What Others are Saying

"Common Ground provided training in March 2008 for the Lehigh Carbon Community College 21st Century SHINE After-School Program. The training, "Inspiring Educators," invoked much response from teachers and educational interns. One intern commented, "I did not expect to learn so much about myself and why I am so passionate about becoming a teacher." A teacher with over 30 years of experience in education stated, "The training made you reflect and evaluate your purpose in life and the goals you set for yourself." A college intern and parent of a child in SHINE said,"For me, Craig's training hit me when he told us to Live your passion! I think as children we do just that but as adults we forget and just go though the motions of life. If more people were given opportunities to live their passion the world would be a better place. I feel in some way, that is what we are giving 'our kids' in the SHINE Program, the ability to live their passion."

Jeanne Yoho Miller, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Director of Carbon and Schuylkill County Educational Services
SHINE After-School Program, Carbon County, PA (2008)

"Craig Bowman has worked with me over the last four years as a consultant for several federally funded training and technical assistance projects aimed at strengthening youth development programs. My experience with Craig has been superior in all aspects. Craig has always delivered top notch results for a variety of projects including training sessions, keynotes, capacity building events, in-depth one-on-one consultation, and writing assignments. He is particularly skilled at motivating staff members to find their passion for fundraising and energizing board members. Craig has the rare ability to effectively teach concepts related to diversity and tolerance. His vast knowledge of youth development and sustainability planning creates a winning combination for not-for-profits and state-based groups looking to strengthen their programs. Personally, Craig is upbeat, positive, and flexible. His outgoing and positive personality makes participants feel supported and comfortable. Most of all, I appreciate Mr. Bowman's flexibility. He is able to read his audiences and adjust training activities and site visits on a moments notice to meet client needs. He has also been willing to take assignments in some of the least desirable locations on very short notice. I am delighted to provide this recommendation and truly believe that Mr. Bowman is an excellent consultant."

Amy Cannata
Senior Program Advisor, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, OR (2008)

As a result of Common Ground's work with World Learning and the Open Society Institute Foundation in Macedonia, an article was written for a local newsletter. It has been translated here: Download PDF

Article in Prosveten Rabotnik

"Dear Craig, Violeta and I never got a chance to tell you how much we enjoyed the Ohrid [Macedonia] Mentoring Training you delivered in such an enthusiastic and authentic manner. It was one of the rare trainings we both stayed to follow, regardless of the fact whose turn was it to translate.

Actually, your training methods and strategies, the approach you adopted, and Victor Hugo's quotes have been the subject matter of the translators' table in a crowded Skopje cafe in the past two weeks, and that in itself, puts you in the spotlight of one of the most critical and anti-mainstream professional groups in a city that in the past 15 years of transition has seen everything and everybody and is very rarely impressed. Anyway, thank you once again for putting so much effort and professional commitment into making a change in our small, but incredibly important Macedonian reality."

Svetlana Spasovska
Interpreter/Translator, Skopje, Macedonia (2007)

"I would like to take the opportunity to let you know how fortunate we are to have you as a core member of the MRC team. I can always count on you to deliver presentations that are consistently excellent. Your command of the subject matter is so well showcased because of your gifted understanding of human nature and your ability to reach not only minds but participant's hearts and souls. I'm included in that group. Thank you for your powerful contribution to mentoring."

Judy Taylor
Director, Mentoring Resource Center, Folsom, CA (2007)

"I chanced upon Craig's website in early 2007, and was impressed and inspired by everything I read on it. Ever the sceptic, I first wanted to see what Craig's response to my initial inquiry would be before deciding whether to move forward. I was not clear in what capacity we could work together, so I wanted to see whether we were compatible. I was hooked from day one. Within an hour, he responded to my email and agreed to fit me into his tight schedule while working in Europe. At our first meeting, we chatted about ourselves, our backgrounds, what motivates us in our day-to-day work, etc. I knew that this was someone I wanted to work with.

After nine months of planning, Craig arrived in Amsterdam for what we had agreed would be a diversity workshop. After extensive one-on-one's with individual staff members the night before, Craig felt that we needed to tackle the issue of trust as an organisation before discussing diversity. And that is what we did. The session was everything I expected, and yet not what I expected at all. Craig is different from any consultant I have ever met in that he tailors his workshops...no cookie-cutter models with him; no set agenda for the day; no unnecessary ice-breakers we've all done a million times. Everything is fresh, thought out AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE, depending on the organisational needs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and he has left an indelible impression on our organisation, with one of our team members stating at a follow-up staff meeting..."Craig for President!" We hope the Craig will continue working with us, aiding us and inspiring us. With admiration..."

Leticia Vasquez
Head of Advocacy, Child Helpline International, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2007)

"After attending a recent training on Diversity with Craig Bowman of Common Ground Consulting, I am inspired to write a testimonial on his behalf. Having been in the social work profession for over twenty five years, I have attended numerous trainings and have listened to a multitude of speakers. Craig Bowman's presentation on the topic of Diversity was the most inspirational, thought provoking, and 'hands on' presentation that I have experienced in my career.

