Common Ground Collective

Chicago has always been a city shaped by generations of newcomers bringing new ideas, cultures, businesses, and traditions to neighborhoods across the city. Our history is inseparable from the communities that continue helping it grow today. Learn more: chicagohistory.org

President Obama offered a powerful reminder against treating people with different viewpoints as enemies. Progress comes not from the extremes, but people listening, engaging, and working together to solve problems.

"People aren't looking for perpetual anger and division. They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect."

Last month, CGC joined families at Telpochcalli Elementary’s Día De Los Niños celebration to talk about why staying engaged in Chicago’s upcoming school board elections matters. It’s simple: Chicago families deserve an independent school board that is focused on students.

Earlier this year, CGC was proud to support @mrdadsfathersclub for their Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance, bringing together more than 100 fathers and daughters for an evening of connection and community. We’re proud to support organizations building stronger community ties.

Chicago’s LGBTQ+ communities have helped shape our city’s neighborhoods, culture and public life for generations. This Pride Month, we celebrate the history of Chicago’s Pride Parade and those who helped build a more inclusive city for all. Learn more: pridechicago.org/parade-history/

Creating stronger pathways for students takes real partnership. This spring, CGC partnered with Elevate 2 Educate and District 10A Board Member Che “Rhymefest” Smith for the Building Futures Series focused on college and career readiness for Chicago students.

As the school year ends, remember: student success isn’t just shaped in the classroom. In Chicago, it depends on consistent follow-through from city leadership and the school board all year long.  Join our fight: cgcollective.org

While long-term solutions are needed, there are resources available right now: 📌988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) 📌NAMI Chicago Helpline: 833-626-4244 📌Illinois Warm Line (non-crisis support): 866-359-7953

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Access to mental health care in Chicago is still uneven and for too many people, getting support isn’t as simple as it should be.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month recognizing the contributions of Jewish communities to U.S. history, culture, and public life. In Chicago, these communities have long shaped civic, cultural, and neighborhood life. jewishamericanheritage.org/who-are-americ…

Want to stay connected to what’s actually moving in Chicago? Join Common Ground Collective for updates on the policies, conversations, and decisions shaping the city — with a focus on what’s practical, realistic, and built to work. Sign up here: mailchi.mp/cgcollective/c…

At CCGC, our work is grounded in Chicago. We take a common-sense approach to progress by advancing policies that are not just ambitious, but workable. Because progress here only matters if it’s something people can actually feel.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. CGC recognizes the impact of AAPI communities in shaping our city, and the work we do every day. From organizing to leadership to cultural contributions, these voices are essential in Chicago. history.com/articles/asian…

May 1 marks International Workers’ Day, honoring the labor movement and the fight for an eight-hour workday. From Chicago to communities across the country, that legacy continues to shape the push for fair wages, safe conditions, and dignity for all workers.

Every worker deserves dignity, safety, and protection. That’s why at CGC we are dedicated to educating and mobilizing local elected officials, building grassroots coalitions, and proactively engaging voters around effective progressive policies.

Workers’ Memorial Day is a time to honor those who lost their lives at work and recognize the ongoing fight for safe and fair working conditions: wsj.com/lifestyle/work…

Stay connected to the work and the people shaping communities across Chicago. Sign up for Common Ground Collective updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved in building a more just and connected city. Join us! mailchi.mp/cgcollective/c…

That’s why we must invest in essential services and avoid short-term fixes and irresponsible borrowing that burden future generations. Learn more about our work: cgcollective.org

As Chicagoans file on this #TaxDay, it's a reminder that we deserve leadership that focuses on responsible government budgeting — because our city’s fiscal health underpins its future.