Good conversation. Clear decisions. Everyone heard.
The Commons helps small communities have better conversations and make real decisions together. It captures what people say, helps everyone see the big ideas, and includes simple ways to vote, prioritize, and share feedback -- so you can turn talk into action without spending weeks chasing notes.
Works with tools you already use -- like Google Drive -- so your information stays under your control.
What We Heard
What Matters Most
- Water access
- Main street safety
- Local jobs
Commons Space
Hover the ring and dots for expected share vs observed participants.
A commons is a gathering place. This one helps you remember -- and move forward.
Most community conversations lose steam because the real work starts after people leave: typing up notes, summarizing, following up. The Commons does that work while people are still in the room, so everyone can respond right away and leave knowing what happens next.
How it works
Small groups, real conversation
People talk. No one is stuck taking notes. Everyone can listen and contribute.
We capture what matters
Clear transcripts and organized themes -- the substance of what people said.
Find direction before you leave
See where people agree, surface the big ideas, and gather quick input (votes, rankings, what is missing) -- all while you are still together.
What you walk away with
What We Heard
A clear picture of the conversation
- Main themes and important ideas
- Where people agreed -- and where they did not
- A summary anyone can read and share
Simple ways to move forward (not just a record)
- Vote on options
- Rank what matters most
- Quick prompts (what are we missing? what stood out?)
This is what makes The Commons different: it does not just document what happened -- it helps you decide what comes next.
Themes
Agreement
Tensions
Next input
Commons Space
Make sure you are hearing from your whole community -- no surprises.
The Commons helps you see whether the people in the room reflect the community you are trying to serve. Simple, optional check-ins show you who is participating -- and who might be missing -- so you can adjust outreach and report back honestly.
- See who is in the room at a glance
- Spot gaps and adjust your outreach
- Share participation summaries with funders, boards, or neighbors
Ring = expected community mix. Dots = who actually showed up.
Not sure where to start? We have got you covered.
The Commons includes structures, timelines, and discussion prompts -- so small towns can run strong community conversations without needing a big budget or hiring outside help.
Listening Sessions
Framing Issues
Exploring Options
Weighing Tradeoffs
Setting Priorities
Planning Next Steps
Your conversations. Your control.
- Sessions are recorded so everyone can focus on listening -- not note-taking
- Audio gets turned into text transcripts automatically
- You choose whether to keep the audio or delete it after
- People are not named in outputs unless they choose to be
- Stored in your own workspace (your permissions apply)
Privacy controls
Toggle to delete after processing.
Options include Group or Named (optional).