Stepping Into Civic Possibility: Book Circle Info Sessions Spark Participation

Recently, we welcomed a remarkable group of curious individuals who joined our information sessions to explore how they can take part in The New Civic Path book circles—a movement rooted in connection, reflection, and renewal. Written as a powerful civic manifesto by Rich Harwood, The New Civic Path calls us to look inward and outward, challenging us to restore belief in one another and in the promise of our nation.

Running through October, these book circles are unfolding across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, igniting a regional conversation around hope, purpose, and civic belonging. The purpose of the book circles is to spark meaningful conversations that help us navigate today’s challenges with greater purpose, hope, and civic confidence.

Each book circle is a welcoming space to explore the themes of The New Civic Path, reflect on your role in strengthening relationships, and imagine an inclusive, responsive community built on shared understanding. While we cannot guarantee the exact makeup of each group, our planning as a team was intentionally guided by the way participants opt in based on location and time. This approach was designed to naturally foster more diverse groups and encourage widespread participation from all walks of life.

Our hope is that each group will bring together a mix of viewpoints, backgrounds, and lived experiences...contributing to rich, meaningful dialogue and helping to strengthen the civic fabric of our community through shared aspirations.

Each facilitator has been trained to guide participants through the discussion guide with care and engagement. They are also equipped to reframe or redirect conversations should they begin to veer off course, ensuring a constructive and inclusive experience for all involved. After the information sessions, I was deeply energized and moved by the many thoughtful attendees who gathered with curiosity and care. Their questions about the themes of the book, and how we might invite all community members into meaningful participation, reflected a shared aspiration for renewal and connection.

When asked during the session what we hoped might emerge from these book circles, I responded with honesty and humility that The Patterson Foundation does not arrive with answers, but rather embraces the journey each participant takes. This is the essence of The New Civic Path. It is a shared invitation to listen deeply, reflect boldly, and rekindle our belief in one another and in our nation—one person, one circle, one community at a time.

This is a low-time, high-impact invitation. Book circles are intentionally:

• Co-ed and inclusive, welcoming participants from all walks of life
• Intentionally diverse, ensuring every voice can be heard, valued, and reflected
• Small-group based, limited to 10 participants to foster trust and authenticity
• Manageable in commitment, spanning just 3 sessions (75 minutes each), with light reading of 35–50 pages before each session

Our hope is that each group will offer a mix of viewpoints, backgrounds, and lived experiences that contribute to enriching dialogue and building a deeper civic fabric for our community.

We are encouraged by the enthusiasm and look forward to the many voices that will come together to shape this journey. These circles aren’t just about reading a book—they are about rediscovering what we share, what we hope for, and what we’re ready to build together. I hope you will be nudged to join us on the journey to walk the new civic path. 

To register for a book circle, click here.

Learn more by watching a recording of our July 15th Info Session here.