Media
About Rich Harwood
Author, speaker, innovator
Rich Harwood has dedicated his nearly 40-year career to revitalizing the nation’s hardest-hit communities, transforming the world’s largest organizations, and reconnecting institutions like newsrooms and schools to their role in society. He has been recruited to solve some of the most difficult problems of our time, including being called into Newtown, Connecticut, after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Rich’s innovative philosophy of Civic Faith and the Turning Outward practice have spread to all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide, helping communities bridge divides to solve problems and create a civic culture of shared responsibility.
An inspiring, sought-after speaker, Rich regularly keynotes major conferences and has appeared in numerous major media outlets, including MSNBC, NPR, CNN, Forbes, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. Rich is the author of nine books. His latest, The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation, makes the case for why we need a new civic path, not more divisive politics, to address the fundamental challenges we face in America today.
Rich regularly speaks on these and other topics:
Why we need a real alternative to politics to address the deeper challenges we face in society
What it takes to catalyze change in society today
Why polarization is a misdiagnosis
Rich is the Founder and President of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, located in Bethesda, Maryland.
Connect with Rich on Social Media
“Fascinating. [Rich Harwood’s report] examines what might be at the heart of what drives today’s toxic politics.”
“For nearly 30 years, Rich Harwood has traveled around the country to help communities solve problems together…He’s been doing this work for a long time, well before the current political environment.”
“Rich’s talk was one of the most hopeful, inspirational, and forward-looking talks I’ve heard in at least a decade.”
Media Requests
If you are a writer, editor, or producer and would like to request an interview for a story, podcast, or video with Rich, please contact Michael Prihoda, Media and Creative Content Manager at mprihoda@theharwoodinstitute.org.
Featured Media Appearances
Of course, politics is important. But a hyper focus on each “next election” can cause us to miss a deeper issue that is at the root of what holds the country back. We suffer from a pervasive and crippling crisis of belief—in our leaders, institutions, systems, even one another.
As we mark Juneteenth this year, our country is under enormous strain as we are confronted by a series of deeply human questions. Will we see and hear one another? Will we afford one another dignity regardless of race, income, geography, or what God we pray to? Will we work to create an inclusive America when we are being pulled apart?
Our country and our politics are at an impasse. Just consider our past four presidents: Obama, Trump, Biden, and back to Trump. The country keeps swinging from one end of the political spectrum to the other with no clear, sustained direction.
Which begs the question: what’s the breakthrough we need to get us out of this impasse and moving in a more hopeful way—together?
In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2.
In this episode of the Democratic Dilemma, Rich joins Mary Noone and Josh Stanley to break down why the American contract is broken, why throwing money at problems doesn't work, and what actually rebuilds trust and belief in communities. He shares the real story of how Reading, PA, once declared the poorest city in America, came together across dividing lines to transform education, youth programs, and civic culture without spending an extra dime.
Each day, the challenges in our nation pile up. In just recent weeks, there has been the ongoing war in Iran and the Middle East, and ongoing debates about the growing negative impact of the Internet, looming AI challenges, and the Epstein files. The anticipation of divisive, even ugly, midterm elections only adds more angst to our woes. It can feel like we have lost control over our present and our future.
Is there an antidote? Yes. But we must seize it together.
Rich Harwood’s latest for the Christian Citizen explores the opportunity for faith leaders at this historic moment for our country.
I know so many people are approaching America’s 250th anniversary with a sense of trepidation, even dread. Is there really anything to celebrate given the recent chaos and uncertainty we’ve been experiencing? Is productively reckoning with our history a possibility these days? And how hopeful will we allow ourselves to be about the future of the nation, its ideals, and our sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves?
With each passing day, more chaos and confusion envelop us as a nation: from battles in local communities over Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the burning of synagogues to attempted cuts in childcare support.
I tend to find people reacting in one of two ways. Retreating, even unplugging entirely from the media and the public square. Or getting fired up and looking to take action.
Brook Manville, historian, consultant, and author of The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives, profiles Rich and the Campaign for the New Civic Path on his Substack, The Civic Bargain.
Rich appears on the Circulating Ideas podcast to discuss the New Civic Path and the critical role libraries play in our communities.
We Americans are increasingly consumed by troubling questions: How can we work with others we disagree with? Will anything positive happen right now in our communities, let alone the country? And how do we navigate the relentless negativity pouring in from the media, social media, and our toxic national politics?
In The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Rich opines that philanthropy reflexively tries to solve problems with sweeping plans, but should instead, fix what matters most to people to set off a chain reaction of community-driven action.
In 1965, Selma, AL, pierced the consciousness of the nation when civil rights marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Today—amid our crisis of belief and widespread societal turmoil—Selma can remind us of the work we need to do as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.
