The Problem and Opportunity
As America nears its 250th year, the promise of a free and self-governing society needs tending. The institutions, norms, and civic commitments that uphold democracy are showing signs of wear—strained by polarization, disinformation, and declining public trust.
This strain inhibits our ability to be fiscally responsible, deliver public services to the American people, use technology ethically, address global conflicts, and face other complex challenges now and in the future.
The eve of America's 250th anniversary provides the opportunity to reconnect with our defining values. This moment calls for renewal—not only of our institutions, but of our shared commitment to freedom, self-government, civic trust, and collective purpose.
How We Work
To transform lived experience into lasting change, we are bringing together people with institutional insight and an understanding of the real-world impacts of government programs—they know what lies behind us and are ready to plan for the future, they are ready to battle corruption and other barriers to a functioning government, and they are willing to forge connections across sectors and ideologies.
Building Partnerships
We have a partnership with the Society of Policy Scientists, which—with a legacy rooted in rigorous, multidisciplinary analysis—advances human dignity worldwide. Its members bring decades of front-line experience navigating complex governance challenges. From climate resilience and food security to high-stakes conflicts over natural resources and nation-building, they tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges, bringing clarity to problems for purposeful solutions.
We are actively engaged to build additional partnerships and coalitions.
Curating and Developing Resources
We included links to resources compiled by other groups for current and former federal employees, as well as employees of federal contractors and grantees.
We also compiled data and trackers on changes to federal data availability, lawsuits, and DOGE actions, as well as the impacts of recent administrative actions.
Linking Thought Leadership to Action
We are hosting the first of what we plan to be a series of summits; our inaugural summit will bring together former federal employees, civic sector leaders, and academics to consider the massive changes to the federal workforce and federal institutions this year, implications, and to plan what comes next.
Our Substack educates the public about their government, provides a way for federal employees to have their voices heard, and offers thought leadership for the future.
Amplifying New Voices
We will interview federal employees and former feds to:
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Inform Americans of the contributions of everyday workers to the quality of American life, and what we stand to lose as these workers depart government.
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Capture institutional knowledge rapidly departing government.
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Provide a way for employees to tell their stories.
We are currently planning the interviews and the most meaningful ways to share the stories we gather.