April 2024 Newsletter: PBS Features Harwood’s Civic Path; Faith Leaders Reclaiming Their Civic Role

“It’s the actions of local citizens that are really going to catalyze the change we want to see. I came out of Rich’s speech with a sense of hope that this work is significant. It’s not small. It’s really the most significant work we can do in our sphere of influence.” - Alamance County community leader

PBS NewsHour showcases Harwood’s case for a civic path

Last week, the PBS NewsHour’s “America at a Crossroads” series aired a feature-length segment on the case our campaign is making for a civic path forward as the way out of our mess today. The story also explores our initiative in Alamance County, NC, one of the iconic communities where we’re working deeply to prove Americans have the will and ability to come together and address society’s fault lines.

At one point, the host, acclaimed journalist Judy Woodruff, asked Rich why he thinks taking a civic path that starts small and begins in our local communities is the answer to our national divisions. Watch the segment for his answer. 

An Entreaty to Go Together

As someone who is trying to create change today, you might feel tired, worn out, frustrated by how hard it is to make progress. The Harwood Institute and our “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign are here to support you during these challenging times and reinvigorate your sense of hope.

You don't need to go it alone. Let's go together and restore our sense of connection. Join our next Civic Rally on May 3 at 1pm ET.  

From the Campaign Trail in Stamford, CT

From all appearances, Stamford, CT is a community that’s on the move. It’s been named one of the top 100 places to live in the entire country. It’s home to great public schools, a renowned library system, and the University of Connecticut’s men’s college basketball team just won the NCAA tournament for the second year running.  

But here’s the question for seemingly thriving communities like Stamford. How can they continue to move forward without leaving anyone behind? Today, 40% of families in the area struggle to make ends meet. The community is facing a housing affordability crisis. And local political discourse is becoming more acrimonious and divisive. 

When Rich took the campaign to Stamford earlier this month, people expressed a desire to come together in new ways and begin to build a community that works for everyone rather than a select few. Watch our recap video for more.  

How Faith Leaders Can Reclaim Their Civic Role

Today in America, our fault lines seem to increasingly intersect with, and are even at times driven by, faith leaders and differences over beliefs. Rather than building their communities up, some faith leaders have been intent on sowing division and tearing things down.

Amid debates about Christian nationalism, the role of religion in politics, and other religiously charged issues, there is a path forward. A way for faith leaders of all beliefs and doctrines to productively engage in community life beyond their church walls.

There’s a central question Rich thinks faith leaders must wrestle with to reclaim their civic role. Find out more in his latest article for the Christian Citizen.

How Funders Can Bridge Divides With the Harwood Approach

The Harwood Institute teamed up with Grantmakers for Education on a virtual discussion titled, “How Funders are Responding to Education Politicization: Lessons from the Harwood Approach.” The discussion, featuring Rich Harwood and Tammy White (President, United Way of Berks County), centered on the Institute’s report, “A Common Agenda: How Three Communities Overcame Societal Tumult to Create Educational Equity Agendas.”

At one point, the moderator asked Rich, “How does Harwood think about polarization and what’s important about responding to it?” His answer:

Polarization has become our knee-jerk response to why change is hard today and if we aren’t careful it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We do face real divides in this country. But if we insist on framing debates around problems and ask people to pick sides, we will go nowhere. Instead, we must focus on our shared aspirations and find what we can agree on to get moving.

The discussion also touched on areas like what authentic engagement looks like, how communities might create a counterforce to divisive groups, and how to gauge your community’s starting point to better calibrate action.

Upcoming Events

Civic Rally with Rich Harwood | May 3 at 1 pm ET
The Civic Rally is a new kind of space for those engaged in civic work to come together. A space designed to build us up, nourish us, and restore a sense of possibility and hope as we seek to make a difference in our communities. Join Rich and community leaders from around the country to wrestle with complex issues that sit at the intersection of our civic and personal lives. It’s a unique chance to step back from the pressures of the day and find a sense of meaning, connection, and belonging. Register here. 

Catalytic Funders Virtual Convening - Hosted by Harwood CIRCLE Members | June 13 at 10 am ET and June 14 at 9 am ET
In the CIRCLE, funders from around the country come together to discover and explore how philanthropy can be catalytic, unleashing the potential of people and communities. Participants examine how we might simultaneously address society’s growing fault lines while strengthening civic culture. Current CIRCLE members invite you to join them for an upcoming virtual convening to discuss what funders are wrestling with and how we can forge a more hopeful path forward. Register for either June 13 at 10 am ET or June 14 at 9 am ET.

Getting Started Virtual Lab | Starting July 29
Are you part of a group, network, or organization that is looking to create change in your community? Harwood’s Getting Started Virtual Public Innovators Lab is a proven pathway for change agents to accelerate and deepen their progress! It’s best experienced as a cohort of 3-5 local community leaders. Come learn how to unleash your ability to catalyze change and strengthen your community’s civic culture across five weekly sessions led by Certified Harwood Coaches. The Lab, grounded in 35 years of innovation, kicks off July 29 at 2pm ET. Reserve your spot today. 

Harwood is your home for hope.

Make sure you follow Rich on LinkedIn to be nourished and supported as we go together this election season.

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The Harwood Institute Team