​Reidsville Area Foundation (RAF) and The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation are launching a multi-year initiative to catalyze community-led change in Rockingham County, NC. 

​

Rockingham County prides itself on its small-town character, outdoor beauty and recreation, interstate accessibility, and affordable cost of living. Yet the community faces significant, persistent challenges, including heatlh access, poverty, food insecurity, health issues, educational disparities, and other inequities. Real divisions—some rooted in the area’s deep history—exist among people and various parts of the county. As the community navigates these challenges and others, it needs to both address substantive issues and develop a stronger civic culture. 

​

There is a desire among leaders and residents to come together to build a strong, thriving community for all. The solutions are right here in the community, which is why this work will build on the good that is already happening. 

​

The initiative leverages The Harwood Institute’s 35-year track record of equipping communities to strengthen civic culture and Reidsville Area Foundation’s longstanding commitment to and investment in Rockingham County’s vitality. This partnership is designed to create meaningful change by expanding its reach and delivering tangible improvements in the quality of life for residents, addressing their needs in more effective and lasting ways. 

​

INITIATIVE GOALS 

The goals of this initiative for Rockingham County are to:

 

(1) Illuminate key issues that matter to people and better understand the underlying conditions that make up the community;

(2) Take action on key issues that matter to people; and

(3) Strengthen Rockingham County’s civic culture so the region has the capabilities to shape its future and deepen its good work.

 

ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

This community-wide engagement will include:

• 36 in-depth interviews with a cross-section of local leaders;

• 12 focused conversations with residents and four additional follow-up conversations;

• A public report capturing community insights and aspirations to inform shared action.

 

Upon the report’s publication, The Harwood Institute and local partners will convene roundtables to reflect on the findings, identify focus areas,  and galvanize the community toward shared action.

 

UNLEASHING COMMUNITY-LED ACTION

Following the research phase, the initiative will move into an action phase that includes:

• Two Public Innovators Labs that train community leaders and residents in the community-driven practice of Turning Outward;

• Ongoing coaching for three catalytic action teams comprised of local leaders, organizations, groups, and residents; 

• Interactive “Learn and Apply” webinars that reinforce the Turning Outward practice and address key inflection points in the work; 

• Training of six local Harwood Catalytic Guides who will activate and support efforts; 

• Five in-person workspaces that develop and reinforce a local network of learning, innovation, and support; and 

• A Story of Change demonstrating the positive change generated across the community.

 

TIMELINE

• Fall 2025 – Initial Roundtables and research launch

• Summer 2026 – Public Capital Report

• 2026 -2028 – Action Phase

• Late 2026 – “Getting Started” Public Innovators Lab

• Late 2028 – Release of Rockingham County’s Story of Change

 

STEPPING FORWARD

You are a vital part of this initiative. Your insight, leadership, and involvement will help shape the future of Rockingham County. To learn more or get involved, please contact the Reidsville Area Foundation Team at 336-634-1669 or via email:

Tango Moore, Grants Manager, tmoore@rafoundation.org. 

Dawn Charaba, Executive Director, dcharaba@rafoundation.org 

 

Updates about the initiative's progress will be cataloged on this page. 

​

ABOUT THE PARTNERS 

Reidsville Area Foundation is a private, health legacy foundation actively pursuing a vision of a thriving Rockingham County through grantmaking and community partnerships. The Foundation works to transform and significantly improve the education, health, and quality of life of the residents of Rockingham County. 

​

The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with over 35 years of experience equipping people, organizations, and communities to bridge divides, create a culture of shared responsibility, and build civic capacities.  The Institute’s Turning Outward practice has spread to all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries.