The Common Ground Experiment

Way to go, Daron Babcock and Bonton Farms!

Awarding of the 2022 Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation to Daron Babcock of Bonton Farms Award Recipient:Daron BabcockCEO, Bonton FarmsWith an instruction by Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Do you remember when we wrote this book? and students wrote it collaboratively just before the pandemic hit. Though it was two school years ago, it was the last time these students had a normal school year. Little did we know we would need the inspiring words in our book now more than ever! Help these students raise money for displaced families resettling in Dallas and give the perfect gift to everyone on your Christmas list at the same time!

Hi Common Ground community! We're back! I want to let you know we are about to share a new project and partnership with you! We are so happy our Wesley Prep students are finally able to connect in our community again! Stay tuned!
In the meantime, check out the exciting things happening at Bonton Farms , one of our former partner organizations.

Your first look: What Bonton Farms plans next as it expands in South Dallas community Bonton Farms is so much more than the romance we have made of its urban gardens and entrepreneurial market, café and coffeehouse -- all tucked into an...

Momentum was one of our favorite Common Ground partners a few years back. My students were so fortunate to have the interns as role models. Now the impact of Cafe Momentum will reach even farther! The model is being replicated I hope you’ll join me on June 1, 2021 for the premiere of the documentary, “BUILDING MOMENTUM”. Together we can learn what the Momentum model is doing to inspire change in the Juvenile Justice System. To watch the livestream hosted by , simply complete this form: https://buildingmomentumfilm.com

Here is another wonderful episode of Colorful Conversations. It was an interview we recorded back in March and it is finally edited and ready to go. Thank you, Daniel Roby for taking the time to visit with my boys. They loved learning about you and Austin Street Center!

A Colorful Conversation with Daniel Roby of Austin Street Center - Colorful Conversations Our guest on this episode is Daniel Roby, CEO of Austin Street Center, an emergency shelter in Dallas. Have you ever wanted to learn more about how you can help those experiencing homelessness in our community? Then this is the episode for you. ...

What a special morning! I'm so grateful for this recognition and generous gift. Thank you Daireds Salon & Spa Pangea all my family and everyone else who supports The Common Ground experiment! Sweet Ford and Iris, your words mean so much to me. I can only hope to live up to them...but the truth is that YOU GUYS and all my students are the TRUE inspiration. Thank you, 4th graders, for reminding us how to find common ground. Your example has forever changed me, and I will always be grateful. https://www.wfaa.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/rise-and-shiners-lori-cousino/287-07d0867e-94fc-4a2d-88d5-9d8d06376053?jwsource=cl

Woohoo! Thank you for supporting Colorful Conversations! Each time you listen, you are validating young changemakers. Please keep listening! Your affirmation makes all the difference. Thank you!
www.commongroundexperiment.org

Our second colorful conversation this week features Chairman Morgan Meyer, Texas Representative for District 108. Chairman Meyer has been gracious enough to meet our class at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on our annual field trip for several years. We have appreciated his example of integrity and bipartisan leadership. This year, because of the pandemic, we met via Zoom, so we decided to turn it into a podcast episode! Hope you enjoy! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1388107/8424297

This week we are excited to share two Colorful Conversations centered on civic responsibility. My students have been learning about how they can be active participants in local and state government, and they have been so fortunate to learn from some amazing leaders and role models. Today you will hear from none other than Mr. Beto O'Rourke! I am still blown away by the fact that my 4th graders were able to spend 20 minutes chatting with him. Thank you, Mr. O'Rourke!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1388107/8404171
To learn more about The Common Ground Experiment or listen to other episodes of Colorful Conversations, go to www.commongroundexperiment.org

This is a very sweet episode of Colorful Conversations. Our amazing sound editor, Eryn Christine Bird was nice enough to allow my students to interview her! Eryn is a great sound editor not only because of her expertise in audio engineering but because she listens deeply. She writes a note to my students after editing every single show, sharing her thoughts and reflections, asking questions, complimenting them on the depth of their discussion, etc. Even though my students had never met Eryn before this episode, she made them feel seen and known and appreciated deeply. Isn't that all any of us can ask for? Thank you Eryn! We appreciate you!

A Colorful Conversation with Eryn Bird - Colorful Conversations This is a sweet episode because my students had the honor of chatting with Ms. Eryn Bird. Eryn is the amazing producer/audio engineer who edits every single episode of Colorful Conversations. She does incredible work, she is always professional...

Looking for a little light and inspiration? Check out the latest episodes of Colorful Conversations! The 4th graders will introduce you to some of the movers and shakers in our community! Go to www.commongroundexperiment.org and click on PODCASTS to listen!