If we want to make hope real. We must turn outward.

Public innovators have an urge to do good, to create change, to make hope real. 

But many of us have turned inward, focusing more on our organization, our branding, and endless to-do lists rather than on our community. 

If we want to make hope real we must turn outward. Out in the community is where your work has its impact, where change takes place, and where your work can be truly significant.


But how do you turn outward?  

 And how can we stay turned in these tough times?

Your First Few Steps to Turning Outward

Look at the Turn Quiz
Ask yourself, "How am I doing?"  "How is my organization doing?" 

Inward or Outward Which way are you facing?
Inward toward...	Outward toward...
Activity	Action
Programs	People
The organization	The community
People as consumers	People as citizens
Process	Progress
Outreach	Engagement
Public relations	People's reality
Inputs	Impact
Claiming turf	Coming together

Share the Turn Quiz with others in your organization or community
Send the link to the Turn Quiz to others in your organization or community.


Start a Conversation
Have a conversation with others in your organization around the turn quiz. Ask each other: 

1. How are we doing?
2. Do you think we're turned inward or outward?
3. Why do you say that?
4. What would it mean for us to turn outward?
5. Where could we start?


Read: Turn Outward in Tough Times and answer the questions
Read Turn Outward in Tough Times and see how you can turn outward. Then take a minute and answer the four questions.  Download a copy here

Go Deeper

The Organization-First Approach Report.  This report details the pressure individuals and organizations face to turn inward and focus on their processes, programs and plans rather than the community.
Read it - download the report
Share it - send free copies to others
Talk about it - get the discussion guide





Make Hope Real.  This essay by Rich Harwood addresses the five factors that each of us must consider as we work to create change and make hope real in our communities. 
Read it - download the essay
Share it - send free copies to others
Talk about it - get the discussion guide
Get the poster - post a Make Hope Real sign as a reminder





The 3A's of Public Life.  The 3A's (Authority, Authenticity and Accountability) are The 3A’s are touchstones for making the judgments and choices so you can be effective in creating impact through your work and stay true to your aspirations at the same time. To turn outward you need the 3A's


Rate yourself - take The 3A's Self-Assessment
Read more - read about The 3A's
Watch the videos - watch quick video explanations of each of The 3A's
Talk about them - get the discussion guide