Derate The Hate
Bettering the world one attitude at a time. We did not create the hate, but together, we can 𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚! In a world filled with divisiveness, and dominated by F.O.G. (Fear, Outrage & Grievance), it's time we find a better way to engage. That all starts with each of us as individuals. We cannot control all that we encounter within our day to day lives, or the environment in which we live, but we certainly have the ability and responsibility to control how we react to it. For me, it starts with gratitude and personal accountability. Take a listen and see if there is something here to help you in taking your part in turning down the hate. Welcome to the 𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩...
Derate The Hate
Step Out, Step Forward, On a Better Path Forward... DTH Episode 229 with Rich Harwood
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Step Out, Step Forward, On a Better Path Forward
Joining me today is Rich Harwood, a man whose work and life experience have shaped the way communities across the country—and the world—solve problems and come together. Rich is the founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, and for more than 30 years, he’s been leading the charge to help communities rebuild trust, solve shared problems, and deepen people’s civic faith. But Rich’s journey begins with something deeply personal: growing up with a chronic illness and feeling like he wasn’t seen or heard.
Rich opens up about those early struggles and how they shaped his understanding of hope. He shares how setbacks in life—whether personal or community-wide—can either break us or build us into something stronger. For Rich, those challenges helped him see the importance of hope as a tool for resilience, something we all need, especially in times of uncertainty and division.
But this episode is about so much more than hope. Rich and I dive into the critical issue of civic engagement and the real, lasting impact of community-led change. We talk about the challenges of building trust, especially when it feels like our society is pulling apart. Rich emphasizes that the only way forward is through shared aspirations—finding that common ground where we can all come together and take collective action.
Takeaways
- Setbacks can shape us and teach us the importance of hope.
- Civic engagement and community-led change are crucial for addressing societal challenges.
- Conversations play a vital role in bridging divides and dispelling assumptions.
- The health of civic culture is a significant predictor of a community's progress. Rebuilding civic culture is essential for communities to thrive and effectively solve shared problems.
- Turning outward and understanding what matters to people is crucial in creating positive change.
- Politicians need to engage in a fundamentally different way and provide an environment for communities to solve their shared problems.
- Small actions can have a ripple effect and lead to transformational systemic change.
- Creating a culture of shared responsibility is necessary for a functioning community.
Learn more about and connect with Rich Harwood b
What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!
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