Our Approach
At Search for Common Ground, we believe that conflict is not something to be feared but a force that, when skillfully navigated, can drive progress. Our approach combines decades of experience with innovative strategies, grounded in the belief that everyone has a role to play in building peace.
1. Rooted in Local Communities
We know that sustainable change starts from within. With 91% of our staff hailing from the countries and communities we serve, our work reflects local needs, cultures, and perspectives. We don’t impose solutions; we partner with communities to support their leadership in creating lasting peace.
2. Multipartiality at the Core
True peace requires inclusive solutions. We bring together all voices—especially those who disagree—through multipartial coalitions that uphold the dignity of every individual. By building trust and fostering mutual understanding, we create the foundation for breakthroughs that no single group could achieve alone.
3. Turning Conflict Into Progress
Conflict, like fire, can destroy or illuminate. Through our innovative Trust Cycle, we transform small acts of cooperation into pathways for systemic change, restoring relationships and strengthening the social fabric.
4. Practical Solutions for Complex Problems
Our approach isn’t just idealistic—it’s actionable. Whether through joint community projects, policy reforms, or storytelling campaigns, we focus on tangible outcomes that foster trust, safety, and resilience.
5. Scaling Impact Through Innovation
From creating local solutions to influencing global policy, we leverage cutting-edge tools, media, and partnerships to amplify our impact. Every success story becomes a blueprint for others, spreading hope and practical pathways to peace.
6. A Legacy of Leadership
With over 40 years of experience, over 1,200 partnerships worldwide, and recognition as the largest non-governmental peacebuilding organization, we’ve helped transform some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. Our work has shown that conflict is inevitable, but violence is not.
A World of Possibility
Our approach is about more than resolving disputes—it’s about fostering collaboration, strengthening communities, and building a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
