In this, our flagship class, we draw from our experience as artists and individuals to have a dialogue arising from our life together here in community and in larger society. In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song, images and story, we will listen to and learn from the voices of our sisters and brothers from communities represented in our circle. We gather at Common Ground on the Hill in our 32nd summer in the midst of a profoundly challenged world stricken by climate disasters, still emerging from a pandemic and in fear of the next, financial and ecological crises, escalating wars, never-ending nuclear threats, racial crises, the continued unveiling of systemic abuse, issues of immigration, deportation and survival, the omnipresent threat of terror both foreign and domestic, and counter-productive divisive politics. Yet, we also find ourselves at a time of potential for great, needed change. We shall discuss and consider what we are doing, as artists and individuals, to bring about the changes and create the communities that we desire.

Facilitated by Walt Michael.

NOTE: The Search for Common Ground does not run during the virtual week.

‍Traditions Week 2 Speakers:

Monday: Jess McPherson discussing the Susquehanna Indigenous Communities of today

Tuesday: Alice Gerrard will share stories, reflect on her music and answer questions

Wednesday: Filmmaker Richard Anderson will discuss his latest documentary, Stories From Capon Ridge.

Thursday:  Rev. Randy Mayer will bring us up to date about the work of the Green Valley Samaritans who are on the frontlines of the Borderlands in Arizona and Mexico

Friday: Filmmaker, US Army veteran and this year’s leader of the Veterans’ Initiative Semmi Cole will discuss the issues facing veterans in our society and how the arts can help them deal with those issues

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