Note: This event is to be attended online.

Join us for an online Common Ground Workshop on abortion in Illinois. This event is intended for Illinois residents of the Christian faith. The workshop is one of the few opportunities so far for pro-life and pro-choice Illinoisans to meet in equal numbers about this divisive issue under rules that promote listening. The express purpose of the gathering is to do something that gets ignored in heated debate or discussion among likeminded people - a search for values, concerns, and policies that are shared in common by opponents on this issue, even exploring the potential for joint action.

By way of background, the secular version of the Braver Angels Common Ground Workshop usually brings together equal numbers of Conservatives and Liberals - Reds and Blues (4-8 of each) - for a deep dive into a problem, such as addressing climate change, electoral reform or abortion. The faith-based versions of the workshop, used here, involve participants who already share the common ground of a faith tradition. Together participants talk about their connection to the issue and their opinion on solutions that might be agreeable to all. By the end of the 3.5 hour online event they have come up with jointly and unanimously held Points of Agreements on values, concerns and policies.

The Common Ground workshop is an out-growth of Braver Angels signature Red-Blue workshop and allows participants to delve deeper into a single issue. Points of Agreement can be fleshed out at future group meetings, and when possible, lead to joint actions such as op-eds, joint speaking and meetings with legislators.

Goals:

To delve into a single issue where citizens differ and learn how each other sees the problem.
To delineate areas of common ground and points of agreement.
To learn something that might be helpful to others in our community and the nation.

Logistics:

There are two ways to join a Common Ground Workshop:

Participant: A participant will engage in small- and large-group discussions with individuals of both the same and different persuasions about abortion. Participants must identify as leaning to the pro-life position or leaning to the pro-choice position. We will strive for an equal balance of pro-life and pro-choice participants: 4 to 8 people on each side.
Observer/Alternate: An observer/alternate will not participate in the discussions directly but will have the opportunity to watch and listen. Observers/Alternates should be ready to step in and participate as their "side" in the event of participant cancellations. In areas that have a geographic imbalance in abortion stances, allowing for up to 8 Observers/Alternates provides an opportunity for more people to experience a Common Ground workshop.

Who can come? Anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of, and connection with, people whose beliefs about abortion differ from their own. You should honestly be able to answer "yes" to the following question:

“Are you willing to listen to the other side, and are you willing to speak to the other side with respect?”

Everyone who signs up will receive a phone call or email from an organizer. Organizers reserve the right to switch people between Participant and Observer/Alternate status depending on the needs of the workshop.

Questions? Contact Amania Drane at niaenterprises1@comcast.net

Registrations are closed

Finding Common Ground on Abortion (IL - State)