Civic Revolutionaries

Why do some communities have the capacity to change direction, break from tradition, and in effect, reinvent themselves? Why are they able to capitalize on trends and opportunities while other communities cannot? The answer lies in a special kind of leadership, born from the American revolutionary tradition. Civic Revolutionaries offers a practical guide for renewing the great American tradition of spirited, breakthrough community leadership. By their very nature, revolutionary leaders help their communities reconcile the competing values on which our nation was built: individualism and community, freedom and responsibility, trust and accountability, economy and society. Like the Founders, today's civic revolutionaries are extraordinary leaders who are deeply committed to place, not just to specific issues or constituencies. They provide the vital spark, inspiring others who must ultimately own the revolution if it is to be successful. Written for leaders in business, government, education, and community, Civic Revolutionaries features practical guidance and in-depth case studies from communities across the country. The book provides tested advice for both new and seasoned leaders and draws essential lessons from the American revolutionary tradition to demonstrate how to become an effective leader within the community. Civic Revolutionaries can help meet the complex challenges of communities today by helping leaders act as regional stewards of the ongoing American Experiment. Using the guiding principles and practical role models outlined in this book, we can learn how to foster the passion for civic rebirth in every community.