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Common Ground
In a diverse community like Lansing, Illinois, Common Ground offers opportunities for residents to learn more about each other through one-on-one conversation. The Lansing Journal sponsors the Common Ground program because it aligns with the newspaper’s mission: Building Community.
The articles in this category document the Common Ground experience in Lansing. For more information about the program and the resources participants use, visit the Common Ground library page.
Common Ground to meet at Kdulche on MLK Day
Members of the Common Ground project have chosen to observe the MLK Day holiday by gathering for coffee and conversation at Kdulche Cafe (3521 Ridge Road, Lansing). The public is welcome to join in....
Common Ground members reflect on three-year anniversary and look forward to further impact
...The meeting highlighted the program's impact on personal growth as well as community understanding, as attendees shared their individual stories of how and why they became involved....
Video: Four things anyone can do to build community this summer
LANSING, Ill. (May 12, 2023) – In the Community Room at the Lansing Public Library, 30 people gathered to talk about four specific ways to...
Common Ground members invite community change-makers to public meeting
Monday, May 8, 6 p.m., in the Community Room at the Lansing Public Library
LANSING, Ill. (April 24, 2023) - " want Lansing to be...
Photos: Families come together at Coolidge Health and Wellness Fair
Inaugural event showcases local resources from local organizations
LANSING, Ill. (April 16, 2023) - Families roamed the halls of Coolidge Elementary School on Friday, April...
Common Ground impacts reported to Lansing Area Chamber members
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (March 9, 2023) - The Lansing Journal is a member of the Lansing Area Chamber, and we participate in and...
A Candidate Forum, a Common Ground meeting, a print issue, and more — thank you, February supporters
Above: At the February 28 Candidate Forum, your local newspaper — including, from left, Melanie Jongsma, Josh Bootsma, Jennifer Yos, and Paul Czapkowicz, plus...
Common Ground project participants generate ideas at February 6 meeting
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (February 11, 2023) - A young Black pastor shares his perspective with a White 25-year veteran of the police force....
Local Voices: A Common Ground quarterly meeting recap
Submitted by Sharon GilesThe quarterly meeting of the Common Ground Project met Monday night, February 6, in the lower level of the Lansing Public...
Video: Decorating the Common Ground Christmas tree at Fox Pointe
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (November 27, 2021) – The second season of Common Ground in Lansing has seen growth in membership as well as...
Common Ground celebrates one-year anniversary, welcomes new learners
LANSING, Ill. (July 28, 2021) – It’s been a year since the launch of the Common Ground pilot program, which started in August 2020....
Video: Sneak peek at the Idea Lab, Chief Al plays ball, resident reporter captures fire, and Common Ground goes public
Weekly round-up for July 16, 2021
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 16, 2021) - The Lansing Public Library is in the process of outfitting an...
Common Ground ends pilot program, opens program to the broader public
Celebration and introduction scheduled for Monday, July 26, 7:00pmby Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 10, 2021) - Common Ground launched in Lansing last August, with...
Common Grounders eye future of program at third-quarter meeting
“We’re just going to keep going,” says participant Laurie Crosby
By Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (May 8, 2021) - Laurie Crosby is white; Valerie McDaniels...
Eight months of Common Ground
Well into Lansing’s year-long pilot program, partnerships describe their experience
By Ashlee De Wit
LANSING, Ill. (March 5, 2021) – The year-long Common Ground pilot program...