The Common Ground Initiative is The Westport Library’s forum for public discourse on topical issues of importance to the community.
The aim of the initiative is to: host a positive, productive conversation on how we work together to move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue; and build capacity to tackle challenging and/or controversial issues.
The program planning for the initiative is led by The Westport Library in conjunction with community leaders representing a wide array of constituents and ideological standpoints. Here is a closer look at our committee members:
More events coming soon!
Civil Discourse to Resolve Complex Disputes: A Common Ground Conversation
Tuesday, October 15, 7 pm | The Westport Library
Conflict resolution expert Ken Feinberg, who served as the special master of the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund, will share his experience and expertise in bringing people together to analyze, understand, and resolve complicated disputes in this Common Ground Initiative conversation. He'll be in discussion with moderator Steve Parrish.
Communicating to Open Minds
Monday, August 5, 2024, 7-8 pm | The Westport Library
Moderator Steve Parrish will be in conversation with Sally Susman, Pfizer's chief corporate affairs officer, to discuss ways to live harmoniously in a deeply divided world, having courage to live with candor, and building the essential leadership muscles that can shape our future.
Preparing Westport for Major Capital Spending: A Community Conversation
Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 7-8:30 pm | The Westport Library
The League of Women Voters of Westport and the Common Ground Initiative are facilitating a community conversation with the Town of Westport and Westport Public Schools leadership team to share the rationale, goals and process for the town's next decades of major capital spending projects.
Common Ground Initiative Kickoff: Senator Roy Blunt on Civil Discourse
Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 7-8 pm | The Westport Library
On May 2, The Westport Library launched the Common Ground Initiative series by welcoming Roy Blunt, who served as a United States senator from Missouri from 2011 to 2023. Noted attorney Steve Parrish served as the event moderator.
For more information on the Common Ground Initiative and/or to recommend future Common Ground Initiative programs or events, please contact us at rpowell@westportlibrary.org.
