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?

Peak of Ohio covers the release of Logan County’s Story of Change.

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.

Rich argues for a new American agenda in his latest column for The Fulcrum.

Rich appears on the podcast “Derate the Hate” to discuss his New Civic Path.

Check out Rich’s appearance on the Sages Among Us.

Kristin Hansen tells Elon Musk what she believes to be better for America than a new political party.

Rich joins Andrew Spector on Aspirations to Actions to discuss the New Civic Path.

Rich talks with Heidi Burgess about his “New Civic Path” on her podcast.

Rich discusses his campaign on The Fulcrum.

Rich joins The Fulcrum’s Hugo Balta to discuss the Institute’s work and his latest publications.