March 2025 Newsletter: Rich’s Latest Book; Campaign for a New Civic Path; Commemorating Bloody Sunday
“When your heart tells you things must change, but you scratch your head on how, Rich Harwood has the answers.” - Debra M. Jacobs, President and CEO, The Patterson Foundation
THE LITTLE FIELD GUIDE FOR SPARKING COMMUNITY-LED CHANGE
“Sometimes the simplest, most elegant questions hold the biggest promise for transformation. This is the essence of The Little Field Guide.” - Jen Algire, Executive Vice President, Union for Reform Judaism
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. In his newest book, Rich Harwood lays out 10 essential questions funders and community leaders should be thinking about as they seek to spark community-led change.
Packed with inspiring stories of transformation and actionable strategies, this field guide is an essential companion for those ready to step forward, meet communities where they are, and forge sustainable momentum that creates a new trajectory of hope.
The Little Field Guide is available now in both paperback and Kindle editions! Get your copy of the book described as a “must-read for anyone passionate about igniting hope in their community.”
CAMPAIGN FOR A NEW CIVIC PATH
“At a time when national reconciliation and repair feels especially daunting, Harwood empowers us to act as agents of transformative change in our local communities.” - Kristin Hansen, Executive Director, Civic Health Project
In 2024, Rich and our “Enough. Time to Build.” campaign crisscrossed the country to make the case that more divisive politics isn’t the answer to moving us forward and that we must take a fundamentally different approach. Communities of all political persuasions embraced Rich’s alternative message. Yet there’s still more to do; people across this nation feel stuck and are yearning for a greater sense of belonging, agency, and hope.
That’s why we’re doubling down on our efforts in 2025 with our Campaign for The New Civic Path, anchored by Rich’s new manifesto—The New Civic Path, due out June 1. The change we need today is going to start in our local communities, just as it has throughout so much of our nation’s history. We’re headed back on the road to help people get on this new civic path.
Now’s your chance to bring Rich and his practical, inspiring message to your community. Join our Campaign for The New Civic Path. Let’s go together.
COMMEMORATING BLOODY SUNDAY IN SELMA
Earlier this month, Rich traveled to Selma, AL, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Rich reflected on the trip in his latest Sunday Letter by asking, “Will the significance of Selma continue to hold our imagination, or will it subside back into our distant memory until another year passes?”
The story of Selma reflects the story of America. It is a story about the human spirit. In fact, it is about the American spirit that resides in each of us. It’s why Rich delves deeply into his experiences in Selma in his upcoming book, The New Civic Path—going behind the scenes of his experience speaking at the local NAACP’s annual banquet last fall to reveal how Selma reflects the very essence of the new civic path. You’ll be able to read that story come June. For now, read Rich’s Sunday Letter for more about his most recent trip to Selma.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO
“Are we open and willing to engage together? To have a sense of hope? To articulate what we are for, not just what we are against? To lift up our heads and step forward?” - From Rich’s opening remarks at our recent virtual event
Earlier this week, we held a unique virtual space attended by scores of leaders from around the country. Through musical performances, reflections, and a candid discussion, we wrestled with what we might do amid the chaos and uncertainty that now grips society. In closing out the evening, Rich challenged the group to wrestle with three questions:
Do you still believe Americans want to come together and move forward?
Where can you find hope right now?
How can you be an agent of hope?
Consider what these questions mean for you amid the chaos and confusion that dominates our public lives. And consider Rich’s closing admonition: “Hope is the fuel for the journey we must make together if we want to move this country forward.” If you weren’t able to join us, watch the recording for a burst of inspiration. See you at our next gathering.
Upcoming Events
Funders Webinar: The Little Field Guide for Sparking Community-Led Change | April 23 at 3pm ET
In this webinar specifically for funders, we’ll dig into The Little Field Guide’s themes and a few of the essential questions that Rich believes funders must wrestle with to meet this historic moment. Every registrant will receive a free copy of the book to read in advance of the webinar. Register here.
The Harwood Institute in the News
Building Civic Health, Building Community via State of Inclusion Podcast
Make sure you follow Rich on LinkedIn to be nourished and supported as we go together.
