Democracy, Opportunity, and Citizenship
Core Pillars of Project 2026
Democracy. Opportunity. Citizenship Moonshot is at the cornerstone of everything we do. Our goal is to reimagine what it means for every citizen to thrive in a democratic society, and to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to make that vision a reality. We empower citizens to be informed, engaged, and proactive participants in the democratic process. With actionable information and collaborative tools, citizens are equipped to make a meaningful impact, shaping their communities and nation in positive ways. By fostering personal, social, and political engagement, Project 2026 inspires inclusive, responsive, and resilient democracies.
Through insights drawn from various fields—including political science, social theory, economics, and healthcare—we aim to optimize each citizen’s core capabilities for a flourishing life. Understanding the complex factors that shape our civic and social environments allows us to craft detailed plans for empowered, active citizenship.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Project 2026 is dedicated to redefining our commitment to the founding ideals that have shaped our nation. Our mission is a call to action for everyone who believes in making democracy work better for all. We envision a democracy built on the idea that citizens are sovereign and continually revitalized by active citizen participation. Our vision rests on three core pillars: Democracy, Opportunity, and Citizenship. Together, these pillars drive our mission to build our moonshot: a world where every voice matters and every citizen has the tools to thrive.
Our Vision
Project 2026 envisions a world where democracy is continually revitalized by active citizen participation. We see this as the foundation of a society where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to flourish. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to build a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient democracy.
.Pillars of Project 2026: Democracy, Opportunity, and Citizenship
At the core of Project 2026 lies our Moonshot vision, built on three foundational pillars: Democracy, Opportunity, and Citizenship. By weaving these pillars through all our content and initiatives, we strive to inspire action, foster equity, and empower communities.
Democracy: Making Democracy Work for All Citizens
Description
Democracy is more than a system of governance; it is a shared responsibility built on the political equality of all citizens. At its best, democracy thrives when individuals are informed, engaged, and proactive participants in shaping the future.
Questions Addressed
How can the foundational ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence be implemented today?
What is the role of the government in facilitating human flourishing?
How can citizens reclaim their sovereignty and influence public policy effectively?
Activities
Deliberative Democracy: Organizing structured dialogues to reduce polarization and encourage collaborative problem-solving.
The Case of the U.S. Healthcare System: Reimagining healthcare by shifting the focus from treating illness to promoting overall health. This initiative empowers citizens to better understand their roles as individuals, consumers, and advocates.
The Case of Cancer of the US Political System: Using the metaphor of cancer to diagnose and address systemic dysfunctions in the American political system, this initiative parallels biological cancer's unchecked growth with issues like polarization, corruption, and erosion of trust.
Shrink Notes: Shrink the Government A psychologically informed citizen journal addressing timely issues at the intersection of health, democracy, media, technology, and community through unique perspectives.
Opportunity: Creating Pathways for Flourishing Lives
Description
Opportunity is the cornerstone of a fair society. It begins with ensuring every individual has a fair chance to thrive by addressing systemic barriers and fostering equitable access to resources. Starting with the critical first 1,000 days of life, Moonshot Press prioritizes laying the foundation for lifelong well-being.
Questions Addressed
What factors contribute to the creation, development, and maintenance of optimal well-being?
What conditions allow citizens to thrive and flourish?
How do early-life interventions impact an individual’s ability to achieve core capabilities?
Activities
The First 1,000 Days of Life: Focused on human flourishing from preconception through a child’s second birthday, this initiative promotes maternal and child health, early childhood education, and family support systems.
Whole Person Salutogenic Assistant: An AI-powered digital assistant designed to enhance health and well-being throughout life. Built on the salutogenic paradigm, it provides personalized, evidence-based health assessments and actionable insights tailored to individual circumstances.
Citizenship: Inspiring Active Participation and Systemic Change
Description
Citizenship extends beyond legal status—it’s a call to action. True citizenship involves shaping governance, advocating for justice, and contributing to the collective well-being of our communities. Through Moonshot Press, Project 2026 empowers individuals to move beyond passive observation to become active agents of change.
Questions Addressed
How can individuals influence governance and promote systemic change?
What practical steps can citizens take to advocate for justice and community well-being?
How can we reframe citizenship to foster greater engagement and accountability?
Activities
The Citizen Toolbox: A suite of digital tools designed to enhance civic engagement. These tools provide access to information, mobilize causes, and facilitate deliberative dialogues that enrich democracy.
Deliberative Platforms: Interactive spaces where citizens, experts, and policymakers collaborate on pressing issues through meaningful dialogue and collective decision-making.
Hyperlocal Focus: Thrive in Montco PA: A community-driven initiative demonstrating how deeply engaged citizens can create meaningful change at the local level.
Putting It All Together: Toward a Democracy, Opportunity, and Citizenship Framework
By uniting Democracy, Opportunity, and Citizenship, Project 2026 seeks to create an environment where each individual has the resources, support, and agency needed to flourish. We address critical issues—like polarization, public health, AI governance, and economic inequality—through in-depth reporting, crowdsourced transparency, , and community-driven initiatives.
Our core principles guide every facet of our work, ensuring that informed citizens remain the heart of a dynamic and equitable society. Together, we can create a future where democracy is revitalized, opportunity is universal, and citizenship is a vibrant, collective endeavor.