A Redesigned Lab = New Possibilities and New Public Innovators

In October 2020, The Patterson Foundation Fellows (us!) began leading the Aspirations to Actions (A2A) initiative, which includes TPF’s partnership with the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Twice a year, the institute hosts a Virtual Lab, which brings together people nationwide to learn about Harwood principles such as turning outward and identifying shared aspirations.

In the fall, seven individuals participated in the Virtual Lab, learning all about the concepts shared above. Along with TPF consultant Josephine Eisenberg, we acted as guides, sharing resources, asking questions, and considering feedback about their lab experience.

We had deep, meaningful, and serious conversations that were also filled with laughter and joy. It was a thrill for us to work with them and learn from them through their spoken words and written blogs.

In the blink of an eye, the Fall 2020 Virtual Lab cohort graduated, and it was time for them to spread their wings and apply those principles to their own work.

But here’s the exciting thing about the Harwood Institute hosting labs twice a year – we can invite a new group of remarkable individuals to participate! We are thrilled with the Spring 2021 Virtual Lab cohort and know the great work they do will be elevated through their learnings. This lab will be led by Rich Harwood himself, the founder and CEO of the Harwood Institute.

So, without further ado, we are delighted to introduce the next wave of public innovators who will spend six weeks engaged in building their community muscles:

• Karen Arnold, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading consultant
• Connie Cuadrado, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading consultant
• Connor LaGrange, incoming TPF Fellow
• Maria Schaedler-Luera, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading consultant
• Dan Schlandt, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading consultant

We are eager to follow their journeys as they engage with the Harwood principles and action steps—learning new tools to strengthen themselves, one another, and their communities. We have no doubt that these wonderful, caring people will engage even more deeply to make the world a better place.