Preparing for the Next 250 Years

We’ve heard a lot about Project 2025, an agenda written by a handful of partisan political consultants to reshape the country with regressive conservative policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful.

But who is shaping policies for we the people?

At ICAN, we are a part of NEXT 250, working to create what we consider to be a Declaration of Interdependence, a visionary tool to unite us in fighting for dignity and resilience. This exciting process aims to build collective power through a shared vision.

As we prepare for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we want to gather information from Iowans like you to demonstrate that Americans are more unified than polarized, centered around key values and policies.

For more information about this initiative, please watch this video and review our Collective Wisdom Report, synthesizing insights from the 25 organizers who helped launch this process.

To share your thoughts, please answer the following questions. And feel free to add additional comments!

If we could solve 1 problem in this country, what would it be?

What do you think most people in this country would agree on? "Everyone deserves…"

Which core value is most needed to create our future vision of this country?

BACKGROUND: In October of 2023, 25 movement organizers from across the United States gathered to reflect on how the country could leverage the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Participants completed a multi-part survey to gather their priorities, vision, and urgent demands.  Priorities spanned housing, economic equity, climate action, healthcare, social justice, and more, underscoring the interconnectedness of these issues. The need for systemic change was emphasized, with a focus on environmental sustainability, social equity, healthcare as a human right, and reimagining governance. Core values guiding this journey included dignity, empathy, and self-determination, envisioning a future of universal well-being, environmental harmony, and social justice.

If you are interested in hosting a NEXT 250 Listening Session, please email: ICAN@iowacan.org and someone will be in touch. We intend to have responses completed by Saturday, August 24 of this year.

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Iowa Citizen Action Network (ICAN) is a grassroots public interest organization committed to creating social change in Iowa and across the nation. ICAN has united Iowa’s progressives for 45 years, and is leading efforts to change the public climate for progressive change. ICAN works in coalition with  organizational affiliates from a wide range of constituencies, including religious, community, labor, senior, family farm and environmental organizations as well as with our thousands of individual members.
Strengthen social security don't cut it, Iowa citizen action network, iowacan.org
Civil justice and consumer protection, Iowa citizen action network, iowacan.org
Iowa Health Care Reform, Iowa Citizen Network, iowacan.org