Harwood Catalyst
for Change AWARD LOGO
Our country desperately needs more
examples of authentic, positive leadership.
We want to honor and lift up those Americans who are demonstrating what it looks like to Turn Outward and forge a new civic path.
That’s why we’ve launched Harwood’s inaugural Catalyst for Change Award: to honor community leaders and everyday citizens who are dedicated to turning outward and unleashing ripples of change. At a time of national turmoil and deep divides, these catalysts are moving their communities forward.
Ideal Candidates
We invite everyone to nominate yourself, a colleague, or someone in your community who deserves recognition as a Catalyst for Change.
Your nominee does not need to be a Harwood Public Innovator but they must exemplify the Harwood Turning Outward approach in how they show up and work in their community. For example, nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics:
Turning Outward in their personal and professional lives
Engaging the community around people’s shared aspirations
Unleashing action on issues that impact people’s daily lives
Strengthening civic culture—how people work together and get things done
Catalyzing others to create their own ripples of change
Inspiring others by making the invisible visible by telling positive stories of change
The Award Process
Nominations are open now until November 30.
An awards committee will review all submissions and select a number of deserving award-winners from across the country.
We will announce award winners in February through The Harwood Institute’s newsletter, website, and other channels.
2027 Harwood Catalyst for Change Nomination Form
Please be detailed in your open-ended responses. Understanding the depth and breadth of a nominee's impact is key to making informed decisions in our selection process. If your nominee is selected, we may use anonymous quotes from your nomination form to highlight their impact through blog stories, social media posts, and network-wide communications.