Summary

Common Ground USA (CG-USA) is seeking an individual or a team of consultants who can evaluate lessons learned in our programs across geographies (Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas) and identities (political, racial, gender, age, class), to recommend actions to improve future project iterations. In particular, the study must examine the link between resiliency networks of local and state community leaders and the mitigation of political violence in states where the networks operate.

Common Ground USA (CG-USA) is seeking a team of consultants who can evaluate lessons learned in our programs across geographies (Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas) and identities (political, racial, gender, age, class), to recommend actions to improve future project iterations. In particular, the study must examine the link between resiliency networks of local and state community leaders and the mitigation of political violence in states where the networks operate.

Candidate teams should have experience researching political violence prevention strategies, and also have experience in program evaluation. Ideal teams will have experience in applied research and iterative programs design, in other words using research and evaluation to inform program design. This consultancy is project-funded.

Context

Common Ground USA

CG-USA pursues projects that enable enduring change through “Dignity of All,” or multi-partiality, the premise that enduring solutions require ownership from across divisions. CG-USA is an office of Search for Common Ground (Search). Search is an international conflict transformation NGO that aims to transform the way individuals, groups, governments and companies deal with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. Headquartered in Washington DC, USA, and Brussels, Belgium, with field offices in 29 countries, Search designs and implements multifaceted, culturally appropriate and conflict-sensitive programs using a diverse range of tools, including media and training, to promote dialogue, increase knowledge and determine a positive shift in behaviors.

Over Zero

Over Zero builds whole-of-society resilience to identity-based violence and other forms of political violence. Over Zero works with local leaders, civil society, global peacebuilding practitioners, and researchers to create educational resources and tools; and builds place-based programs that anchor this work. Over Zero supports a wide range of organizations, communities, and cross-sector leaders with resources, advising, and connections to effectively use their platforms to prevent and address political violence. Over Zero is building coordination and rapid response systems that connect local, state, and national leaders, organizations, and resources in the face of potential risks.

The Project

The joint Common Ground USA and Over Zero Resilient States Project (RSP) aims to prevent the United States from becoming a place where violence, intimidation, and harassment are used to define who gets to participate in civic life. RSP is working with civic leaders, like those from the business, education, faith, and veteran communities, who are interested in reducing and preventing the tension, toxic polarization, and violence that is making our politics worse.

In target states of Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Texas, the project has built networks of leaders from diverse backgrounds and geographies who take coordinated actions to prevent, defuse, and respond to political and identity-based violence. RSP provides network facilitation, expertise, resources, and advice, when needed, while supporting participants’ visions and priorities for the change they want to see in their communities. Over Zero supports the Ohio and Arizona networks while Common Ground USA supports the networks in Pennsylvania and Texas.

Objectives of Study

This final evaluative study will seek to test the project’s theory of change, measure program outcomes, identify possible changes to the project’s approach to improve its outcomes - including the most effective activities and adaptations made during the life of the project, and determine if the project is addressing the root causes of the problem.

This study will become the foundation of a best practices guide for state-cohort-resiliency models, and as such needs to emphasize lessons learned and examples of what’s working.

Selection Criteria

Relevance of proposed methodology to the goal, objectives, and research questions for the project.
Candidate capacity and experience
Method of approach
Budget (inclusive of travel and accommodation) in relation to proposed methodology, deliverables and team.
Timeline for proposed activities.

Applications

To apply, interested candidates (individuals or teams) are requested to submit the following two documents: Resume(s); A technical proposal proposing a methodology for the study (no more than 3 pages) together with a financial proposal for the completion of the aforementioned deliverables and a short cover letter (no more than 1 page).

Note: Only two documents can be submitted, so the technical and financial proposals must be combined, along with the short cover letter.

Questions on proposals can be sent to eduncan@sfcg.org and will be accepted until March 21, 2025. All applicants will receive answers in writing to all questions submitted.