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.