Reflections from the Studio on Community: Taking a Page From the Studio

The Harwood Studio on Community was established in 2017 to create the time and space within the Institute necessary to explore new areas and innovate around complex civic challenges, and to be a space where individuals can spend time at the Institute to develop their own ideas and skills. 

The following reflections come from Jax Martinez Franks, a rising junior at George Washington University who joined the Institute as a Studio Associate this summer.

This year, The U.S. Surgeon General released a report called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”. It detailed the recent downward trends in social networks and social participation. A year ago I would have been completely overwhelmed by these findings. How can our country succeed if it is full of people who have no ability to connect with those around them? But after my time working in The Harwood Studio on Community, I feel hopeful. 

This summer I have been focused on research taking place in Ohio, specifically Logan and Union counties. Every day, I read accounts from people in these counties that they feel abandoned and isolated within their local community. This disconnection inhibits peoples’ ability to create change because they aren’t even sure who relates to these feelings.

It may be disheartening to learn that so many people feel disconnected, but it doesn’t have to stay this way. And no one wants it to. When conversations take place in Ohio, it doesn’t end with everyone feeling despondent. Many times, people try to make plans right there and then to change the community for the better. Every conversation ends with progress they hope to see in the near future. This shows that people have hope for change. People are not stuck in their ways. They are striving towards a better future for their family, friends, and themselves. 

Even within my own community on a college campus I see hope for connection. I think of how desperate every freshman is to join clubs and student organizations because of our innate desire to belong somewhere. I wish there had been a Harwood Institute class I could have taken at that time. 

As a country, it seems we’re just now discovering a revelation that The Harwood Institute was founded on 35 years ago: community benefits us all. I believe the pillars the Institute has developed over the years would benefit every community across the country. The Institute has strengthened every place their work has been utilized, and I can’t wait to follow along as more people are introduced to their approach. 

I am not overwhelmed by the Surgeon General’s findings because The Harwood Institute has shown me the answer. Even in just one summer I see the changes that come from the work that is done here. When people are given a place to talk about their aspirations for their community, they realize that many other people feel the same way. And they are driven to make changes in their community that can benefit everyone. 

We have people who want change and I know we have the approach to make it happen. I hope the country can take a page out of The Harwood Institute’s book because I know how impactful it can be.