This work group focuses on strengthening and building ties within and between communities by nurturing our physical and metaphorical common ground. A major project of this group is a community gardening initiative that brings people together to increase their access to healthy food, healthy practices, and to the resources we possess as interconnected communities.

Carolina Peace Common Ground began its first community garden in partnership with the Edisto Court Community Council, funded by City of Columbia CANDO grant of $400. The workgroup started a second garden in partnership with the Rosewood Community Council, the Boys & Girls Club, and Parks & Recreation, funded by a second CANDO grant of $400. For the past three summers the group has held the 8-week Summer Children's Workshop Series for young growers at the Boys & Girls Club, Ben Arnold Unit. The Carolina Peace Common Ground Workgroup also works to highlight connections between social justice and environmental issues in collaboration with other organizations, including The Haskell Foundation, Environmentalists Inc., and USC's South Carolina Cancer Disparities Network in the Arnold School of Public Health. In Fall 2006 CPRC Common Ground raised $500 in solidarity with the New Orleans Common Ground Collective as those residents continue to rebuild their communities in the face of systematic injustice.

If you are interested in supporting the community garden project call (803) 446-2772 ((803) I-GO-CPRC).