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:
Verso University Presents: Foundations of Civil Discourse with Steve Parrish
Wednesdays, January 14 - February 25, 2026
As part of Verso University’s mission of lifelong learning and in partnership with the Library’s Common Ground Initiative, Steve Parrish, Westporter and retired Senior VP of Corporate Affairs of Altria Group, Inc., will lead this six-part interactive training series exploring the nature and value of civil discourse. The course includes case studies, guest speakers, roleplay, participant engagement, and more. Upon completion of the series, participants receive a Certificate in Civil Discourse from the Library.
Understanding Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and Allyship: A Common Ground Initiative Special Event
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7-8:30 pm
Eli Cohn-Postell and Kara Wilson of Project Shema, a training and support organization focused on addressing contemporary antisemitism, led a special 90-minute presentation and discussion at the Library on antisemitism and understanding Jewish identity. This event — which featured a moderated presentation and 30-minute Q&A with Eli and Kara — provided an accessible but powerful introduction to the historical and modern realities of antisemitism, with an emphasis on its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics.
A Seat at the Selectman’s Table: An Open Discussion with Westport’s Candidates for First Selectman
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 6-7:30 pm
Forget the podiums. Forget the stiff format. Forget the canned talking points. On this night, Westport’s three candidates for first selectman will sit shoulder-to-shoulder at the same dinner table, sharing a meal and a wide-ranging conversation in front of a live audience. No podiums. No speeches. Just authentic, unscripted dialogue that reveals who they are as people — not just as politicians. Hosted by Dan Woog, executive editor of 06880.
From Division to Unity: Lessons in Bridging Divides (a Star-Studded Common Ground Panel Discussion)
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 7-8 pm
At a time when the United States is marked by deep political, racial, and cultural divides, the voices we need most are those who have successfully built unity across difference — not in theory, but in practice. Join us for an extraordinary evening of insight and inspiration as a panel of nationally recognized innovators from the fields of business, sports, and the military share how they’ve navigated complex divisions to lead diverse teams toward common goals.
'Somebody Should Do Something': How Anyone Can Create Social Change, With Authors Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva, and Daniel Kelly
Monday, October 6, 2025, 7-8 pm
Changing the world is difficult — but attainable through the choices we make every day. Join Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva, and Daniel Kelly, the authors of Somebody Should Do Something, as they paint a picture of how social change happens, one choice at a time.
A Common Ground Conversation on Global Trade Policy: Steve Parrish with Author and CEO Fred Hochberg
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7-8 pm
The Westport Library welcomes business executive, government official, academic, and author Fred Hochberg in conversation with Westporter Steve Parrish for a discussion of global trade policy, including President Trump’s tariff strategy, and other current events.
Civil Discourse to Resolve Complex Disputes: A Common Ground Conversation
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 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 [email protected].
