As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we face a pivotal choice. Will the moment be marked only by flag cakes and fireworks—or can it become a transformative opportunity to strengthen the civic bonds that sustain our democracy?
The American Conversation Project, launched by the National Conference on Citizenship, is a bold effort to ensure this anniversary sparks renewal. Rooted in our founding mission after World War II to cultivate an “active, alert, enlightened, and conscientious citizenry,” this project brings people together across divides to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go as a nation.
What We’re Doing
The American Conversation Project will catalyze thousands of local conversations in communities across all fifty states. These conversations—led by trained facilitators and supported by national partners—will invite Americans to share their stories, listen to one another, and imagine the next chapter of our shared future. Working with Cortico, an initiative from MIT’s Center for Constructive Communication, conversations will be hosted in small groups, recorded, and collaboratively analyzed to generate collective insight. Stories and perspectives will be published and archived as a living record of American voices, creating narratives that reflect both our differences and our shared hopes.
Guiding Questions
Each conversation will center around a few powerful prompts:
What has America meant to you?
What are the challenges we need to overcome together today?
What should the next 250 years look like?
Partners in Action
The American Conversation Project is built on collaboration. National partners—including the National Civic League, Braver Angels, the National Issues Forums Institute, Mediators Foundation, the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, and others—are engaging their networks to bring diverse voices to the table. With support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the initiative is beginning with youth-led conversations in local libraries in 2025. As we move into 2026, our goal is to expand to thousands of conversations nationwide.
Why It Matters
We are living in a moment of deep polarization, growing mistrust, and increasing disconnection. Yet when Americans connect face-to-face, share stories, and listen to one another, we build the trust and relationships that can carry us forward. The American Conversation Project is more than listening. It is civic listening—learning from one another, bridging divides, and building the civic resilience we need for the next 250 years.
Join Us
The American Conversation Project is built to grow through partnership. Whether you are a national organization, a local leader, or a funder who believes in the power of civic listening, we invite you to take part. Together, we can make sure America’s 250th anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a turning point toward a stronger, more connected democracy.