Harwood Half Hour

Learn how you can use the report findings from Rich Harwood's groundbreaking report, Civic Virus: Why Polarization Is a Misdiagnosis, to evaluate President Biden's upcoming State of the Union address and the Republican response. You'll walk away with a tool to help you make sense of what you hear during the speech.  Learn more about the report here: https://theharwoodinstitute.org/civic-virus-report

At a time when the world seems upside down, and we feel isolated or even alone, we need to reawaken to who we are, reground ourselves, and be clear about what we want to achieve in our communities. In this energizing and hopeful episode, Rich Harwood discusses three questions we can each engage with to discover our shared hopes for a better tomorrow and practical ideas to get in motion in the new year.

On this episode, Rich Harwood shares four critical takeaways from his latest book, Unleashed: A Proven Way Communities can spread change and make hope real for all. Tune n to learn about what it really takes to tackle societal fault lines and strengthen civic culture.

Following Wednesday’s inauguration, some are saying President Biden’s vision for the country is naive and others believe unity is not possible. So what does this mean for us and how we move forward together? Rich Harwood tackles the question: Will you walk toward the light? Watch or listen below as he unpacks this question and what it means for you and your work.

On this Special Harwood Half Hour, Rich Harwood discusses the insurrection in our nation’s capital yesterday. Today, he addresses “How do we make sense of what happened? Where are we as a country? How do we move forward from here?”

On this Special Election 2020 Series, Rich Harwood discusses Civic Faith, why we’re here, and what drives how we see and relate to one another. This is Part 4 of 4, coming to you each Tuesday at 4PM ET.

On this Special Election 2020 Series, Rich Harwood discusses 4 key mantras you can use to get local communities and the nation to move forward. This is Part 3 of 4. This podcast was recorded on December 1, 2020. 

In order to get our communities and our country on a better path, we need to shift our focus. On this week’s episode, Rich Harwood discussed how one community in Winchester, KY is taking steps to build a new future - and how you can take these four steps, too. This podcast was recorded on November 24, 2020.

2020 has been a tough year and the election showed how much work we have ahead of us to create a more inclusive, equitable, just and hopeful society. So now the question is: Where do we go from here? Rich Harwood is going live on Facebook at 4 p.m. ET for a new 4-part series: Special Election 2020 Series: How We Move Forward from Here. During the first episode, Rich discusses how the nation is at an impasse and how we can move forward from here. This is Part 1 of 4, coming to you each Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. This episode was recorded on November 17, 2020.

As communities grapple with a global pandemic and systemic racism, civic leaders must step forward and be accountable to their communities in order to build trust and create real, lasting change.   In this special edition of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood speaks with Lisa Attygalle of the Tamarack Institute, a leading non-profit committed to community change, about showing accountability to our communities. Rich will also discuss key lessons from the Institute’s work in places like Mobile, AL, and Jackson, MS - lessons that show why turning outward is critical for healthy communities and a healthy democracy.   This episode was recorded on July 8, 2020.

At an unprecedented time when we are in the midst of multiple crises, Rich Harwood discusses why it's so important to show up for yourself and others today, and offers three steps you can take to show up in a more impactful way in your work and in your life.  This episode was recorded on June 24, 2020.

The change happening in our society is significant, rapid, and unprecedented. Our country is dealing with four crises: systemic racism, an economic crisis, a public health crisis, and a political crisis. In this special edition of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood discusses how we must get real if we are to make the transformation we need in communities to bring about significant progress. This episode was recorded on June 10, 2020.

Our nation is in crisis. Now, more than ever, we must remind ourselves who we are—and can become. On this special edition of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood reflects on the current state of our country, and asks us to remind ourselves of some basic tenets of who we are and who we can become. This episode was recorded on June 3, 2020.

In The Harwood Institute's nationwide questionnaire, many people are raising concerns about dignity and disparities in our society. On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses how we can safeguard our dignity during this divisive and uncertain time. This episode was recorded on May 27, 2020. To take the questionnaire, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/harwoodcivicleaders

As the nation reopens, we face a fundamental choice: will be focus on getting back to normal, or back to better? On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses how we can come out stronger than when the pandemic began. He highlights a new Institute initiative, Engaging Frontline Civic Leaders in Responding to COVID-19 and a new questionnaire you can take here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/harwoodcivicleaders This episode was recorded on May 21, 2020.

As the pandemic continues, it can be difficult to stay upbeat and engaged even when you have so much you want to achieve. On this special edition of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood shares 3 steps for how to rejuvenate yourself in order to achieve what really matters to you. Download a copy of our new tool here: https://www.theharwoodinstitute.org/covid19resources

As you wrestle with uncertainty and self-doubt during this time period, it’s important to consider what it means to show up for ourselves, our colleagues and our communities. On this special episode of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood sharea 3 concrete steps for how you can move from Where Am I to Here I Am. This episode was recorded on April 29, 2020.

As the pandemic continues, and uncertainty abounds, how should you be thinking about the role of your organization, entity or group in your community? On this episode of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood discusses 3 steps you can take to reimagine your role in community. This episode was recorded on April 22, 2020.   To sign up to be part of our growing network, go to: www.theharwoodinstitute.org/sign-up

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, our sense of loss and frustration, even anger, grow and we can lose hope. On this special episode of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood discusses 3 steps you can take to find a new way to hope. This episode was recorded on April 15, 2020.

During this global pandemic called COVID-19, it's easy to talk about the task before us as a "war" we must win. On this special edition of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich reflects on the US Surgeon General's comparison of the COVID-19 pandemic to Pearl Harbor and outlines 3 steps you can take to have a more human, less wartime, response to this pandemic.

During this global pandemic called COVID-19, we are all trying to manage the tension between grief and hope and what we can do to keep going. On this episode of TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood discusses how we can lift each other up to help move ourselves and our communities from grief to hope. He draws on his experience from working in communities like Newtown, CT and Flint, MI and discusses 4 steps you can take in these trying times. This episode was recorded on April 1, 2020.

During this pandemic, our fear can get the best of us, but there are steps you can take to put yourself on a more hopeful, confident path. On this special edition of Harwood Half Hour, TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER, Rich Harwood discusses the coronavirus and what it means to be intentional when you're afraid. This episode was recorded on March 25, 2020.   Join with others who are stepping forward, turning outward, and working to solve the toughest challenges facing our society by joining our network: https://theharwoodinstitute.org/sign-up

During this global pandemic, we face a fundamental choice: will we turn against one another or will we turn outward towards one another? On this episode of the Harwood Half Hour, Rich Harwood discusses the coronavirus and what it means for our communities and our country. This podcast was recorded on March 18, 2020.

How can we make sense of what is happening in our country today? Three days after Super Tuesday, we know one thing for sure: there is profound and troubling anxiety running throughout America today.  On this special episode, Rich Harwood talks about patriotism, and how we can rebuild our love, trust, and belief in our country by starting in our local communities. Stay tuned for a special message at the end of the episode! This previously aired episode was recorded on March 14, 2019. Read Rich's accompanying blog post: The United States of Anxiety.

In the midst of a bitter political election, impeachment proceedings, toxic tweets, and political power grabs, what will it take for us to act with “malice towards none?” On this episode of Harwood Half Hour, following President’s Day, Rich Harwood reflects on the second inaugural address of his favorite president, Abraham Lincoln, and offers 3 questions for you to consider about the American promise, dignity, and the unfinished work in our country. This episode was recorded on February 18, 2020.   Read Rich’s accompanying blog post here: https://theharwoodinstitute.org/richs-blog-posts/2020/2/17/presidents-day-message-with-malice-toward-none

Jen Algire, CEO of the Greater Clark Foundation in Winchester, KY, sat down with Rich to discuss how the Greater Clark Foundation and Clark County, KY have worked together to produce transformational change - not just in their work, but also in their community, and the way people and organizations work together. This podcast was recorded on December 6, 2019. Read more about Clark County's story in our new report, One Step At A Time: Winchester and Clark County Seizing the Moment.

Following MLK Day, Rich Harwood discusses lessons from our work in Jackson, Mississippi, and the kind of civic covenant our communities - and our country - need to move forward. He outlines three questions you can ask yourself to begin creating a civic covenant in your community. Download our newest report, A New Civic Covenant: Jackson Ready to Step Forward, to learn more about how leaders in Jackson are Stepping Forward. This podcast was recorded on January 21, 2020.

Nikki Syverson, Director of Capital Crossroads, sat down with Rich Harwood in Des Moines, IA 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. This podcast was recorded on December 12, 2019.

On this special episode of Harwood Half Hour, Rich Harwood discusses his newest book - Stepping Forward: A Positive, Practical Path to Transform Our Communities and Our Lives. The book is part of a two-year campaign, launching on October 1, where Rich is engaging people across the nation on how we can make real progress amid our differences and divisions. To get involved, visit steppingforwardbook.org.

Across the country, people feel we have lost our connection to one each and to our shared humanity. What will it take to break through the situation we’re in today? On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses how you can engage in acts of loving kindness to rewaken ourselves and re-engage in our shared public life. This episode was recorded on July 16, 2019.

We all struggle with hard choices. What can you do if you feel overwhelmed, pulled in all directions or fatigued? On this episode, Rich Harwood outlines 4 steps you can take to become more ruthlessly strategic and more relevant, significant, and impactful. This episode was recorded on June 18, 2019.

Across the country, people say that dealing with our civic stains, whether historical or more recent, will further divide our communities and raise more prejudice and fears. On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses 3 ideas on how we can gain strength by stepping forward together and confronting our civic stains. This episode was recorded on June 4, 2019.

Many of us often feel that our small efforts do not make a difference in the face of the tumultuous times we live in. In this episode, Rich Harwood offers 3 reminders of how your small efforts are critical to creating change and hope today. This podcast was recorded on May 22, 2019.

In the midst of historic political campaigns heating up, Americans are hungry for a different and distinct civic message. On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses the civic message we need. This podcast was recorded on May 8, 2019.

We each have choices to make in our lives and work….on what basis will you make them? On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses two clear steps you can take to become more intentional and develop more purpose and meaning in your life and your work. This episode was recorded on April 25, 2019.

Is there room for grace in public life today? At a time when our country is so divided, and so many of us are hunkered down, Rich Harwood discusses 3 steps that you can take find grace in your public life today.

On this episode, at a time when our country is so divided and polarized, Rich Harwood lays out three steps you can take to to exercise a new patriotism - a love of country - especially in these bad times. This podcast was recorded on March 14, 2019.

On the heels of controversy in Virginia, Rich Harwood discusses 4 steps you can take to authentically deal with racial reconciliation today. This podcast was recorded on February 28, 2019.

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Rich Harwood discusses the role of love in public life. Listen for three ideas that will help you imagine love for those you do not know. This podcast was recorded on February 14, 2019.

On this episode of Harwood Half Hour, Rich Harwood offers a few tips on remaining relevant, impactful, and trustworthy in your community by utilizing public knowledge. Learn how to take community engagement to the next level by leveraging the power of Public Knowledge. This podcast was recorded on January 31, 2019.

The week before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Rich Harwood discusses Dr. King’s legacy, and the lessons we must use to refocus our public discourse from building walls and government shutdowns, back to people and creating new paths to one another. This podcast was recorded on January 16, 2019.

In this episode, Rich Harwood walks through the Personal Covenant tool, an exercise that can help you clarify why you do this work and understand what's required of you to step forward in a strong, positive way. This podcast was recorded on December 20, 2018. Download the Personal Covenant tool here: http://ow.ly/kHzR30ne1Mv

The topic of this episode of the Harwood Half Hour is fear - and how you can get past your fears to become more present and impactful in your community and your life. This podcast was recorded on December 13, 2018.

On this special edition of Harwood Half Hour, Rich Harwood delivers a keynote address at the MCLS - Midwest Collaborative for Library Services Community Engagement Summit. He talks about why we need libraries now more than ever. This podcast was recorded on December 6, 2018.

Just days after celebrating Thanksgiving, Rich Harwood is talking about gratitude. It’s not just for Thanksgiving. Rich also discusses how you can be grateful in a Turned Outward way. This podcast was recorded on November 29, 2018.

On this episode, Rich Harwood discusses Shared Responsibility - what it takes, why we need it and why we’re ready for it now more than ever. This podcast was recorded from Hawaii on November 15, 2018.

On the heels of the nasty midterm elections, Rich Harwood outlines 5 practical steps that you can take to engender hope in these divisive times. This podcast was recorded on November 8, 2018.

Following a week of maddening violence and turbulence in the U.S., Rich Harwood outlines the practical steps you can take to Turn Outward and bridge divides to come together with others. This podcast was recorded on November 1, 2018.

Rich Harwood, President and CEO of the Harwood Institute, explains 3 reasons why we’re celebrating the Harwood Institute’s 30th Anniversary--and it’s not to toot our own horn. It’s about putting a stake in the ground about society’s challenges moving forward and how the Institute can support you in addressing them. This podcast was recorded on October 25, 2018.