spaces for mutual support and connection. Visit our support groups page for more information.

Organizing Meetings

Regular meetings for community organizing work, including planning sessions for upcoming events, strategy discussions, and volunteer coordination. If you want to get involved in shaping our community, these meetings are the place to start.

Coffee and Conversation

Drop-in hours for informal conversation and connection. No agenda, no structure - just an opportunity to meet fellow community members and share what is on your mind. Newcomers especially welcome.

Educational Events

Our educational events are designed to build skills and knowledge for effective community action. These include:

Workshops: Skill-building sessions on topics like advocacy, fundraising, and organizational development
Training Series: Multi-session programs that dive deep into specific topics
Guest Speakers: Presentations by experts, activists, and community leaders
Film Screenings: Documentary films followed by facilitated discussion
Panel Discussions: Diverse perspectives on important community issues

Training Center

Hosting Your Event

Common Ground Athens offers affordable meeting and event space for community organizations and groups. Our facilities can accommodate various event types, from small meetings to larger gatherings.

If you are interested in hosting an event at Common Ground, please contact us to discuss your needs and check availability. We prioritize events that align with our mission of building community and advancing positive social change.

Partner organizations may be eligible for discounted or complimentary use of our space. We work with each organization to find an arrangement that works for their budget while supporting our ongoing operations.