"Be The People" Campaign Aims to Unite Americans on Local Issues
As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a new campaign, "Be The People," is set to mobilize Americans to tackle pressing local issues such as poverty, addiction, and violence. This initiative seeks to change the narrative of division in the U.S. and empower individuals to take meaningful action to resolve community challenges.
Why It Matters
The campaign emerges amid a backdrop of increasing polarization and economic disparity in the United States. With many Americans feeling disillusioned about their ability to effect change, "Be The People" proposes a collective effort to demonstrate that unity and shared responsibility can reshape communities and reignite civic engagement.
Key Developments
- The "Be The People" initiative will launch on July 4, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations.
- Funded by 50 philanthropic foundations and individual contributors, it targets an initial budget of $200 million.
- Notable founding members include organizations such as Goodwill Industries and Habitat for Humanity, alongside businesses like Imagine Entertainment.
- A significant focus of the campaign is to connect citizens with local organizations and encourage civic participation beyond simple volunteerism.
- The initiative aligns with research indicating that many people wish to help their communities but lack guidance on how to engage effectively.
Full Report
Campaign Vision
Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO of Stand Together, stated that the 250th anniversary is a pivotal moment to remind Americans of their significance and potential roles in shaping the future. The campaign aims to build a culture of active participation and shared responsibility in addressing societal issues.
Funding Structure and Goals
"Be The People" is supported by substantial funding from diverse sources, including private foundations and individual donors. The initiative is designed as a 10-year commitment to inspire long-term behavioral changes and enhance civic collaboration across various sectors. Hooks emphasized the relevance of findings from a Pew Research survey that indicated a lack of optimism among Americans regarding the nation’s ability to resolve crucial problems.
Engagement Tactics
The campaign is set to initiate a major data collection effort to track community engagement and the efficacy of solutions being implemented. Additionally, the campaign’s approach extends beyond traditional volunteerism; it will involve businesses, schools, and various community stakeholders. Hooks highlighted the necessity of creating authentic opportunities for community members to participate actively in problem-solving initiatives.
Collaborative Efforts
At an Atlanta Hawks game, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King connected their existing program, Realize the Dream, to the "Be The People" campaign, showcasing a collaboration aimed at elevating community service. Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday, echoed this sentiment, noting that collective action fosters understanding and diminishes division among participants.
Responses from Experts
Political scientist Hahrie Han emphasized that genuine engagement leads to greater commitment and personal investment in the community. Additionally, Kristin Goss, a professor at Duke University, pointed to a growing concern among private foundations regarding the health of American democracy and the need for inclusive civic participation.
Context & Previous Events
The launch of "Be The People" occurs against a backdrop of rising economic inequality and a decline in trust in democratic institutions. Organizations advocating for civic engagement, including the Freedom Together Foundation, have increasingly recognized the importance of local action in preserving democratic values as authoritarian tendencies rise.
The initiative not only aims to uplift community efforts but also seeks to amplify the stories of Americans working on local problems, bringing them into the spotlight.
