March 2024 Newsletter: Campaign Visits Matt Gaetz’s District; Premiering 2 Community Trailers
“Rich reminds us that certain values transcend our differences. Hope, dignity, courage, honesty—these things are the foundation for communities that want to move forward.” - Rabbi Michael G. Holzman, Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Rebuilding Democracy Project
“Enough. Time to Build.” Campaign Swings Through Pensacola, FL
Last week, Rich took the “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign to Pensacola, FL, Matt Gaetz’s congressional district. Next stop: Stamford, CT. We’re the only campaign being invited to both Republican and Democratic strongholds. Why? Because Americans are hungry for an alternative path forward. We yearn to restore our belief in one another and move our communities forward.
Pensacola is a thriving community in many ways, though real fault lines exist. The area recently made national news for banning more than 1,600 books, the most by any single community in the entire country. Yet across two days, Rich met dozens upon dozens of leaders who are ready to get moving to put Pensacola on an even more productive path forward. People there were adamant that the loudest voices need not define their future. Read more about Rich’s campaign stop in this story from the Pensacola News Journal (which was just one of eight different news stories our campaign achieved from this event).
Premiering Two Community Initiative Trailers
Our deep community work in Reading, PA and Alamance County, NC exemplifies our larger effort to prove that Americans have the public will and ability to address society’s fault lines. Each is iconic. Each faces issues that may seem intractable. But in each community, real progress is taking hold.
Reading, PA
Reading was named the poorest community in America 10 years ago. Once predominantly white, it is 65% Latino today. Amid challenges like persistent poverty, fragmentation, and youth violence, few believed Reading could turn itself around. But all that is changing as numerous leaders step forward to create change using the Harwood approach. As our key partner at the Wyomissing Foundation says in the trailer, “People are stepping forward to join in this effort because they see things happening. They see success and success breeds success.” Watch Reading’s journey so far.
Alamance County, NC
Alamance County, NC is one of the most divided places Rich has worked in his 35 years since founding The Harwood Institute. Divisions between people’s experience with law enforcement. Divisions based on where people live and how long they’ve lived in the community. Divisions based on race and racism. The community could have let itself be overrun by these divides. But they chose to forge a different path forward. They chose hope. Watch Alamance’s journey so far.
Upcoming Events
Building Trust by Building Together in Our Local Communities | April 4 | 1pm EST
In America today, a lack of trust has turned into mistrust. We can’t just talk our way out of this. We have to come together and take action together by building. That’s why Living Room Conversations and The Harwood Institute are teaming up for an interactive online discussion titled “Building Trust By Building Together.” Join Joan Blades (Founder of Living Room Conversations) and Rich Harwood for an intimate fireside chat and audience Q&A. Register for this free webinar!
The New Civic Rally with Rich Harwood | April 5 | 1pm EST
Energized. Heartened. More hopeful. This is how participants described feeling at the end of our first Civic Rally. You can join the next one on April 5 to help us flip the script on politics as usual. Instead of another contentious political space, we’re creating a civic space where leaders nationwide can connect and wrestle together with how we can move our communities forward. Register today!
Catalyzing Community-Led Change: Overcoming Our Narrow, Divisive Politics | April 18 | 4pm EST
Even as education becomes increasingly politicized, we believe it holds the power to bring communities together. Yet to do so, we must reframe the public discussion. Join ThoughtStretchers Education for an interactive virtual event on key findings from The Harwood Institute’s report, “A Common Agenda,” with Rich Harwood, Founder and President of The Harwood Institute, and Brigitte Blom, President and CEO of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. Register for this free webinar!
Harwood Team Updates
Andrew Della Rocca, Head Coach
As Head Coach, Andrew spearheads the coaching and support strategy for the Institute’s various community initiatives. He brings an extensive background working with teams and communities throughout the United States, Brazil, and Australia as a coach, educator, and facilitator. Before joining the Institute, Andrew directed the coaching program at RallyBright and led Manifestara, a coaching firm that worked with organizations to develop their leadership and team capabilities.
He earned a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason, and holds multiple coaching certifications. He spent six teaching and translating in Northeastern Brazil, where he was introduced to various liberation movements that have informed much of his worldview — in particular that local challenges can and must be addressed with locally-grown solutions in order to be transformative and sustainable.
Jonathan Harwood, Digital Media Manager
As Digital Media Manager, Jonathan showcases the Institute’s inspiring community initiatives and creates civically-minded educational and marketing materials in order to bolster the Institute’s online presence through digital storytelling.
A videographer and content creator with a wide-ranging background in the arts, media, and music, Jonathan started his career as a ceramic and multimedia sculptor. In that role, he developed a visual language and creative process that informs his digital media work today. As a videographer, he has produced digital assets for corporate companies, small businesses, and social media influencers alike.
The Harwood Institute in the News
What gives me hope? Logan County, Ohio. via The Fulcrum
The 4-step antidote for America’s toxic discourse via Pensacola News Journal
Rich Harwood interviewed by Pensacola Morning News 92.3FM
“Enough. Time to Build.” campaign featured on REAL News with Rick Outzen
Make sure you follow Rich on LinkedIn to be nourished and supported as we go together this election season.