Special Gatherings  

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The Search for Common Ground
In this, the flagship class of Common Ground on the Hill, from our experience as artists and human beings, we will have a dialogue arising from our life together here and in the larger society.  In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song 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 fifteenth summer in the midst of a world experiencing crucial financial  and ecological crises, continuing wars, growing nuclear threats, issues of immigration and the continued threat of terror.  Yet, as the recent Presidential election has shown us, we also find ourselves at a time of potential for great change.  We shall discuss and consider what we are doing, as artists and individuals, to bring about the changes that we desire.  To inspire us and help focus our dialog, we will learn of the work of  some of those in our circle.  Kathy Wan Povi Sanchez will once again share the cosmology that, in the shadow of Los Alamos, informs her work with Tewa Women United.  Shura Wallin and Randy Mayer will bring us into their vision and work as Samaritans on the Arizona/Mexico border.  Josh Hisle will sing the songs and tell the stories that define his journey as a two-tour Marine veteran of the Iraq War.  Paul Creighton will reveal the nonviolence and multicultural curriculum that he has created and brought to the disadvantaged school children of urban Scotland.  Kibibi Ajanku will tell us of her thirty-year sojourn in Baltimore, bringing inspired African traditions to the people of the inner city. Ira Zepp's most recent book Pedagogy of the Heart will be discussed as we consider how we might become better teachers.  Come to this class seeking change, inspiring yourself and others to walk that path. Period 5, Walt Michael, Moderator; David Carrasco, Reporter 

Growing Up Common Ground: What is America?  Who are the Americans? 
In its second year, Growing up Common Ground, the dialog class of our rising generation, will continue its close look at this country, the environment and our relationship with the world as a whole.  This class has it roots in the Search for Common Ground class and will continue a multi generational conversation about the American identity and what  part we as artists and citizens play in that identity.  America's place in the world is uncertain and the future that the younger generation is faced with is very different than it has been for preceding generations. It is important that we know who we are and what is important to us.  It is our intention to have an open discussion about what it means to be a young American in the 21st century and what we believe we can do to improve our world.  We seek to honor the vision of Common Ground on the Hill and continue a new inclusive dialogue that inspires and motivates all those who attend

2008 was a year of change. The face of America changed with the election of America's first multi-racial, African American President. America doesn't look quite the same as it has. What makes an American? From a land of indigenous peoples invaded by missionaries and conquistadores, to slave owners, refugees and slaves, to landowners, servants, frontier people and small town families, to a world power with a diverse immigrant population, just who are we? What does it mean to the American identity, the American people, to accept and elevate its diversity in this way, in electing this President?  Indeed, who can answer "What Is the American Identity?" How do we define it? How does the perception of America's youth about these questions differ from the perception of the older generations? These are some of the questions we wish to examine in this year's class. We will show some examples of the way in which our art and music define us, explore our differences and ultimately celebrate our similarities. Period 5, Octavio Carrasco  & Lee Francis IV  

Interracial Gospel Choir and Orchestra  
Everyone attending and instructing is urged to take part in this daily after-dinner workshop. Very little else is scheduled during this time and the thought of this sound and community event is what sparked Common Ground on the Hill. It embodies our reason for existing here in this place.  Horn players are welcome! After dinner (6:45 - 7:45) led by Shelley Ensor with Derrick McQueen, Glenn Caldwell, A.J. Bodnar, Liza DiSavino, Steve Bloom and  Harry Orlove. 

7th Annual NONVIOLENCE INSTITUTE
Pete Seeger reminds us all that we must not only live our art, our music, and our beliefs, but must also "Pass them on!" Common Ground on the Hill itself is all about passing on these traditions, and The Institute on Nonviolence applies this idea to the nonviolence tradition. Insights about peaceful problem-solving are woven into musical, artistic, and other creative activities in every corner of the globe. The Institute on Nonviolence is a package of four Common Ground on the Hill courses, sampling the nonviolence tradition from different perspectives. The cornerstone of the Institute is the course called Passing It On, which is described below. In addition to Passing It On, participants in the Institute should register for three additional courses chosen from  those listed in The Distinctive Lecture Series. Other courses may be substituted in consultation with Pam and Charlie (see Passing It On).  Participants are also encouraged to attend the 15th Annual Special Gatherings. Institute participants may choose to earn up to 3 or 4 grad or undergrad credits or CEUs. Those taking Passing It On as a single course are eligible to earn 1-2 credits/CEUs for their attendance and participation. If you don’t need credits - just come join us for the fun of it! Note that there is an additional fee for academic credits/CEUs; see the registration form for details.