Invest your time and talents to strengthen our community by LEADING A BOOK CIRCLE.

The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that teaches and coaches people and organizations to solve pressing issues and change how communities work together. Using this institute’s approach, Aspirations to Actions (A2A), an initiative of The Patterson Foundation, provides opportunities for teams in Florida’s Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties to learn and apply time-tested and proven techniques to evolve community dialogue into positive actions in order to achieve aspirations within the region.

To learn more about the Aspirations to Actions (A2A) initiative visit www.thepattersonfoundation.org/aspirations.

What is a book circle?
A group of 8 or more people who will read and discuss "Stepping Forward" by Rich Harwood.

What kind of support will be given by The Patterson Foundation?
Each Book Circle of 8 or more people will receive a copy of "Stepping Forward" for each person in the group, and one discussion guide for the Book Circle. (Minimum of three discussions, although best practice is five). Each Book Circle that has at least 6 registered people attend three or more sessions, fills out the "question of the day" and submits a photo and short tidbit to The Patterson Foundation will qualify for a $250 Pay It Forward Award to be designated to any nonprofit with an up-to-date profile in The Giving Partner.

What is the book about?
Rich Harwood’s new book, "Stepping Forward: A Positive Practical Path to Transform Our Communities and Our Lives", lays out a path—a more hopeful path. Where we will rediscover what we share in common and how we can build upon it. Where we bring a greater sense of purpose and meaning back into our own individual lives.

We must find ways to bring out the best in us—the best of us.