Our History in Athens

A Story of Community

Common Ground Athens has been serving the Athens community for over two decades, evolving to meet the changing needs of our city while remaining true to our founding commitment to connection, collaboration, and positive social change.

Our story is one of grassroots organizing, dedicated volunteers, and a shared belief that when people come together around common values, they can accomplish remarkable things. From our earliest days to today, Common Ground has been built by the community, for the community.

The Founding Years (2003-2010)

Common Ground Athens was formed in the spring of 2003 as a collaboration between a range of community groups seeking to build a strong foundation for their work for social change. These organizations became our first affiliate groups, which would eventually encompass over two dozen organizations working on issues related to social justice, civil liberties, democracy, peace, gender equity, environmental integrity, sustainability, and community empowerment.

In those early years, Common Ground served primarily as a resource center for progressive organizations. We offered shared office space, a lending library of books and films on social change topics, training programs for activists and organizers, and a community calendar that connected residents with events and opportunities across Athens.

The founding volunteers brought together diverse perspectives and experiences, united by a common belief that Athens could be a model of progressive community building. Many of these founders were connected to the University of Georgia, while others came from longtime Athens families or had chosen to make Athens their home because of its vibrant culture of civic engagement.

Growth and Evolution (2010-2015)

As Athens grew and changed, so did Common Ground. During this period, we expanded our programming to include a wider range of educational workshops, began hosting regular community forums on issues of local concern, and deepened our connections with partner organizations throughout the region.

We also began to place greater emphasis on building bridges across different communities within Athens. Our programming increasingly focused on creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds could come together for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

During this period, dedicated community members worked tirelessly to strengthen the organization's foundation. Students from the UGA School of Social Work contributed significantly to developing organizational documents and structures that would serve Common Ground for years to come.

New Chapters (2015-Present)

In recent years, Common Ground Athens has continued to evolve while remaining true to its core mission of connecting people and building community. We have expanded our support group offerings, strengthened our training programs, and deepened our commitment to serving all members of the Athens community.

Today, Common Ground serves as a vital hub for community connection, offering programs and resources that help individuals and organizations make a positive difference in Athens. We continue to be powered by volunteers who give their time, talents, and passion to the work of community building.

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing our evolution to meet the emerging needs of our community. As Athens grows and changes, Common Ground will be there - creating space for connection, providing resources for action, and building the relationships that make our community strong.

Milestones

Key moments in our journey

2003

Common Ground Athens is founded as a collaboration among progressive community organizations seeking shared resources and stronger connections.

2004

We achieve 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, enabling tax-deductible donations and opening new opportunities for funding and growth.

2008

Our lending library expands to include hundreds of titles on social change, and we launch our first formal training series for community leaders.

2013

Common Ground expands its mission to explicitly embrace and support the LGBTQ+ community, launching new programs and support groups.

2016

We host the first annual Evening for Equality, which becomes a signature fundraising event and community celebration.

Today

Common Ground continues to serve as Athens' community resource center, connecting hundreds of residents and dozens of organizations each year.

Built by Community

Throughout our history, Common Ground Athens has been built and sustained by community members who believe in our mission. From our founding volunteers to today's board members and staff, hundreds of people have contributed their time, skills, and passion.

We are grateful to all who have been part of our story: the early organizers who had the vision, the dedicated volunteers who kept us running, the partner organizations who shared our journey, and the community members who trusted us to serve them.

Our history is still being written, and you can be part of it. Join us as we continue building a more connected, compassionate Athens.