Building Connection, One Conversation at a Time
At The Common Ground Project, we believe connection is the foundation of understanding. In a time when differences often divide us, our mission is clear: create opportunities for people with different views and experiences to sit together, share stories, and rebuild trust—one conversation at a time.
The project grew from the personal experiences of our co-founder, Rhett Power, a global leadership advisor and former USAID and Peace Corps volunteer, and co- Founder, Cher Murphy, an executive advisor on Talent and anthropologist. From Haiti’s chronic political instability and social unrest, Rwanda’s genocide memorials, the rooftops of Tajikistan and the tense negotiation tables of Afghanistan, our founders have seen what happens when empathy is lost and dialogue breaks down. But they have, also, seen what can happen when people choose to listen, even across the deepest divides. The common ground project is Built on hope, fueled by courage.
Our Story
The Common Ground Project was created to respond to growing division and a widespread breakdown in communication. Inspired by timeless wisdom and reinforced by behavioral science, we offer a simple but meaningful solution:
Invite others to share a meal. Create space for understanding.
Through our ACTION Framework and three trust-building questions, we help people turn difficult conversations into moments of learning and connection. Our goal is not to change minds—but to open hearts.
Why We Exist
Everywhere we look, the cost of disconnection is rising. Families, neighborhoods, workplaces—even long-time friendships—are strained by misunderstanding and fear. The Common Ground Project is a reminder that change doesn’t begin with sweeping policy or politics. It begins at the table—with listening, honesty, and the decision to engage, even when it’s hard.
We’re not here to debate. We’re here to understand.