Kristin Hansen tells Elon Musk what she believes to be better for America than a new political party.
Rich joins The Fulcrum’s Hugo Balta to discuss the Institute’s work and his latest publications.
Read a media response to Rich’s Campaign and how we can come together in a divisive community.
As Washington seems more divided, we see communities coming together in this post by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
The United Way of Northern California staff is kickstarting civic engagement in Shasta County. The event featured keynote speaker Rich Harwood, who’s the founder of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.
Rich Harwood’s latest for the Christian Citizen explores how fresh spirituality can help overcome division in public life.
In his latest for the Fulcrum, Rich Harwood asserts that the notion of decency implicates all of us. We simply cannot move forward together if we continue to sacrifice, set aside, or trample on decency.
As a battle rages over the simple question of whether there is such a thing as the “real America”, in his latest for the Fulcrum, Rich Harwood argues there is a real America. One that he works in every day.
Select books & reports
By Richard C. Harwood, Studio Books (2025)
Creating change in communities is hard. Getting people and resources in motion and keeping them aligned is a big challenge. Creating something sustainable is even tougher. Generating results can be downright elusive. What are we to do? How can we get started in ways that increase the likelihood of long-term success?
If we want to spark community-led change, then how we do the work is as important as what we do. And the early steps we take matter—a lot. Drawing on over 35 years of experience leading change in communities across all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide, Harwood reveals ten essential questions that are often overlooked in community change initiatives. With inspiring stories of transformation and actionable strategies, this field guide is a must-read for those ready to step forward, meet communities where they are, and forge sustainable momentum that creates a new trajectory of hope.
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By Richard C. Harwood, Kettering Foundation Press (2021)
How can we unleash the innate potential of people, institutions and groups in communities to address our common challenges? And how can we do this by creating a civic culture in which people come together to shape their own lives and gain real hope?
In Unleashed, Richard C. Harwood draws on his 30 years of experience working with communities to answer these two critical questions. Harwood shows us that:
Change ripples out in communities through an interaction of highly intentional actions and serendipity.
The change then cascades and spreads through a chain of events over time.
These interactions often occur in unexpected ways, in unimaginable combinations of people and partners, and with unforeseen results.
This chain reaction can be proactively catalyzed and nurtured.
Through these interactions, people can restore a belief that we can get things done together.
Americans yearn to create a society that reflects the best of us, the best in us. In Unleashed, Harwood helps us see how we can create a more equitable, fair, inclusive and hopeful path forward.
By Richard C. Harwood, Greenleaf Book Group (2019)
Many of us are frustrated by the divisive nature of our public discourse, mistrust and broken promises. We lack hope that we can bridge our divides, come together and get things done.
Rich Harwood offers a new path forward. He argues that we don’t have to accept the divisions, gridlock and negativity happening in our country. He knows, from working in communities for more than 30 years, that we can rediscover what we share in common and actively build upon it.
Stepping Forward shows us how to channel our frustrations, energies, and aspirations to get on a more hopeful path. This book shows us how we can step forward to —
Turn Outward to see and hear each other again and afford every person human dignity
Rediscover what we share in common by focusing on our shared aspirations, even amid our real differences
Recognize we must tap into our innate capabilities to produce meaningful change
Forge a new shared responsibility to marshal community resources to solve problems and harness people’s yearning for genuine engagement
Create a new can-do narrative by focusing on civic parables that remind us that we can be actors, shapers and builders of our shared lives
To get the country moving in a better direction, these efforts must start in our local communities. Then we can restore our can-do spirit and faith in ourselves. You don’t need to wait.
By Richard C. Harwood, Kettering Foundation Press (2012)
Based on deep conversations with Americans about the kind of country they want, The Work of Hope shows that fixing politics or even the economy won’t fix what is broken in the country. But, the good news is people have a clear sense of what it will take to move forward.
By Richard C. Harwood & Aaron B. Leavy, Kettering Foundation Press (2011)
What happens when organizations turn outward and become more intentional in creating change? Follow the path of 12 remarkable public broadcasting stations as they make a compelling case for the power and potential of Turning Outward toward the community.
By Richard C. Harwood, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Press (2007)
Five factors each of us must consider as we work to create change and make hope real in our communities. Included are tools for thinking about your work and creating local conversations about what it takes to make hope real.
By Richard C. Harwood, Kettering Foundation Press (2005)
A vital resource for all who work to create change and move the nation forward,Hope Unraveled reveals a reality that transcends growing consumerism, distorted realities and false divisions, and lays out an alternate path for politics and public life for all Americans.
By Richard C. Harwood (2002)
This treatise lays out in detail the aspirations Americans hold for political leaders, news media, and their fellow citizens, as articulated by participants in our Citizen Assemblies and other Harwood Institute projects.
