Project Description

Finding Common Ground in an Uncommon Land was a series of public readings and writer-led discussions held in rural communities in the western high plains of Montana. Hosted by the Billings chapter of The Writer's Voice, the project aimed to provide opportunities for dialogue around issues of land usage, family communication, and intergenerational transfer of ranch property in the communities of Billings and Broadus, MT. To this end, the project's primary activity was a series of public readings of contemporary novels written by The Red Lodge Writers about issues around land usage. Four to six weeks prior to each public program, The Writer's Voice provided community members with advance copies of the each of the writers' books, as well as a syllabus of discussion questions. At each event, the author of the book being discussed read a selection from his/her book and assisted in facilitating the discussions.

Writer's Voice Director Corby Skinner observed, "using literature as a catalyst for dialogue we found amazing similarities between people who had, previously, thought they had very little in common with each other. People felt less threatened by a 'writer' and were eager to meet someone whose work they had read and appreciated. We discovered that the common bond among those gathered was a love and appreciation for the land and lifestyle of the West—a realization that came through clearest in story. We intentionally involved writers whose work deals with a wide variety of topics: water rights, land use, wilderness, wolves, bison, and the use of our natural resources. Rather than choose one specific topic, we allowed communities to choose their own issues, and then let story and narrative lead the discussion. Talking about these issues gave us reassurance that we are not alone; and this knowledge—that others shoulder our problems with us—helps give us the courage to face them." Through this project, The Writer's Voice demonstrated that the arts—particularly literature—could indeed play an integral role in stimulating civic dialogue.

Civic Engagement/Dialogue Activities
Focusing on the regions of Miles City and Broadus, MT, discussions were held offering local residents the opportunity to discuss issues relevant to their ranching communities. Using the power of story as a stimulus, participants explored the personal aspects of human place, history, and balance in nature's design. Dialogues with local residents addressed issues of public interest vs. individual rights and the challenges of sustaining a traditional Western American lifestyle on ranches throughout the area.

Information Sources
Correspondence, Submitted Profile.