In the March 2024 edition of the newsletter, the “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign visits Matt Gaetz’s district in Florida; our latest events; we premiere two new videos showcasing our community initiatives; we welcome two new members to the Institute team; and highlight upcoming events and recent news coverage.
In the February 2024 edition of the newsletter, read about how our community initiatives are taking off in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida; how to think beyond election day; our latest events; and catch up on Harwood in the News.
In the January 2024 edition of the newsletter, read about how you can get involved in our “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign, a reflection from a former Studio Associate, how you can catalyze your community by participating in the Getting Started Virtual Lab, welcome Rachel Wade to the Harwood Team, and catch up on Harwood in the News.
In the December 2023 edition of the newsletter, read about our newest publications, A Common Agenda: How Three Communities Overcame Societal Tumult to Create Educational Equity Agendas, Moving Forward in Union County: Forging a Shared Path, and Forging a Bright Future: How Logan County Keeps Building. Learn about the Enough. Time to Build. campaign and catch up on our latest events and Harwood in the News.
In the November 2023 edition of the newsletter, read about the “Enough. Time to Build.” Campaign and the first campaign event in Fresno, CA, the open tent in Southwest Michigan, and read the latest from Rich.
In the October 2023 edition of the newsletter, read about the 2023 Harwood Summit, reflections from a Studio Associate, the Alamance County Unleashing Impact Lab, and read the latest from Rich.
In the September 2023 edition of the newsletter, read about Rich’s recent trips to Owensboro and Lexington, catch up on the New Basics webinar series, and read the latest from Rich.
It can sound trite to say, “I’m so proud to be associated with you.” I’m sure you’ve felt this way at some point, right?
It’s a statement that can ring hollow.
But when the moment comes when that feeling is real—really real—when it pierces your soul, when your eyes well up with tears, when your heart is so full you’re convinced it’s going to burst—in that moment, at that time, you experience a kind of transcendence from being truly awake, present, even naked in your genuine sense of connection and joy. Standing before folks in Reading, PA this past week, that’s how I felt.
“Remember, your mission is to hide from me…. If you’re in the open, you don’t want to look human.” All across our country, people are seeking to hide from others in one way or another. But can we create the communities and society we aspire to if we are in hiding?
I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “enough” lately. Its use gives rise to both anger and aspiration. Think about it. What have you had enough of? What does it propel you to want?
I’m writing this note on a plane heading home from our first “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign event in Fresno, CA. Among the many profound experiences I had on this trip, I find myself thinking especially about two women I met. They each have much to teach us about how we can build together as Americans.
I am writing a deeply personal note to you this Sunday. I hope that you will take a few minutes to read it, and to write to me. I hope you will join me. It’s that important. This week, I launched a new nationwide campaign, “Enough. Time to Build.”
A community leader recently said to me, “I just don’t know if I can do this anymore.” It’s a common refrain I’m hearing. People’s words often come haltingly, filled with regret, pain, and anger.
Maybe you feel this way, too.
It’s easy to feel exhausted, beat up, frustrated by just how hard it is to get things done nowadays. The challenges that our organizations, communities, and society face are mounting, piling up, and getting harder to address. Some are new; others are just being uncovered, but have long been with us.
Sometimes the very people who are supposed to be your allies, your supporters, your partners, throw up more obstacles than clear pathways for you to move forward. At times, you might feel weary, even scared, to step forward and say what you really think or believe for fear of being shut down or having your motivations questioned.
You’re not alone. Please, don’t feel alone.
On Monday, another mass shooting claimed six lives, including three children, at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN. As I heard the news, my thoughts turned to Uvalde, to Parkland, to Newtown. To the many other communities who have faced similar tragedies and are searching for a way to feel safe. I was reminded of the piece I wrote last year in the wake of the Uvalde shooting about what it means—for us, for our communities—to feel safe. I believe now, as I did then, that it is well past time for action. I invite you to revisit this piece with me. Take the words to heart, then let’s get to work—together.
I wanted to personally write to you at this critical moment in our country: our public square is being hijacked by the loudest, noisiest, and most divisive voices and groups. I believe deeply we must take intentional action to counter these negative forces taking over our public square.
Ten years ago last week, a gunman killed twenty first graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. The massacre shook the nation. Just weeks later, I was called into Newtown to help the community move forward, from trauma and despair to healing and hope.
Since then, school shootings have become so common that kids report imagining how they’d react if it happened to them. I have two children of my own; no child or parent, anywhere, anytime, should have to imagine such tragedy.
The U.S. has more guns on the street than any other nation, with gun violence on the rise. In the last five years, the U.S. has had more mass shootings than any other comparable time span dating back to 1966. What’s going on? What should we be thinking about—and doing?
PBS NewsHour’s “America at a Crossroads” series’ feature-length segment on The Harwood Institute’s ongoing work in Alamance County and why the country needs a civic path forward, not more politics.
Rich Harwood’s latest for the Christian Citizen explores the role of faith leaders in civic life.
Rich Harwood details how Reading, PA is an example of what it looks like for a community to come together and build, especially at this time of such division, mistrust and lack of hope in our nation for the Fulcrum.
The Pensacola News Journal’s coverage of Rich’s “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign event with CivicCon on March 20.
The Pensacola News Journal’s coverage of Rich’s “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign in advance of his event with CivicCon on March 20.
Rich Harwood details how community leaders in Logan County, OH are coming together around what matters in order to move forward for the Fulcrum.
The Pensacola News Journal’s interview with Rich in advance of his “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign event with CivicCon on March 20.
Rich Harwood outlines what DeSoto County, FL can teach us about building together in the Fulcrum.
F. Willis Johnson’s endorsement of the “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign for the Fulcrum.