Common Ground Photo Gallery
Saturday
Participants arrived at Camp Don Lee! The theme for the day was Privilege and Power, universal themes of all discrimination and prejudice. An activity called "The Privilege Walk" and the film The Color of Fear were the main components of the day. Participants had several hours in the afternoon to go boating, sailing, and canoeing, or to relax on shore with new friends.
Sunday
John Jackson, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, brought the discussions to a concrete level with a talk about race and racial constructs. In the afternoon, participants carried on the lively conversations in free time and small group discussions. The night ended with a bonfire, marshmallows, and spontaneous dancing on the beach.
Monday
Led by Robyn Wiegman, head of the Women's Studies department, the Common Grounders delved into gender, sex, and sexuality. With provocative questions and endless energy, Prof. Weigman made connections between racial discrimination, gender discrimination and sexuality discrimination. Small group discussions enabled students to process the information and prepare to leave.
Tuesday
This group of students, once strangers, boarded the bus for home as an intensely knit community. Phrases such as "life changing" and "amazing experience" flew around the camp group as the Common Grounders acknowledged one another's gifts and accomplishments over the 4 days.
Photo Gallery
Common Ground - Fall 2003
Many of the important conversations of Common Ground occurred at night, which was facilitated by the gorgeous views and wonderful weather along the Neuse River in eastern North Carolina.
Team building and group boding were crucial components of the Common Ground experience.
Between dialogue sessions, participants enjoy sailing, canoeing, reading, and relaxation.
Facilitator Seema Parkash and Director Christopher Scoville enjoy a moment of conversation and relaxation during the busy 4-day retreat.
A group of Grounders share a laugh during an outdoor activity.
A student takes a sailboat out for an evening cruise.