A Close Encounter by Richard Harwood

Richard C.Harwood is an author, lecturer, and innovator. He has dedicated his career to rejuvenating America's hardest-hit neighborhoods, altering the world's largest corporations, and reconnecting institutions to society for more than three decades. He has built a philosophy and practice for how communities and society may address common challenges, create a culture of shared responsibility, and increase civic faith. Turning Outward, a Harwood technique, has extended to all 50 US states and is employed in 40 countries. His hands-on experience building capacity and coalitions for change provides him with a unique and strong perspective on bridging differences and building resilient communities. Rich's leadership has encouraged people in communities to see and hear one another, provide dignity to every individual, and create methods to accomplish common work, all with the goal of giving a trustworthy civic voice.

Rich oversaw the process in Newtown, Connecticut, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, allowing the community to collaboratively decide the fate of the school building. Rich is a sought-after keynote speaker who speaks at big conferences and events on a regular basis. He has authored several books, several articles, and ground-breaking reports, and he is a regular on national television. Rich Harwood is the founder and president of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation in Bethesda, Maryland. You can learn more about him at www.theharwoodinstitute.org.

Rich Harwood can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.