Recent Publications
Of course, politics is important. But a hyper focus on each “next election” can cause us to miss a deeper issue that is at the root of what holds the country back. We suffer from a pervasive and crippling crisis of belief—in our leaders, institutions, systems, even one another.
As we mark Juneteenth this year, our country is under enormous strain as we are confronted by a series of deeply human questions. Will we see and hear one another? Will we afford one another dignity regardless of race, income, geography, or what God we pray to? Will we work to create an inclusive America when we are being pulled apart?
Our country and our politics are at an impasse. Just consider our past four presidents: Obama, Trump, Biden, and back to Trump. The country keeps swinging from one end of the political spectrum to the other with no clear, sustained direction.
Which begs the question: what’s the breakthrough we need to get us out of this impasse and moving in a more hopeful way—together?
In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2.
In this episode of the Democratic Dilemma, Rich joins Mary Noone and Josh Stanley to break down why the American contract is broken, why throwing money at problems doesn't work, and what actually rebuilds trust and belief in communities. He shares the real story of how Reading, PA, once declared the poorest city in America, came together across dividing lines to transform education, youth programs, and civic culture without spending an extra dime.
Each day, the challenges in our nation pile up. In just recent weeks, there has been the ongoing war in Iran and the Middle East, and ongoing debates about the growing negative impact of the Internet, looming AI challenges, and the Epstein files. The anticipation of divisive, even ugly, midterm elections only adds more angst to our woes. It can feel like we have lost control over our present and our future.
Is there an antidote? Yes. But we must seize it together.
Rich Harwood’s latest for the Christian Citizen explores the opportunity for faith leaders at this historic moment for our country.
I know so many people are approaching America’s 250th anniversary with a sense of trepidation, even dread. Is there really anything to celebrate given the recent chaos and uncertainty we’ve been experiencing? Is productively reckoning with our history a possibility these days? And how hopeful will we allow ourselves to be about the future of the nation, its ideals, and our sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves?
With each passing day, more chaos and confusion envelop us as a nation: from battles in local communities over Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the burning of synagogues to attempted cuts in childcare support.
I tend to find people reacting in one of two ways. Retreating, even unplugging entirely from the media and the public square. Or getting fired up and looking to take action.
Brook Manville, historian, consultant, and author of The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives, profiles Rich and the Campaign for the New Civic Path on his Substack, The Civic Bargain.
Rich appears on the Circulating Ideas podcast to discuss the New Civic Path and the critical role libraries play in our communities.
We Americans are increasingly consumed by troubling questions: How can we work with others we disagree with? Will anything positive happen right now in our communities, let alone the country? And how do we navigate the relentless negativity pouring in from the media, social media, and our toxic national politics?
In The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Rich opines that philanthropy reflexively tries to solve problems with sweeping plans, but should instead, fix what matters most to people to set off a chain reaction of community-driven action.
In 1965, Selma, AL, pierced the consciousness of the nation when civil rights marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Today—amid our crisis of belief and widespread societal turmoil—Selma can remind us of the work we need to do as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.
Kristin Hansen tells Elon Musk what she believes to be better for America than a new political party.
Rich joins The Fulcrum’s Hugo Balta to discuss the Institute’s work and his latest publications.
Read a media response to Rich’s Campaign and how we can come together in a divisive community.
As Washington seems more divided, we see communities coming together in this post by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
The United Way of Northern California staff is kickstarting civic engagement in Shasta County. The event featured keynote speaker Rich Harwood, who’s the founder of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.
Rich Harwood’s latest for the Christian Citizen explores how fresh spirituality can help overcome division in public life.
In his latest for the Fulcrum, Rich Harwood asserts that the notion of decency implicates all of us. We simply cannot move forward together if we continue to sacrifice, set aside, or trample on decency.
As a battle rages over the simple question of whether there is such a thing as the “real America”, in his latest for the Fulcrum, Rich Harwood argues there is a real America. One that he works in every day.
By Richard C. Harwood, Studio Books (2025)
We are suffering from a crisis of belief in our country today. So many people have lost faith in America—in our leaders, institutions, and even one another. The status quo is not working for far too many of us. Our central task today is to meet this historic moment. But how do we grow our belief that we can get things done together—not as Republicans or Democrats or Independents, but as Americans? How do we rebuild trust and reclaim agency?
In this deeply personal manifesto written while crisscrossing the country for his “Enough. Time to Build.” civic campaign, Richard C. Harwood reveals how we can address the fundamental challenges holding us back in America today. We must dedicate ourselves to forging a new civic path that grows our belief that we can move forward amid our real differences. The New Civic Path is a must-read for those who want to spark civic renewal and get our communities and the country moving again.
ORDER ON AMAZON