Programs and Services

Community workshop at Common Ground Athens

Our Programs

Common Ground Athens offers a diverse range of programs designed to build community capacity, develop leadership skills, and create opportunities for meaningful connection. Our programming responds to the expressed needs of our community and evolves as those needs change.

All programs are designed to be accessible and welcoming, regardless of background or prior experience. We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and our programs create spaces where those contributions can flourish.

Whether you are looking to develop new skills, connect with like-minded people, or find support for a specific challenge, we invite you to explore our offerings and find the program that is right for you.

Educational Programs

Building skills and knowledge for effective community action

Leadership Development

Our leadership programs help community members develop the skills they need to become effective advocates and organizers. Topics include public speaking, meeting facilitation, strategic planning, and coalition building.

Programs are offered in partnership with local organizations and are designed for both emerging and experienced leaders. The Points of Light Foundation recognizes effective leadership training as essential for community transformation.

Organizational Skills Workshops

These workshops help nonprofit organizations and community groups build capacity in key areas such as board development, fundraising, volunteer management, and program evaluation.

Whether you are just starting an organization or looking to strengthen an established one, our workshops provide practical skills you can apply immediately.

Advocacy Training

Learn how to effectively advocate for the issues you care about. Our advocacy training covers topics such as understanding policy processes, engaging with elected officials, media relations, and grassroots organizing.

Participants learn to translate passion into effective action that creates real change in our community.

Community Dialogue Series

Our dialogue series brings community members together to discuss important issues in a structured, respectful format. Topics have included affordable housing, racial equity, environmental sustainability, and public education.

These sessions are designed to bridge differences and find common ground on challenging issues.

Support Services

Resources and connections for community members

Information and Referral

Our staff can connect you with community resources and services that meet your needs. We maintain relationships with organizations throughout Athens and can help you navigate available supports.

Support Groups

We host and support various peer-led support groups that provide safe spaces for connection and mutual aid. Groups meet regularly and are facilitated by trained volunteers or professionals. Learn more about our support group offerings.

Counseling Referrals

We maintain a list of counselors and therapists in the Athens area and can provide referrals based on your specific needs, including sliding-scale options. The SAMHSA provides additional mental health resources.

Resource Center

Our resource center provides a variety of tools and materials to support community work:

Lending Library: Books, films, and other educational materials on social change, community organizing, and related topics
Meeting Space: Affordable meeting rooms for community groups and organizations
Computer Access: Public computers with internet access for community members
Information Hub: Bulletin boards, newsletters, and online resources connecting you to community events and opportunities
Printing Services: Basic printing and copying services at low cost

Explore Resources

Organizational Assistance

Supporting nonprofit and community organizations

Common Ground Athens provides specialized support for nonprofit organizations and community groups:

Consulting Services

Our staff and network of experienced volunteers can provide consultation on organizational development, strategic planning, board governance, and other key areas. We work with organizations at all stages of development.

Fiscal Sponsorship

For emerging projects that have not yet established their own 501(c)(3) status, we offer fiscal sponsorship services that allow you to receive tax-deductible donations and apply for grants.

Networking Opportunities

We regularly convene nonprofit leaders and community organizers for networking, peer learning, and collaboration. These gatherings help organizations learn from each other and identify opportunities for partnership.

Resource Sharing

Through our network, organizations can share resources, including office equipment, meeting space, and expertise. This cooperative approach helps small organizations stretch their resources further.