In 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our monthly series will take on the question:
How can I be part of making the United States just and peaceful for EVERYONE
- without exception - in our next 250 years?
In January, Cristin Brawner, Executive Director of the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), introduced "America’s Next 250," a nationwide initiative designed to turn conversation into action where they live, work, and learn.
In February, Steven Olikara, President of Bridge Entertainment Labs, shared how film and storytelling can strengthen civic engagement, elevate pluralistic narratives, and spark meaningful dialogue across differences.
In March, we explored with Malka Kopell and Palma Strand, co-founders of Civity, how intentional relationship-building - what Civity calls civity practice - strengthens community resilience and civic engagement.
In April (on Arbor Day!), we went outside our usual focus on civic strategy and heard from Dr. Christal Mischelle Omni, founder of the OMNI Institute of Well-Being, about the importance of reconnecting internally.
In May, Melody Mohebi, Program Director of Imagining 2076 at Democracy 2076, shared how entertainment media shapes how we understand government - and how we can tell better stories about democracy.
Join us Friday, June 5, 2026, which is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, to hear from Sara Isaac, Chief Strategist, Marketing for Change Co.
Join us Wednesday, July 1, 2026, before the 4th of July holiday to hear from the team at the U.S. Baha'i Office of Public Affairs on their Narratives of America project.
Join us Friday, August 28, 2026, to hear from Arizona State University's Consortium for Science, Policy, and Outcomes to learn from a national network that brings community members directly into conversations about science, technology, and public policy.
Join us Friday, September 11, to hear from Rev. Terry Kyllo, Executive Director of Paths to Understanding.
Join us Friday, October 23, 2026, to appreciate all that unfolded in Minnesota earlier this year as Nathan Stock shares civic engagement lessons to draw across the country.
November and December details coming soon.
We offer the series free to everyone who wants to make a difference in their
neighborhoods, communities, and country, regardless of field, background, or level of income.
