William & Mary asks community to reimagine the American dream

William & Mary is inviting its campus and the broader community to reflect on what American democracy means as the country turns 250 years old.

Harwood is the author of "'The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation"

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, William & Mary is inviting both its campus and the broader community to reflect on the future of American democracy through a partnership with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.

The initiative, part of the university's Year of Civic Leadership, centers on "The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation" by Richard C. Harwood. The effort will include a public panel discussion titled "The New American Dream: 250 Years Later," scheduled for 6-8 p.m. April 7 in Brinkley Commons at the Alan B. Miller School of Business.

Harwood will be joined by panelists Rebekah Sterling, associate teaching professor of government, and student leader Jackson Webb '28. The conversation will explore the state of the nation and examine the role individuals and communities can play in shaping a shared future.

Assistant Provost for Leadership & Academic Engagement Roxane Adler Hickey, who chairs W&M's Year of Civic Leadership steering committee, said the event is designed to foster meaningful dialogue at a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

"At William & Mary, civic leadership is not something we add on, it is who we are," said Adler Hickey. "Partnerships like this expand our impact and remind us that this work belongs to all of us. Good leadership matters, and thinking intentionally about how we lead matters. This work calls for leaders who can build trust, engage with care, and help shape a shared future, and that is exactly the kind of leadership we are committed to cultivating."

Organizers say the evening will begin with a discussion of the challenges facing the country, as well as opportunities for communities to forge a renewed civic path. Attendees will then participate in a brief "turn to your neighbor" conversation aimed at encouraging reflection and connection. Participants will receive a free copy of Harwood's book.

Harwood is the founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, a nonpartisan nonprofit that equips people, organizations, networks, and communities to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges.

Civic leadership at William & Mary rests on the same principles: knowledge carries responsibility and is best placed in service to the common good. From its founding, the university and its people have played a formative role in the life of the republic, understanding leadership as a moral charge - shaped by history, guided by reason and entrusted to each generation in turn. ​​The Year of Civic Leadership is an opportunity to remind ourselves that leaders listen across difference, act with integrity and cultivate trust. Civic leadership calls each of us to steward our communities- and the nation - with humility, courage and respect for all.

In addition to the April 7 event, William & Mary Libraries is hosting a community-wide read of "The New Civic Path," with discussion circles scheduled throughout the spring. The book is available for checkout at Swem Library in both print and ebook formats.

Susan Corbett, Communications Specialist

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