The Story Behind Common Ground

The vision to launch The Common Ground Consortium was born during one of the most uncertain periods in modern history.

In 2020, as the world slowed down and communities everywhere began reflecting on how we view, support and treat one another, I realized something that had been quietly building throughout my professional career.

For years, I had worked inside companies and corporations supporting engagement & delivering diversity programs—facilitating conversations about empathy, cultural awareness, and respect.

But I began to see that much of that work stayed inside the walls of the organizations where it was delivered.

Well, I finally realized “Real Life” happens outside those walls.

Authenticity happens outside the 9 to 5, when we become who we truly are.

It happens in our neighborhoods, our schools, our churches, and the everyday spaces where people interact freely—without policies, mandates, or corporate expectations.

And that’s where understanding matters most.

The Common Ground Consortium was created to bridge that gap.

It is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to bringing people together across differences through mentorship, dialogue, cultural experiences, and collaborative community initiatives.

Our work is rooted in a simple belief: When people find Common Ground, communities thrive.

Inclusion Reimagined

The Common Ground Consortium represents a new way of thinking about inclusion.

It is:

Inclusion innovated.
Inclusion amplified.
Inclusion applied.

It is immersive, experiential, and community-centered.

Through events, mentorship initiatives, youth engagement programs, cultural experiences, and collaborative partnerships, we help individuals and organizations discover what becomes possible when people come together with curiosity and respect.

At its heart, the Consortium is built around a simple but powerful belief:

With your support, we are creating spaces where people can connect, learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and rediscover what unites us.

Together, we are building something powerful:

A movement where understanding is chosen, empathy is practiced, and communities grow stronger—one connection at a time.

Why Your Donation Matters

When you support The Common Ground Consortium, you are helping create spaces where understanding, connection, and collaboration can thrive.

Your contribution helps us bring people together across cultures, generations, and experiences through programs designed to strengthen communities and build meaningful relationships.

With your support, we are able to:

• Host community events that bring neighbors together in dialogue and shared experiences

• Create cross-cultural mentorship opportunities for youth and adults

• Support leadership and engagement initiatives that strengthen communities

• Partner with schools, colleges, and organizations to expand opportunities for connection and understanding

• Build programs that encourage collaboration instead of division

Every donation—large or small—helps create environments where people can listen, learn, and grow together.

Together, we are building something bigger than a program.

We are building a movement where differences become dialogue and communities find Common Ground.

A Note about the Founder

Kyle Yvette Young

The Common Ground Consortium was founded by Kyle Yvette Young, a longtime advocate for inclusion, cultural understanding, and community collaboration.

Kyle created the Consortium after more than two decades of working inside organizations and realizing that the most meaningful work of understanding one another often happens outside the workplace — in our communities, our conversations, and our shared experiences.

Her vision is simple but powerful:

Create spaces where people can connect across differences, build relationships, and rediscover what unites us.

Learn more about Kyle’s work and journey here:

🔗 Kyle Yvette Young on LinkedIn

BUILDING COMMON GROUND🌱

“Where Differences Become Dialogue”

Team Members