Home > About Rich's Work > Rich's Speeches and Commentary
Printable Version
Tell a friend
Rich's Speeches
Speeches
To order printed versions of these speeches, please use the publications order form.
Devotion: Declaring Our Intentions in Public LifeAmid a host of public problems, most feel unable to make a difference. Too many Americans have retreated from public life and politics. And, in the vacuum left behind, hope for the future is squeezed out. What does it mean to be devoted to public life? Download the PDF
Creating A New Public Story
If we are to step forth and create change, we must first release the ingrained narrative of despair and lack of faith, and replace it with a new story about ourselves, our communities, and our hopes for the future. It is not enough to talk about the effort Download the PDF
Originating Civic Faith and Self-Trust in America
Throughout our country's history, prominent leaders and thinkers have identified self-trust as one of the key elements that have made America a great nation. However, America is currently undergoing a loss of that spirit. We must regain a sense of self-trust Download the PDF
Moving From a Flat World to a Round World in Public Life
America now seems to be stuck in a "waiting place" full of dilemmas and discontent. If we are to move forward and restore trust and credibility, we will need to develop a whole new model of politics and public life - to replace our current superficial "flat" world. Download the PDF
The Public Realm: Where America Must Address Its Concerns
Over the years, there has been a loss of faith and communication between the citizens of this country and the public institutions that were created to serve them. In order to take effective and meaningful public action, those institutions must reconnect with people. Download the PDF
Articles
Redeeming Hope Through Public Leadership
This year's mad rush to instill hope into public life has begun with the start of the primary election season. But will all this activity lead to the authentic engagement of people and restore their faith in public life?
The Stain of Red and Blue
When I work with community leaders, organizations, and citizens across the nation, I must confess that I never meet people with red or blue faces. Nor have I found people walking down the street in two single files - one red, the other blue. View the article
Dean's Big Decision
Read the commentary
Making Good on our Promises
After 9/11 we heard promises that politics would improve, news media coverage was to become more serious, and citizens were to be more involved. It's fair to say that after an initial surge of activity, such long-term changes haven't come about. Read the commentary
Just How Patriotic Are We?
As America looks forward to a long weekend celebrating its birthday, our thoughts naturally turn to patriotism. In the aftermath of the war in Iraq, and as the first presidential campaign after 9/11 heats up, the subject takes on a new importance. Read the commentary
A new kind of patriotism
Read the commentary
Four Things Citizens Can Do
Read the commentary
Stop Polling. Start Thinking
Read the commentary
Public Benefit: Entree or Side Dish?
Richard C. Harwood's latest article from The Nonprofit Quarterly traces a worrisome trend of public sector organizations toward new types of business models, particularly customer service. Read the commentary
Toxic Talk in the Public Square
Read the commentary
Count on Instincts and Electoral College
Read the commentary
Perplexed, But Not Divided
Read the commentary
Gore's Guilt Trip
Read the commentary
Able, But Willing?
Read the commentary
Are We Done Now With the Posturing?
Read the commentary
Practicing the Politics of Politeness
Read the commentary
Embracing Idealism
Read the commentary
Democratic National Convention - Day 2
Read the commentary
Democratic National Convention - Day 1
Read the commentary
Creative Compassion
Read the commentary
Republican National Convention - Day 4
Read the commentary
Republican National Convention - Day 3
Read the commentary
Republican National Convention - Day 2
Read the commentary
Republican National Convention - Day 1
Read the commentary
Public Benefit: Entree or Side Dish?
Richard C. Harwood's latest article from The Nonprofit Quarterly traces a worrisome trend of public sector organizations toward new types of business models, particularly customer service.
Read the commentary
The Nation's Looking Glass: America's Retreat From Itself
In this article from the Spring 2000 Kettering Review, Richard C. Harwood reports his findings from conversations with Americans about how they define "civic renewal" and what it means to them.
Read the commentary
Putting the Public in Public Business
In Huntington, town planners are demonstrating a good instinct when opting to hold small-group discussions to gather information before updating the community's master plan. Their initiative, which they call a "visioning process," taps into a deep desire
Click here to read Richard C. Harwood's latest commentary