Thank you for your interest in Find Common Ground
The goal of the Find Common Ground project is to talk to community members to evaluate the potential of implementing the Common Ground dispute resolution model developed in the 1990s to manage the abortion issue. This model establishes workshops for neutral discussions that helps two sides in an intractable issue find common values and needs. This can lead to cooperative projects and other compromises in policy.
Currently states are passing a record number of laws impacting transgender and gender nonconforming students. These laws have a drastic effect on children that are already vulnerable to bullying and mental health issues. The legal process to evaluate and potentially alter these laws will take years. A dispute resolution model like Common Ground takes less time and is less expensive. It may offer a way to help these students more efficiently even if it does not resolve the larger problem.
This project is built upon insight and input via confidential questionnaires and recorded interviews via phone or Zoom with both sides of the issue. I am seeking members of the transgender community including transgender individuals over 18 years old and families of transgender youth as well as community members who support the legislation or are unsure of their position. I am also seeking politicians and other community leaders willing to speak about their positions on the legislation and their insight on the model.
Interviews are confidential and will use the method preferred by the individual. Any question may be skipped based on the comfort of the person being interviewed. They may also add additional statements and insight. There is no judgment. Your honest answers help determine the potential of Common Ground in communities to help transgender youth to be written into an article with the potential for publication and presentation.
Please email or use the message form to the right to ask any questions.
