Common Knowledge is a nonpartisan organization committed to expanding civic participation and civic imagination for a more inclusive and innovative democracy.
We believe that the complex issues facing our governments, economy and environment need the talents and energy of diverse community members. Common Knowledge develops breakthrough civic education and engagement programs that support sustainable social change.
To us, social change is sustainable if:
- It starts with the innate desires and values of the community engaged in the change – based on a collective vision of goals for the future and a mutual understanding of the present situation.
- It is designed with a collaborative mindset that brings forth the best thinking of diverse interests.
- It develops and taps the renewable resources of community capacity (starting with a deep respect for the community’s wisdom and insights).
Common Knowledge is a team of “reflective practitioners” from a mix of disciplines dedicated to empowering communications and collaborative process. Our work is done through a mix of carefully selected client projects and grant-funded programs – all contributing to a cumulative inquiry about more inclusive and innovative approaches to public life.
While we are informed through our association with academics and foundations, our deepest learning comes from our direct field work in and with communities. Our “community-driven design” process has yielded some of our greatest insights about how to use existing untapped resources to accelerate positive social change.
