We must take ownership of the nation—with all of its faults and its promise—as founders of a nation yet to be born.

 

Nearly 250 years ago, the signers of the United States of America’s constitution had a vision. Today we find ourselves at a crossroads of determining what will become of this nation in its next 250 years, and whether it can at last become a nation that cares for all.

This promise is within reach, but it will not be fulfilled on its own. We must take ownership of the nation, with all of its faults and all of its promise. We must do so understanding our collective power to realize a future where all can thrive.

It can be done. We take up this mantle from those who came before us, who worked together for change. It is all of these people’s efforts that made democracy more real, even when doing so seemed unimaginable. Now it is our turn. 

In neighborhoods across this country, every day, people are already planting the seeds to grow this future. Together, we can advance this vision – norm by norm, policy by policy, agency by agency, state by state – to build a flourishing multiracial democracy that has never existed, but is ours to create. 

We must build a country where our governing systems are built to honor the humanity in everyone and work in service of all. We can move toward a future where serving all is the norm and aim of our systems and structure of governing – from its values to its laws, practices and legal standards. We must establish new values and a political philosophy that is grounded in love for all. 

We must be founders of a nation that has yet to be born.