Sam Daley-Harris

Sam Daley-Harris is a renowned civic engagement leader, author, and anti-poverty advocate with more than four decades of experience empowering citizens to create meaningful political change. He is the founder and principal of Civic Courage, an organization that trains NGOs to build deep, effective advocacy teams capable of creating champions in Congress, the media, and local communities. Sam began his career in music, performing as a percussionist with the Miami Philharmonic for 12 years before shifting his life’s work toward global poverty alleviation and democratic engagement. In 1980, he founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS and the RESULTS Educational Fund, pioneering a model of grassroots advocacy that has influenced public policy worldwide.

In 1995, Sam co-founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus and FINCA founder John Hatch, helping mobilize a global movement dedicated to expanding financial access for the world’s poorest families. His book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, first published in 1994 and reissued for its 30th anniversary in 2024, has become a foundational guide for civic participation. Through his work with Citizens Climate Lobby and other mission-driven organizations, Sam has coached thousands of volunteers to engage strategically and powerfully with policymakers. Today, he continues to champion the belief that ordinary people—properly trained and supported—can drive extraordinary change.

Renowned civic engagement leader, author, and anti-poverty advocate.