Civic Revolutionaries: Igniting the Passion for Change in Americas Communities

Praise for Civic Revolutionaries "Laden with real–life examples of unconventional civic action now underway across the U.S.A., Civic Revolutionaries provides the intellectual ferment and operational framework for truly exciting advances in America’s metropolitan regions during the first decades of the 21st century. I know my friend and mentor John W. Gardner would be delighted by the appearance and likely strong impact of this book." — Neal Peirce , syndicated columnist, Washington Post Writers Group and coauthor, Citistates "As America faces the future there is no shortage of leaders, but what about stewards–those people who are change agents that act out of a sense of responsibility for the long–term future of their community? Civic Revolutionaries is the first book to tell us why and how to become one." — John Parr , president and CEO, Alliance for Regional Stewardship "The need for regional stewardship will become increasingly compelling as the footprint of our daily lives extends beyond traditional political boundaries. The book is filled with insights for those who want to look over the horizon at the future challenges to the leadership of every American political, business, and nonprofit institution created by this new phenomenon." — George Vradenburg , vice chair, Alliance for Regional Stewardship "This is a book you have to read if you are (or want to be) a community leader. The authors describe a new revolution of civic institution building that is transforming every corner of American life." — Edward J. Blakely , dean, Robert J. Milano Graduate School, New School University and member of the board of directors, Regional Plan Association

Dedication ix Foreword xi Becky Morgan Acknowledgments xiii The Authors xvii Introduction: The Creative Tensions of the Continuing American Experiment 1 1. Individual and Community: Creating Common Purpose 21 2. Trust and Accountability: Building Webs of Responsibility 59 3. Economy and Society: Strengthening the Vital Cycle 89 4. People and Place: Making the Creative Connection 127 5. Change and Continuity: Creating Vigilance for Renewal 157 6. Idealism and Pragmatism: Building Resilience of Place 197 7. The Rise of the New Civic Revolutionaries: Answering the Call to Stewardship 231 References 245 Index 251

Douglas Henton , John Melville , and Kim Walesh are principals in Collaborative Economics (http://www.coecon.com), a firm based in Mountain View, California, that forges linkage between local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to promote successful communities. They are also the authors of Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy, published by Jossey–Bass.