Stepping Forward: A Positive, Practical Path to Transform Our Communities and Our Lives

by Richard C. Harwood

The Hope We Share

How do we bring people together when our society is breaking apart? What will it take to bridge our divides, overcome mistrust, and restore our belief that we can get things done together as Americans? How do we bring out the best in us? In Stepping Forward, Richard C. Harwood gives us a new and inspiring blueprint to rediscover what we share in common and actively build upon it. As a trusted civic voice, he argues that to get the country moving in the right direction, these efforts must start in our local communities. 

Harwood shows us how we can reach within and beyond ourselves to address our shared challenges and create more purpose and meaning in our lives by—

• Being a part of something larger than ourselves and truly making a difference in our communities

• Refocusing on the desire for good in each other

• Unleashing a greater sense of shared responsibility 

• Finding the courage and humility to take such a path

Americans are yearning for answers to the country’s rampant polarization, hate speech, and gridlock. Stepping Forward shows us how to channel our frustrations, energies, and aspirations to get on a more hopeful path.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ebooks, Leadership, Self Help

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

About the author

Richard C. Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, is an innovator, author, and speaker. For 35+ years, he has devoted his career to revitalizing the nation’s hardest-hit communities, transforming the world’s largest organizations, and reconnecting institutions to society. He has been recruited to solve some of the most difficult problems of our time, including being called into Newtown, CT after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He has appeared in numerous national media outlets and has written nine books, scores of articles, and groundbreaking reports like Civic Virus: Why Polarization is a Misdiagnosis.

Reviews

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping forward is a book that is long overdue! It is both thought-provoking and inspirational. Instead of focusing on what divides us, author Richard C. Harwood encourages us to focus on what brings us together; to focus more on "community" and less on echo chambers. This book is peppered with research data, thoughtful analysis and realistic optimism.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Goodreads.

Perhaps I'm just too much of a cynic, but I found this book short on the practical advice it promises. The author is an expert in this, and has such a good reputation that he's highly in demand. Surely he knows what he's talking about, right?

Most of his advice boils down to vague suggestions to start by asking questions of the community to find out what that particularly community really wants. Then he waves his hands, tells some heartwarming stories from his experience, and voilà! a solution presents itself after everyone arrives at an agreement about what they want. This reads to me like someone quite out of touch with American society in the last 5 years (at least). We're at a point where our polarized political and social arenas can't agree that locking children in prison camps is a bad, inhumane idea, or that ending slavery was a good one. I hardly think his tonedeaf "just talk until everyone agrees" method is going to cut the mustard anymore.

I know it's not possible to provide a one-size-fits-all formula that will work in every situation. I'm not seeing the "practical" part of this book, however. However, if you're looking for inspiring stories about how some people and organizations made changes in their communities, there's much for you here, as long as you don't need details about what they actually implemented (as he usually stops telling you the story once the person/group realizes they just needed to listen to the community).

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. I say this not only as a general disclaimer, but because it will explain why I chose to read a book that really wasn't an ideal fit for me. In fairness, I did not let this impact my rating of the book!

Every time I start a book I've won in a giveaway, I'm extremely tentative. While I'm a fan of self-publishing, like all other wonderful things in life, it isn't perfect. I was thrilled to find this to be a well written book and I only found one minor typo!

The author has an extensive background in helping organizations and communities transform and he is able to establish his credibility effectively, but humbly, from the very start.

Richard Harwood's theories on how to solve organizational and societal issues are excellent, insightful, and thoughtful. What resonated with me the most was the necessity of empowering each and every person, even the children.

While the book didn't have much relevance for this self-employed, work-at-home woman who is in transition between communities, I will say that I believe it should be required reading for anyone in any level of management in a private institution, everyone working in the public sector (especially teachers), and ALL politicians.

The changes Richard espouses must start from the top. If they don't, we're going to start seeing more and more unrest and riots throughout the U.S.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this book because I am a Community Facilitator and every day it's all about cohesion and getting different stakeholders on board to push for and realize an objective.
This book shares insights from both the author's experiences working in and with communities and research from other works.
I jotted down 4 key questions that he shares in this book that I found to be insightful and practical. I also did this because they are what I'd love to use to keep me purpose driven:
1. What kind of community do you want to live in?
2. Why is this important to you?
3. How is that different from how you see things now?
4. What are some of the things that need to happen to create that kind of change?

I'd recommend this book as a must-read for anyone who is working with communities, because there's always more than one view that you could use to work together with people and this book explores principles that you could apply to both your work and outlook on your work.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Harwood writes from a strong core of personal and professional credibility regarding creating a sense of belonging and civic community leadership. His definition of accountability requires each of us to assume full responsibility for who we can become and what we must do.

He creates a blueprint for individuals and communities to create a shared, inclusive future together to collectively tackle the thorny issues that often divide us.

Rich focuses on the courage it takes to be intentional about our choices and placing a stake in the ground to create vibrant communities where we authentically engage with each other.

I highly recommend Stepping Forward!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful and impactful book. This is not another rah-rah, be nice and love each other book, it is about taking a hard look at where you (we) are and stepping up to set the example.

Moving forward starts with a single step, this is that step.

[Travis Marcum · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stepping Forward” is an inspiring manifesto from Rich Harwood of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. I am ready to say “Here I am” and help communities and schools rediscover what we have in common and build on it through shared responsibility, sustained engagement, and the ignition of our human spark.

