Common Ground
Officers:
President – Lisa Byrd
Vice-President - Angela Vickers
Secretary – Tina Singletary Taylor
Treasurer – Richard Neal
Parliamentarian(s) – Joanne Howell and Barbara McCray
Hospitality Chairperson – Debbie Kolesar
Common Ground is a group of adults interested in self-advocacy for people with
developmental disabilities. Members strive to be better self-advocates, learn
their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and enjoy social activities and
community outings.
Who can attend?
Common Ground is an open group and welcomes anyone who is interested in self-advocacy
for adults with developmental disabilities.
Who are members?
Currently Common Ground has approximately 40 active members. 40% of the members
live in group homes; 30% live with their parents; and 30% share apartments or
live independently.
When and where are meetings?
Common Ground meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month 7:00
p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Meetings are located at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011
Academy Road, Durham, NC 27707.
At meetings, members discuss general group business and make decisions about
Common Ground activities. Typically, there is a guest speaker on the 4th Monday
of the month. In the past, topics of interest have included:
- Personal Safety
- Consumer Rights
- Voter Registration
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Communication
- Community Service Options
- Nutrition
- Independent Living.
Common Ground Activities
Monthly Events
There are a variety of monthly activities and outings to enjoy year round. Among
them:
Dinner and Movie Night
2nd Friday of the month
$6.00 per person plus cost of dinner.
Monthly Dances
3rd Saturday of the month
September - November and January - May
$2.00 per person
Pizza and Game Night
4th Friday of the month
January - October
$5.00 per person.
NC Self-Advocacy Convention
Many Common Ground members attend
this convention each Spring.
Contribute to Society
Demonstrating a commitment to society, Common Ground participates in an array
of community service projects.
How to become a Common Ground Member
Common Ground is sponsored by The Arc of Durham County, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities and their families
live, learn, work and play in mainstream society. By joining Common Ground,
you also become a member of the Arc of Durham County.
Contact The Arc at 919-493-8141 to get an application for Common Ground.
