Texans are a proud, independent bunch who understand the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. Each of us knows we have a role to play in building a more civil society. This is where Common Ground USA (CG-USA) plays an important role. CG-USA’s work in Texas brings people together—from neighbors to community champions to state-level leaders—to build a stronger Texas. Come to find out, this topic is important for many Texans. A 2024 CG-USA poll found that 90% of Texans said they were “concerned” about people’s inability to manage political differences in civil, respectful ways.
CG-USA is part of Search for Common Ground, a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit organization focused on strengthening communities by lowering the political temperature and increasing collaboration. Its goal is to ensure that Texas remains a place where families can thrive, differences are respected, and competition continues to drive opportunity without being torn apart by political division.
Across Texas, CG-USA has been creating spaces where people come together in real life, share a meal, and talk openly about the communities they want to build. Through events such as Together We Dine™ (TWD), CG-USA partners with Project Unity, local leaders, and community groups to bring people to the same table in cities across the state. The format is simple, but the goal is ambitious: reduce barriers, deepen understanding, and strengthen community ties.
These conversations are centered on the desire for civil discourse despite political differences. It’s an opportunity to create spaces where people can engage in difficult conversations with respect and curiosity, not to resolve disagreements in a single evening.
This work comes at a time when there are bad actors trying to divide our communities and concerns about political violence are growing. With an increase in threats and harassment against elected officials, there are rising concerns that these tensions will boil over into broader communities. This alone underscores the need and importance of gathering together to set a different tone.
That spirit of gathering matters in Texas, where communities are large, diverse, and often stretched thin by distance, work, and daily pressures. A shared dinner can become a rare pause in the week—a chance to listen, connect, and feel part of something bigger. CG-USA’s approach is grounded in the belief that real-world connection still matters, especially when people are facing social isolation or growing distrust.
CG-USA captures many of these moments through video, sharing participant experiences and reflections across Texas. One TWD participant in Houston reflected, saying, “I’m more willing to listen when presented with info in a safe setting like this.” Another in Midland stated, “Our community should be more sensitive to each other’s thoughts and communicate more often like this.” In addition to hosting Together We Dine™ events, CG-USA has expanded this work through the Common Ground Gatherings initiative. Created to support individual and community desires for small-scale convenings that continue building connection at the local level.
CG-USA’s work in Texas reflects a broader truth: communities are strongest when people have opportunities to show up for one another. Whether the setting is a neighborhood hall, a community center, or a table shared over dinner, the outcome is the same—more conversation, more understanding, and more reasons to stay connected. In a state as big as Texas, those small moments of common ground can have a lasting impact.
What You Can Do
For those interested in getting involved with this work, there are a few simple ways to start: attend a local event, host a gathering in your community, or explore their resources to find an array of actions that fit just for you. To learn more, visit cg-usa.org or contact the Texas Office at cgusa-texas@sfcg.org.