This was such a timely read for me and I pray I can use Harwood’s insight to build stronger connections and bring a greater sense of purpose through my work.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for discussion. We read this as a library staff, and it offered good ideas for building relationships within both the workplace and the community.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A motivating and thoughtful book that invites and challenges each person to take responsibility for their part of the world to do good, show love and make a difference.
It has a surprising number of biblical references which may not be ideal for all readers and was unexpected to me but not unwelcome.

[Dylan Gurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read -- to be clear, it's more a description of an better way to approach social change than any specific practices or policies that will get there, and doesn't enumerate or address the many contemporary challenges in America today. However, as a surprising twist from the policy-specifics book I thought I would be reading, and it is quite compelling with what I take to be the author's message: that the most essential aspect of any constructive steps forward is listening to people, and giving them ownership of efforts to better their communities.

If you've spent a lot of time reading global-scale descriptions of initiatives that could benefit millions worldwide through investments or structures or technology, I'd say the author does a good job of addressing how to prevent those types of policies from being imposed in ways that alienate people by making them stand apart and remain recipients, rendering them unsuccessful. A lot of that comes through parables and analogies of where things worked out, which I'm sure isn't convinving to any hard-nosed policy wonk, but being as they are the experiences of a well-respected community organizer I grant a lot of credit to the influence those messages have on your thinking.

I guess the best way to describe this book is a pretty nice exploration of the "think global, act local" mantra, one that provides helpful reminders once you've moved back into reading about problems and solutions about the human element that makes the world go round.

[txncupcake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The book is about how most of us might feel helpless in our daily lives and the importance of connecting with others in our community, which allows us to play an active role in improving our communities through a framework provided by the author. It is a book that shows us the benefit of stepping out of our comfort zone to improve our surroundings. It shows us that as individuals, we can improve each other’s lives by changing our mindset of hopelessness and playing an active role that empowers each of us even though we may just be the “average Joe”.

It was an inspiring read with some religious undertones, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself highlighting many passages and ideas so that I can reference back to for both reflection and encouragement.

[Lori King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook from Goodreads Giveaway. This book is well written and easy to read. The author provided numerous examples of his prior experience and references for further reading. It has given me a different perspective in working with the groups in which I volunteer. I liked the advise on starting with a shared vision and working on obtainable goals while being prepared to allow the goals to evolve, change or grow. At first I was concerned that it was not providing information on how to succeed with opposition, but later realized that perhaps I shouldn't concern myself with how to change others perspectives, but focus on what I could accomplish.

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s about working with a community effectively by truly involving them and provides guidelines to help you follow that path. Has a few gems in it, but overall felt like it could have been short. I felt like it would have been improved with more anecdotes or if the ones that were there were better told. Some of them missed the mark for me. A quick read.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads program. The author examines what it takes to build community and draw people together to work towards common goals. The book’s tone seemed like it was more geared toward readers who oversee organizations, not the average citizen looking to apply principles to their personal life.

[RACHEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Stepping Forward" is certainly pertinent in these times especially if you are not only asking how to reopen community but how do we rebuild communities.

My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.

[Misty Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so insightful

[Rj Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, pedantic pablum that starts from the same political framework and tired cliches that offer no real help on managing the very real issues our communities in the West face. Typical hypocritical assumptions from a egalitarian liberal perspective (diversity is our strength, and we must find common ground for one), with a healthy dose of confinement to a restrictive Overton Window.

I would give it one star, but the section on trying to get away from our tasks (inner focus) and doing more to be outwardly focused has some wisdom to it, though better, more insightful philosophers have explored this more fully and without the holier-than-thou conceit. You would do well to spend your time engaging with serious thinkers and those willing to tell hard truths.

[Jermaine Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harwood encourages the reader to turn outward, to gather and energize individuals to solve community problems, to provide authentic hope rather than empty promises, and to restore civic faith.

To “become actors, not mere spectators; shapers, not mere bystanders; builders, not mere complainers or claimants” in our community.

Harwood does not offer much for the guardians of the status quo. He challenges us to buck the norm, rise to the occasion, and forge a better path.

[Callie Hutchison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little repetitive but shared good insights and examples.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Won this book on Goodreads). Very good read to show you how to get up and get out. How to start working in your community to make it better. Showing examples of how to approach hard subjects and come together as a community where all listen and hear each other. With a side of the Holy Spirit the author brings in bible parables and scripture to help bring the points home.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lays out a very profound yet simple methodology for how to build community and civic pride, bridge the divides that are tearing us apart, deal with social and civic PTSD, and make at least our local world a better place. The methodology is simple, but the execution is not - it asks for a revamping of the social and psychological conditioning and perspectives we've been developing for decades. But I believe this sort of culture and perspective change is the only thing that is going to move the needle toward reasonableness, responsibility, and compassion.

There is a little bit too much religion for my particular tastes, but that is the thing that fuels and compels the author, so no problem. It's also a little bit repetitive in places and a little bit non-specific in others. But overall, it is a perspective-shifting book that asks you to change your behavior before you begin asking others to change theirs.

I won this book from the publisher through the First Reads program. Thank you!

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What kind of life do you want to lead and will you lean in or pull away?”

I loved his take on “wakefulness” and “moral accountability”. I thought it was the best part of the book. It was preachy/negative at times (which might have been the point) but it was also educational, everyone should read this book or important excerpts from it to better understand other communities.

“We must open ourselves up to listen to others. To take in what they say. Consider its meaning. Often when we do, we discover the need to alter our own ideas and answers. - When each of us is able to exercise humility and engage with others, our boundaries enlarge. We discover new things. We learn. We grow.”

“Rediscovery” is my biggest take a way.

[Kasey]

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as a giveaway recipient. I am excited to read it and will update my thoughts on this book soon!

[Marianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good information, but a little repetitive.