The participatory nature of his workshop is particularly effective and cause for serious self examination of one's beliefs and value system. For the first time in my life, I experienced not only what I inadvertently may have done in judging others but also what it feels like to be judged and to be stereotyped. Never before have I attended a workshop having felt such a new sense of self-awareness. The dynamic exercises of Craig's training will permanently impact me both personally and professionally. Craig's presentation style, material, and techniques are world class, and I feel fortunate to have been able to attend one of his sessions. In fact, I have asked for our organization to organize a Part II so we can bring Mr. Bowman back for another thought provoking professional development session."

Glen Tilot
Social Worker, Brown County Human Services Department, Green Bay, WI (2007)

"The workshop that Craig facilitated was very powerful. It made us all look at one another and see that we had lots of things in common even though we all looked different. It was very moving for me to see people open up and not be judged as they participated.  The "Crossing the Line" exercise is definitely one that I will be using in my next Diversity Session. The participants all walked away going 'Wow!'"

Jeanne A. Agneessens
Program Manager, Leadership Green Bay, Green Bay, WI (2007)

"We contracted with Craig to deliver intensive sustainability workshops for a cohort of mentoring programs, many of which are facing imminent funding decreases. Craig was delightful to work with and participants responded extremely positively to his presentation and materials. In the words of one participant, "Craig is great at connecting with the audience ... no one wanted to let him go!"

Nicky Martin
LEARNS and SaYES Project Director, Volunteer Leadership Center at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, OR (2007)

"Craig has worked as a consultant with EMT for several years and has always delivered superior services. He is responsive, timely, and has a highly diversified knowledge base - one of those rare individuals who can write, facilitate, and present workshops and keynotes equally well. His knowledge of organizational development is unsurpassed and he makes complex subjects easy to understand and implement. He delivers the best diversity workshop I've seen. Conference management is a major part of my job and working with Craig is enjoyable and uncomplicated. He is truly a joy to work with before, during and after events. He is always one of our highest rated presenters and I cannot recommend him highly enough!"

Lisa Scott
Program Manager, Mentor Resource Center & EMT Associates, Folsom, CA (2007)

"Craig, before you came, we were in dire straits facing an overwhelming transition in our organization. The Board definitely felt unprepared and fearful. Then, you arrived. Almost immediately the tension and apprehension about dealing with all these changes began to dissipate. Over the next few days, you really helped us all to regain our footing and begin strategizing a plan that we could all live with - the Board and the staff. You helped us find common ground in a time when we were having trouble with simple communication and planning. You really saved the day and put us on the right track. I believe we will be able to survive this challenging time, succeed beyond our dreams and sustain our vision into the future thanks to your guidance. Of course to do that, more than one of us says WWCD (what would Craig do) at least once a day. Thanks for everything!"

Lea Chatham
Board Chair, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park County, Livingston, MT (2007)

"It was unalloyed pleasure to work with Craig - he surpassed all our expectations! In the brief but powerful time we had with him, he helped us find insights, strengths, motivation, strategies and resources to help our organization take the necessary next steps. Craig is versatile, knowledgeable, insightful, honest, supportive, passionate, and uplifting. He helps us believe in ourselves and convinces us that we can do it. We could all use a regular dose of Craig!"

Ginny Burley
Director, Community Connections, Montpelier, VT (2007)

"You're a splendid facilitator.  I've told so many people the story of how you used story-telling/personal sharing with candles and food to enable the young people to experience the connecting they so much want and deserve, instead of numbing the pain of loneliness with alcohol.  It was so brilliant of you.  And I include in my story the reservations I had about whether they could really pull that off.  So happy to be wrong, and to watch a friend and colleague do an out of the box design based on confidence in the trainees!"

George Lakey
Founder, Training for Change, Philadelphia, PA (2007)

"Craig, it was really great working with you the last couple of days! Thanks for your honesty, perception, sensitivity, expertise and advice. I feel we will be able to make important steps forward as a result of our work with you. Thanks again for your inspiration. And for teaching us how to work with our passion. You lead by example!"

Deb Wolf
Director, Washington Central Friends of Education, Montpelier, VT (2006)

"It was a great pleasure to work with Craig again. He is incredibly multi-functional. Because of his knowledge, insight, experience and skills, CHOICE managed to change its structure in a more effective way, which will definitely help us move forward; he makes strategic planning and organizational development exciting; is a coach for individual staff; and he even manages to offer life lessons along the way. We definitely want to see you back in the Netherlands for our next strategic weekend!"

Rose Koenders
Coordinator, CHOICE for Youth & Sexuality, The Netherlands (2006)

"What surprised me about Craig is not only the high quality of his workshops, but also his great ability to adapt to the groups he works with. I had great pleasure working with Craig and I would not hesitate to confer further trainings I organize to him. Thank you for contributing in making ISSSA X a huge success!"

