Stepping Forward Campaign Update - Creating a Shared Vision in Des Moines, IA
Last year, the Stepping Forward Campaign traveled to 16 communities and we’re gearing up to take the important message of civic faith - the belief that we can get things done, together, with shared responsibility and real hope - to even more communities in 2020.
December in Des Moines, IA: Capital Crossroads Aligns Around Shared Aspirations
Halfway through its regional planning process, Capital Crossroads is looking for new ways to use community as a catalyst in their work.
Kristi Knous, Capital Crossroads Tri-Chair and Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines President said:
“The concepts Rich Harwood has written and walked communities through is transforming the way communities and businesses come together to walk in lock step down a new path. The kind of path that will allow us to Step Forward united, focused and ready to work together to achieve the results we’ve dreamt of and planned for.”
New Harwood Half Hour Podcast: How Growing Communities Tackle Underlying Challenges
Rich sat down with Nikki Syverson, Director of Capital Crossroads, to discuss how the growing Des Moines community can address underlying challenges of affordable housing, rural-urban divides, and inequalities while continuing to build momentum. They also discuss what Des Moines can teach us about the American promise. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that within our communities, we have enormous capacities, talents and resources to address many of the challenges we face today.
A Powerful Kitchen Table Conversation
Rich visited the home of Nan and Dan Valentine to talk with Iowans about how we each can step forward to put our lives and nation on a more positive path. It was a powerful and hopeful conversation, demonstrating the power of community, shared aspirations, and belief that we can get things done together.
Click here to read Rich’s latest blog post about the lesson from Des Moines, IA.
Stepping Forward Gets the Greater Des Moines Partnership Aligned
Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and one the tri-chairs of Capital Crossroads, purchased 100 copies of Stepping Forward and distributed it to the Greater Des Moines Partnership staff and board as a way to align the teams on a better path forward. Let us know if you’d like to do the same and we can help, or take a look at available book packages and discussion guides.
Where will Rich be traveling in 2020?
We’re already lining up campaign stops for 2020 - stay tuned to hear where the Stepping Forward Campaign will be in the coming months! If you would like to bring the Campaign to your community, or have an idea for a Campaign stop, simply reply to this email and let us know your thoughts.