Gathered in Purpose, Grounded in Place
A meaningful gathering is more than a well-decorated room or a delicious meal – it’s an experience shaped by intention, purpose, and presence. It begins with a clear "why" – not just a theme, but a purpose that resonates deeply. The most memorable gatherings are those rooted in shared values and a sense of collective possibility.
When we gather with intention, we create space for more than conversation – we make room for connection, transformation, and awe. A good gathering invites people to arrive fully, to engage with one another and the world around them in ways that feel grounded and expansive.
It’s about creating moments where people feel seen, moved, and part of something larger.
That’s why we host the Common Ground Summit on our campus on the north shore of Kaua’i. This place is not just a backdrop – it’s a participant in the experience. The land has deep roots and layered histories, held and stewarded by generations of Native Hawaiian families and local community members who remain deeply connected to its story. Being in a place with such richness and meaning invites participants to ground themselves not only in the physical setting, but in a deeper sense of kuleana (responsibility), reciprocity, and relationship. It reminds us that the work we’re doing doesn’t exist in abstraction: it lives in real places, with real histories, and real people.
Place plays a powerful role. A thoughtfully chosen location – one that reflects the purpose of the gathering – can open people up, anchoring the experience in something tangible and real. Being in a place that speaks to the gathering’s purpose allows participants to connect not just with each other, but with their environment in a more embodied way. It invites presence.
Good gatherings also invite people out of their routines. They create a sense of “otherworldliness,” a break from the familiar that allows people to show up with their full attention and heart. Every element – from the guest list and partnerships to the setting and sensory experience – should reinforce the central purpose, inviting people into a shared rhythm and sense of belonging.