Judith Fiss
Director, International Summer School to Stop Aids (ISSSA), Belgrade, Serbia (2006)

"Craig, I just wanted to let you know that my participation in the MANY Conference was worthwhile because of your workshops and knowledge. Thanks again for the inspiration and great insight!"

Craig Wagoner
Chief Operating Officer, Children's Home Society of West Virginia, Charleston, WV (2006)

"Craig provided our staff with an excellent training in the area of diversity. He deftly tailored the workshop to match the staff's needs and interests. We would not hesitate to ask him to return and provide further training"

Rory Madden, Ed.D., PC
Program Administrator, Project SMART, Winslow, AZ (2006)

"Our group has some unique challenges that Craig was able to isolate and address immediately. Although we still have a long way to go, his guidance and approach has brought us much closer to a solution. He went above and beyond his call of duty with us and, for that, we are very much appreciative."

Patti Aldaz-Carrasco
Associate Director of Training, Communities in Schools, Alexandria, VA (2006)

"Thanks for sharing the hopefulness and the inquisitive energy of your passions and thoughts with us. I wish I had more access to that in my life and more of that in me . . . maybe now I will."

21st Century Community Leadership Center Coordinator, Pennsylvania (2006)

"Colin Powell said 'You give me the right people, and I don't much care what organization you give me. Good things will happen. Give the wrong people, and it doesn't matter what you do with the organization. Bad things will happen.' Craig gave us the inspiration to motivate the right people so good things will happen for our organization!"

Margaret Staab
Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Wyoming, Worland, WY (2006)

"Craig's training and design class is one of the best courses I've had throughout all of grad school—practical, challenging, and very useful."

Niles Comer
American University International Training & Ed Program, Washington, DC

"We've hired Craig to provide a variety of high-quality programs and he remains one of our most popular trainers."

Nancy Johnson
Mid-Atlantic Network of Youth and Family Services (MANY), Florida

"I've known Craig for twelve years and his commitment to educating and empowering young people is unwavering."

Chris Murphy
Executive Director, City Year DC, Washington, DC

"Without Craig being there to facilitate and guide the process, with everlasting patience and energy, our team could not have achieved so much."

Anneke Wensing
Executive Director, CHOICE, The Netherlands

"Craig brings tremendous passion and effort to everything he does. This passion allows him to build instant credibility with his audiences and with other national and international leaders in the fields of youth development and non-profit and NGO sustainability."

Dragana Stojanovic
Director, Yugoslav Youth Information Center, Belgrade, Serbia

"I have finally found some time to sit down and read some of your blog and [website] materials . . . I have spent my entire life, thus far, searching for a way to express my passion for others, social justice and progressive change. I am struck by your passion and, really, how it ignites a flame for me."

Marsha J. Streby
WMS Mentoring Project, Indiana (2006)

"I heard Craig speak in San Antonio, too; and I love his teaching style-very visual, interactive, knowledgeable and balanced. I also like the fact that he includes everyone and when you ask a question he is very respectful."

Workshop Participant
Department of Education Training, Florida (2006)

Featured Recommendation (More Available Upon Request)

Featured Recommendation (More Available Upon Request)

November 19, 2005

To Whom It May Concern:

Our agency, the National Mentoring Center, has worked with Craig Bowman since its inception in 1999 when Craig joined our project as a member of our Training Cadre and as a freelance writer. Our experience working with Craig has been nothing but positive and he has contributed significantly to the success of our project.

Craig brings tremendous passion and effort to everything he does. This passion has allowed him to build instant credibility with our training audiences and with other national leaders in the youth development field. He has tremendous skills in building relationships with individuals and institutions. Because of these skills, we've often asked Craig to take on many of the more difficult tasks our Center engages in: training on controversial topics, writing on building effective partnerships, and doing site visits to troubled mentoring programs.

Craig was able to excel at these tasks because of his ability to connect his knowledge and passion to the concerns, values, and needs of clients. He is especially skilled at getting groups to find common ground and in building consensus and teamwork, a natural extension of his abilities to relate well with others and bring a positive approach to difficult work.

In general, Craig has always been highly organized and has consistently met project deadlines. He has excellent verbal and written communication skills. His work for us—whether training, writing, or consulting—has always been of the highest quality and he has simply been a pleasure to work with both personally and professionally. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information or recommendation.

Sincerely,

Michael Garringer
Resource Advisor
National Mentoring Center
101 SW Main Street, Suite 500
Portland, OR 97204
503.275.9647
garringm@nwrel.org

Recommendations Archive

• CHOICE, for youth and sexuality (PDF)
• Healthy Future Consulting (PDF)
• Youth of Jazas (PDF)
• National Mentoring Center (PDF)
• U.S. Department of State (PDF)
• YouAct (PDF)
• Yugoslav Youth Information Center (PDF)