"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them." Galileo Galilei

As 2006 draws to a close, I am so grateful for the people in my life who make the world we share such an amazing place!

I am having experiences this month that remind me life is about believing in the inherent goodness in people; experiences which remind me that I must choose to be a part of the solutions to some of the most challenging, pressing problems we face in our communities.

This month, I traveled to New Orleans for a powerful workshop on unlearning racism with colleagues from across the country. While there, I presented workshops at Youth Service America?s Youth Service Institute. Back in DC, I also presented my initial sustainability recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Federal Employees? Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA).

I?m writing you now from my apartment in Skopje, Macedonia, where I?m continuing a major engagement with the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) and USAID. This Civil Society Strengthening Project is one of the most exciting USAID initiatives I?ve witnessed. Over the Christmas holidays, I'll be back in Belgrade, Serbia, where I expect to be working often throughout 2007.

I'm fortunate to be able to share our work with you through this email, the blog and website, and our monthly newsletters. I appreciate it so much when you write to share your stories, ask for help, or tell us about a resource you think might be of interest.

If you haven't visited our website yet, I hope you'll take a look. When you get to our site, go to the login area under "Members" on the left, and enter the email address where you are receiving this; and create a password.

After that simple step, you'll have access to dozens of fully downloadable resources (more just added) to help you in your work. You'll also be able to view our snapshots gallery; and I'll be able to involve you directly in our cutting-edge work around the world!

Please accept my personal thanks for helping to make 2006 such a wonderful year! I wish you peace and blessings throughout the New Year!

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If they are interested, they'll be able to sign-up, otherwise, we'll leave them alone. You have my word!

I can't wait for you to get involved in our online community! For almost two decades, Common Ground Consulting LLC has been providing mission-critical consulting services to social profit organizations. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with you. See you on the web!

In Community, Craig

	Quick Tips Newsletter One of the resources we offer to our friends and colleagues is our Quick Tips Newsletter. In them, we offer simple strategies you can implement to improve your social profit experience. Each month, we focus on a specific area of interest to our social sector community; offering tips, tools, and techniques to make your life just a little easier. This month, we talk all about The Magic of Believing. Check it out now...