August Newsletter: Selma, Beacon of Hope Premieres; Harwood Approach Spreads Globally
“Rich Harwood’s campaign isn’t just a call to action. It’s a movement to restore civic faith, reframe public narratives, and remind us that the path forward is one we must walk together.” - Hugo Balta, Executive Editor of The Fulcrum
SELMA, BEACON OF HOPE PREMIERES NATIONWIDE
On August 14, we debuted Selma, Beacon of Hope to a packed house at Foot Soldiers Park in Selma, AL. And last week, we held our national virtual premiere of the film. After screening the film, Rich led a discussion with three Selma natives: Judge Vernetta Perkins Walker, Reverend Lawrence Wofford, and Carey Fountain of Foot Soldiers Park.
Rich asked them why they believe a new civic path is so important for helping Selma—and, indeed, the whole country—move forward. Judge Perkins Walker, a District Judge for Dallas County who was featured in the film, said, “The new civic path is so important because it is about reimagining how we do community in a way that works for us instead of against us.”
As the event wound down, Rich noted how it’s easy to look at Selma and see only a symbol of past struggle and achievement. But, he said, Selma is on the march again, forging a new civic path. This film is a call to action for Selma to keep going, and for communities all across this nation to rise up and join them.
OUTRAGE OVERLOAD PODCAST TO SCREEN SELMA, BEACON OF HOPE ON SEP. 16
Your next opportunity to join a live screening and discussion of our documentary film Selma, Beacon of Hope is September 16 at 2pm ET. Outrage Overload, a Connors Institute podcast, is hosting Rich for an exclusive, livestreamed screening of the film followed by a deep discussion of how Selma and other communities around the country are stepping forward, taking action, and restoring belief by putting people over politics. Ample time will be reserved for audience questions.
THE HARWOOD APPROACH FEATURED IN THE CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY
In an op-ed for The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Rich argued that the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors’ reflexive attempts to solve problems with sweeping plans take us in the wrong direction. We need to focus on how change really happens: by starting small, building momentum, and unleashing a chain reaction of change. It’s how Harwood has helped unlock transformative change everywhere from Reading, PA, to Red Hook, NY, both of which are highlighted in the piece.
90 YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS, 47 COUNTRIES
The Harwood approach continues to spread to every corner of the globe. In early August, Rich spoke to the NextGen Women Leaders Fellowship about applying the Harwood approach in their unique, global contexts. His presentation focused on the mindset and practices it takes to show up and engage others in ways that unleash a chain reaction of change.
This year’s class features 90 young women leaders representing 47 countries. The six-month program, hosted by United Leaders Global, is designed to foster leadership and deepen fellows’ ability to create change in their local communities on everything from education to workforce development to disability rights to women’s advocacy.
Afterward, one fellow from Belgium shared the following reflection: “I came out with a sincere desire to change my way of listening and acting in my professional and personal environment.” Another from Nigeria noted, “I leave inspired to develop strategies rooted in inclusion, trust, and shared purpose.”
ALAMANCE COUNTY IS BUILDING MOMENTUM
This month, Rich and the team were back in Alamance County, NC, for a workspace that convened the five action teams at the core of our community initiative. One of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, Alamance is also one of the most divided places in the country. But rather than be overrun by their divisions, leaders and residents are finding new ways to build bridges and forge a better future together.
The workspace provided a chance for the five teams—youth wellness, arts & culture, bridging, faith, and narrative—to reflect on the work so far and reground in what it will take to keep building momentum as they look to address people’s aspirations and concerns. As one leader shared, “This is working. It’s clear that this is different [from other efforts] and is actually working.”
Recall that the initiative in Alamance County is just one of the iconic communities we’re working with deeply to prove that Americans of all political persuasions have the public will and ability to address society’s fault lines by coming together to get things done. Individually, these communities represent the different divides plaguing society. Collectively, they demonstrate our innate capacities to change how we work together and create a new trajectory of hope by applying the Harwood approach.
REFLECTIONS FROM THE STUDIO ON COMMUNITY
Harwood’s Studio on Community is our hub for innovation. Over the summer, we were honored to have both Lila Kenney and Keegan Todd serve as Studio Associates. Both are now headed back to Ohio State University to finish out their undergraduate degrees. As their time with us came to a close, each reflected on what they learned with the Institute and how our work challenged them to view public life differently.
“Community isn’t something you build for people, it’s something you build with them. The first step is creating the conditions where people feel seen, trusted, and invited into the work. These lessons will carry into my future as a public servant.”
“Civic engagement is not a checklist. It’s a commitment to showing up, listening with care, and taking small actions that build toward something greater. Returning to Ohio State University for my junior year, I carry forward a new confidence.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Harwood Summit | October 23-25, 2025
Three days. 50 civic leaders. One shared purpose: to come together to wrestle with the challenges we face, to think deeply about who we are and how we’re called to step forward, and to renew our commitment to building a new trajectory of hope in our communities. Learn more about this year’s Summit.
The Harwood Institute in the News
It’s Time for a New American Agenda via The Fulcrum
Ditch Grand Strategies and Focus on How Change Really Happens via The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Selma Can Be America’s Beacon of Hope Once More via The Fulcrum
A Path Worth Taking via The Patterson Foundation
Follow our revamped social media presence for hope, inspiration, and connection.
