Project to help dissimilar groups find common ground

COURTESY PHOTO/BROCK OYLER Volunteers with Global Children's Gardens and The Convergence Project construct a geodesic dome greenhouse in Salida so children can experience year-round gardening.

The Convergence Project identifies common ground goals in the Salida area.
By TRACY HARMON
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Courtesy of The Pueblo Chieftain

The Convergence Project, an nonprofit community-based organization, is working to bring dissimilar groups together to identify and complete projects to benefit the community. Brock Oyler, president and executive director, launched the project recently thanks to a $1,000 donation from an anonymous educator.

Oyler has a master of arts degree in organizational communication from Purdue University with a background in training, development and conflict management. He is providing his services as a facilitator as he meets with groups interested in participating in this new concept of community involvement.

For its first effort, the Convergence Project worked with the nonprofit Global Children's Gardens group to build a geodesic dome which can be used by children's groups for year-round gardening projects. The greenhouse dome was constructed behind the home of Global Children's Gardens Executive Director Allan Werthan, in the 1400 block of H Street.

Two other common ground projects are in the works, according to Oyler. "We are working to partner two area churches, a group of Buddhists and a group of Humanists," Oyler said. "The groups have discussed blending their efforts to support the refurbishment of the Salida Senior Center."

Located at Third and F streets, the senior center will get new carpet, paint or furniture when the groups come together. A $1,000 contribution is being requested to help in the Salida Senior Center remodeling effort.

Another pairing of diverse groups will bring together quiet open space users with all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts.

"We have a lot of groups that use trails respectively but for different uses," Oyler said. "Some of these trails are used by motorized as well as non-motorized users.

"One goal would be to adopt and maintain a trail that all groups could potentially share," Oyler said.

For information, go to the Web site or call Oyler at 719-539-4518.