Common Ground

The origin of “common ground” would logically lie in shared land use; however, the term has always held ideological meaning. Common ground represents points of agreement, even when we disagree about other things. It is a foundation for relationships. As we’ve embarked on “Iowisota”, I have been delighted by the many, many places that we have found common ground. In divisive times, common ground is a blessing.

We have found common ground in the ideology of protecting the ecological integrity of the Upper Mississippi River and the Driftless Region. For some, it is about fishing, hunting or recreation. For others, it is about threatened plant or animal species and clean water. We’ve found allies in Friends of Pool 9, the new Upper Mississippi chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Friends of Yellow River State Forest, the Allamakee County Conservation Board, and many others. This area is a treasure to protect, and thankfully there are many people who agree that we should protect it and care for it.

We have found common ground in women’s networking and education. In Minnesota, I was involved in the Minnesota Women’s Woodland Network (MNWWN), whose purpose is to provide the opportunity to recognize and enhance the role of women in woodland management. I’ve found similar common ground in Iowa through the Iowa Women's Woodland Stewardship Network (WWSN). Iowisota will be hosting a WWSN Fall Forestry Workshop on September 19^th, to build community and demonstrate important forestry practices (invasive species control and forest stand improvement). More information on this free, hands-on learning opportunity can be found on the ISU Natural Resources Extension website. I’ve also found local support for women with InspireHer-Driftless, which serves the community together through charitable works and networking events.

We have found common ground in foraging and local food security through many avenues. We have local farmers’ markets. Some friends garden on a scale large enough to share and teach others (like the Landmark Learning Farm) or teach traditional skills (like Driftless Folk School). There are so many more that I haven’t met yet! I usually attend the Midwest Wild Harvest Festival, and I participate in several Facebook foraging groups, which reveal common ground with connections near and far, new and old. Several of our workshops have been related to foraging, which has brought new friends to our doorstep. All of these interactions teach me new things and broaden my perspectives.

Through the guests who have come to Iowisota for events, we have met many people with whom we have intersections of past experiences and common interests. The intersections include art, natural resources, education, religion, location… the list is endless. We’ve found intersections of purpose with libraries, educators, local businesses, and other organizations. These many intersections lead to relationships and a rich community.  

Of course, there are risks in seeking common ground. When we build relationships, we may fear that the differences we encounter will lead to our own beliefs being diluted or changed. The similarities that we find may lead to competition. But I would counter that these risks lead to growth and learning, so they are risks worth taking.  In these divisive times, community and common ground are foundational to our continued existence and wellbeing. Seek them out and get connected!