Our Mission and Values

Community members joining hands in unity

Our Mission

Common Ground Athens is a community resource center for groups and individuals working for positive social change. Through educational programs, shared resources, and organizational support, Common Ground connects and strengthens local organizations and residents in their work to improve our community and world.

We envision Common Ground as a place where people can come together in a safe, welcoming environment to socialize, access programs and services, and collaborate to build a vibrant, diverse community.

Our work is guided by the belief that meaningful change happens when diverse voices come together around shared values. We create the conditions for collaboration, provide the tools for effective action, and celebrate the unique contributions of every community member.

Our Vision

The community we are working to create

We envision an Athens where:

Every person feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate in community life
Diverse organizations work together effectively toward shared goals
Community members have the skills, resources, and connections they need to create positive change
Social, economic, and environmental justice are realities, not just aspirations
The unique contributions of every individual are recognized and celebrated
Collaborative problem-solving replaces isolation and competition

This vision guides our daily work and helps us evaluate our programs and priorities. While we may never fully achieve this ideal, it gives us direction and purpose as we work alongside our community partners.

Our Approach

How we work to achieve our mission

Convening

We bring together diverse stakeholders, from grassroots activists to institutional leaders, creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. Our events and programs are designed to bridge differences and find common ground.

Capacity Building

We offer training, resources, and support that help individuals and organizations become more effective in their work. From leadership development to organizational management, we build the skills our community needs. The National Council of Nonprofits recognizes capacity building as essential for nonprofit success.

Resource Sharing

We maintain a lending library, provide meeting space, and connect organizations with the tools and information they need. By sharing resources, we reduce duplication and maximize impact.

Network Building

We actively cultivate relationships among organizations and individuals, creating a web of connections that strengthens the entire community. Our network includes over 30 partner organizations working on diverse issues.

Our Commitment to Equity

Common Ground Athens is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice in everything we do. We recognize that systemic inequities create barriers to full participation in community life, and we work actively to dismantle those barriers.

This commitment shapes our programming, our partnerships, and our organizational culture. We strive to be intentionally inclusive, to amplify marginalized voices, and to create spaces where all community members can thrive.

We acknowledge that this work is ongoing and that we have much to learn. We welcome feedback and partnership from community members who share our commitment to building a more equitable Athens.

Strategic Priorities

Our focus areas for community impact

Community Connection

Creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and relationship-building across differences. Strong social connections are the foundation of healthy communities.

Leadership Development

Cultivating the next generation of community leaders through mentorship, training, and hands-on experience. Effective leadership multiplies community impact.

Organizational Excellence

Supporting nonprofit organizations in building sustainable, effective operations that maximize their impact on the issues they care about.