Hello.Belonging.™
How We Got Started
Common Ground Society all began at preschool. Larkin and Jessica did a presentation on Down syndrome at their children’s preschool for World Down Syndrome Day in 2018.
Covered in the Press Democrat, news of the presentation quickly spread and many of Larkin’s teaching colleagues asked “Just Two Moms” (as they became known as) to come and present to their classes. They shifted their focus from just down syndrome to a multitude of diagnoses.
The requests quickly became overwhelming, so they decided to try their hand at all-school assemblies, and they were a hit! You can find the news article about their first presentation here.
Our Team
Jana Adams
President
Larkin O'Leary
Co-Founder /COO /Vice President
Emily King
Treasurer / Presenter
Maria Peralta
Secretary
Emily Peterson
Member At Large / Presenter
Common Ground Society™ DEI Statement
Common Ground Society™ [CGS] reaffirms that our organization, groups, and platforms are safe spaces for all people. We are proud to announce the formation of the CGS Diversity Committee and the adoption of our diversity, equity, and inclusion statement:
Disability is the largest minority in the world. CGS acknowledges the intersectionality of disability and diversity. We recognize every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission of inclusion. We celebrate and support the contributions of all people.
We strive to create a safe and equitable space for people from every class, race, culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, and all statuses of citizenship.
CGS is dedicated to furthering cultural sensitivity and the equitable inclusion of all people by challenging ourselves and others to continuously expand understanding of the diverse needs in our growing community.
CGS proclaims with words and actions that ours must be a just community where harassment, intimidation, discrimination, and violence are always unacceptable; that all forms of prejudice and hatred will not be tolerated.
We acknowledge that diversity, equity, and inclusion require ongoing learning and growth. CGS considers this to be a living document, and we welcome and encourage feedback.
We pledge to honor and uphold this DE&I statement and the values it embodies. Please join us in showing your commitment to these ideals by reposting, commenting below, sharing with others, or reaching out to us.