The New Civic Path: Turning Hope Into Community Action

In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2.They discuss the practices that have shaped both The Harwood Institute and The Patterson Foundation — listening deeply, not arriving with the answers, turning outward, and meeting communities where they are. These principles are woven into TPF’s culture and continue to guide Aspirations to Actions efforts across people, organizations, and communities in our region.Listeners will hear about:How communities across the country are rediscovering hope through small, intentional actions — and how those actions create ripple effects that strengthen trust, connection, and belief in one another.Why shared aspirations can bridge our differences. The conversation explores how The New Civic Path offers a way forward in a time of division, inviting people to leave politics at the door, focus on what matters most locally, and take meaningful action together.This episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work of building hope one conversation, one gathering, one action at a time.Timestamps 02:16 — How The Harwood Institute Shows Up in Community06:51 — The New Civic Path: What It Is and Why It Matters Right Now10:04 — Adapting the Work for Each Community While Centering Local Agency13:13 — Why and How The Patterson Foundation Launched The New Civic Path Book Circles17:55 — Creating Space for Wide Participation Across People, Organizations, & Communities 19:48 — Partnership Spotlight: William & Mary23:45 — Join the National New Civic Path Book Circle (June 2, 2025)26:23 — What’s In It for You? 33:14 — Real Examples: How Book Circles Sparked Ripples of ChangeLinks to Learn More Register for The National Book CircleBlog: Choosing Hope: Reflections From a Podcast Conversation on Civic PossibilityConnect Beyond The BlogThe Harwood InstituteFacebook: Rich Harwood Instagram: Rich HarwoodLinkedIn: Rich HarwoodJoin The Journey