The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

Appendix 1.3
The Search for Common Ground Toolbox
Search for Common Ground has developed almost two dozen operational methods -- which we
cumulatively call our toolbox. These include well-known conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation and
facilitation, and less traditional ones like TV production, wrestling matches, radio soap opera, and community
organizing. We find that applying several tools at the same time increases their overall impact. Thus, we carry out
comprehensive, multi-pronged initiatives. The following list is always a “work in progress” because new tools
constantly emerge. Changing how the world deals with conflict is a dynamic and creative enterprise.
Among our tools, there is considerable overlap. All are, in fact, variations of one core method, as
articulated for us by ANC leader Andrew Masondo: "Understand the differences; act on the commonalities."
1. Forums/Roundtables. Convening opponents for dialogue is at the heart of our work. For instance, we bring
together Arabs and Israelis and American pro-life and pro-choice partisans.
2. Joint Action Projects. Instead of opponents confronting each other as enemies, we ask them to cooperate on
shared problems. An example is in Macedonia where we convene ethnic Slavs and Albanians to clean up the
environment. The Network has put pro-choice and pro-life activists together to work on the issue of preventing
teenage pregnancy.
3. Pro-active Mediation. In places such as Angola, we serve as a mediating force between contending parties.
4. Conflict Resolution Institution Building. We believe that if the capacity for conflict resolution exists
in a society, it is likely to be used. Thus, we work with local partners to sponsor centers in Egypt, Gaza, Jordan,
Lebanon, Macedonia, and Ukraine.
5. Conflict Resolution Training. We provide training -- culturally adapted and reflecting traditional methods
-- in Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Macedonia, and Ukraine. In the United States we train people to lead the
common ground dialogue process.
6. Training in Schools. Courses in conflict resolution not only reduce student violence but also promote
tolerance and improve, in the long run, how a society manages conflict. We have school training programs in Gaza,
Jordan, Macedonia, and Ukraine.
7. Television. We produce TV programs which treat contentious problems within a common ground framework.
We have co-produced series in South Africa, Russia, Macedonia, Sri Lanka, and the US. A new initiative is in the
area of children’s programming.
8. Radio. Radio often reaches much larger audiences than TV. We produce peace-oriented radio in Burundi,
Bosnia, and Liberia. Programs include news, features, and highly dramatic soap opera.
9. Journalist Training. Media coverage of ethnic disputes can ignite violence. In Macedonia, the Middle East,
and Sri Lanka, we have co-sponsored workshops for journalists to help defuse inflammatory coverage.
10. Cross-Ethnic Team Reporting. In Macedonia, with NYU's Center for War, Peace & the News Media,