Welcome to Project 2026
A Bold Experiment in Democracy
My name is Shimon Waldfogel, and for nearly a decade, I’ve been on a personal quest to understand the foundations of American democracy—and to reclaim my role as a truly engaged citizen. That journey inspired me to launch Project 2026, an ambitious, comprehensive, multi-year, multi-phase effort (or experiment) aimed at facilitating citizen flourishing across the life course. While Project 2026 will publicly launch in July 2025 and culminate around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, it is the product of countless contributions and refinements over many years. In that sense, it’s both a work in progress and a shared endeavor—one that welcomes your insights, criticisms, and support.
About Project 2026
Project 2026 is an ambitious, comprehensive, multi-year experiment designed to invigorate American democracy as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. At its heart, Project 2026 is aimed at facilitating citizen flourishing across the life course. Our core belief, echoed from the Declaration itself, is that all people are created equal and have fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Project 2026 aims to make these timeless ideals a vibrant reality for everyone in the 21st century.
Why Now?
America was founded on incredible ideals, but we haven't yet fully delivered on their promise for all. We face growing inequality, deep political divisions, and declining trust in our institutions. Many feel that public life no longer serves their interests, and new technologies like artificial intelligence threaten to further concentrate power if not guided by democratic values. Project 2026 steps into this challenging landscape, committed to rebuilding trust, renewing participation, and reimagining the role of the citizen. We believe that a healthy democracy isn't just about institutions or elections; it's about people showing up—with purpose, skill, and solidarity—to co-create a just and flourishing society.
Our Vision
Project 2026 envisions a future where an active, well-informed citizenry drives a thriving American democracy that facilitates opportunity for all Americans to flourish.
Our Mission
Our mission is both simple and transformative: to ensure that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—first articulated in 1776—are fully realized through an informed, empowered citizenry. Project 2026 is dedicated to facilitating citizen flourishing across the life course. This means equipping everyday people with the tools, knowledge, and frameworks to participate meaningfully in public life and to thrive as citizens, from childhood through old age.
What's at Stake?
The radical promise declared in 1776 – that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights – has not yet been fully delivered. We are a polarized nation where trust in government is low, fellow citizens are often viewed as enemies, and the system is perceived as rigged. Many have been excluded and marginalized, their voices unheard. A media and social media landscape that often promotes conflict only exacerbates this toxic environment. Project 2026 seeks to reverse these trends and reclaim the promise of a truly inclusive and participatory democracy.
Our Theory of Change
Project 2026 is built on a deep understanding of how genuine, lasting change truly happens within a complex system like American democracy. We draw insights from fields like political science, behavioral psychology, biology and design thinking, but our fundamental belief is much older—it's the radical vision embedded in the Declaration of Independence: that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We believe that the political system is a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem where ideas, institutions, media, culture, and citizens themselves all play a crucial role. For us, real change isn't just about tweaking policies; it requires a paradigm shift—new ways of thinking about power, responsibility, and what it means to be a citizen. And this change begins with clarity: providing citizens with a shared vision, accessible tools, and clear entry points to actively participate in democratic life. We are committed to fostering this systemic shift to ensure that every American has the opportunity to flourish.
Our Strategy in Action
We work across all levels—from national discussions to local initiatives—to demonstrate what 21st-century democracy can look like in practice:
Moonshot Press: A public-interest media platform, newsletter, and storytelling hub that informs, inspires, and connects.
The Citizen Toolbox: A suite of digital and physical tools designed to make civic engagement easier, smarter, and more meaningful.
Deliberative Formats: We foster public conversations on critical issues through Citizen Briefs, Case Presentations, Citizen Commissions, and National Forums focusing on topics like democracy, justice, health, AI, and generational responsibility.
Signature Initiatives: These include The Life Trajectory Approach to Thriving Citizens, We The People @ 250 - The 2026 Election: Critical Issues, The First 1,000 Days Initiative, and The People's Commission to Make Our Children Healthy.
Local Pilots: Initiatives like Thrive in Montco PA test, refine, and scale citizen-led models of democratic participation and public health in real communities.
An Invitation to All
Project 2026 is more than just a civic initiative—it's a shared platform for public renewal. We invite Americans of every age, background, and belief to join us in closing the gap between the country we are and the country we aspire to be. Together, we can rebuild trust, forge new pathways for participation, and make democracy truly live up to its founding promise of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for all.
Learn More About Project 2026
Our Digital and Social Media “Foot Print”. (Coming soon)
📌 Stay Informed → Follow Project 2026 on Moonshot Press
Overview of Project 2026
An interactive graph of the overview can be found by clicking on the image or here
Project 2026 in Depth
Theory of Change:
Reclaiming the Citizen's Role for Flourishing Generations
Core Paradigms Guiding Our Work
Our Moonshot Democracy, Opportunity, Citizenship
Our Theory of Change: Reclaiming the Citizen's Role for Flourishing Generations
At Project 2026, our theory of change begins with a fundamental belief: when citizens truly reclaim their rightful place within the political ecosystem, democracy isn't just renewed—it becomes more just, more dynamic, and better equipped for the future. We're talking about a paradigm shift in how we understand our collective power and responsibility, ultimately aimed at facilitating citizen flourishing across the life course. Our work is deeply shaped by the needs of future generations and powered by innovations like artificial intelligence, which we aim to harness for the common good.
Our foundation, older than any academic discipline, is the radical vision of the Declaration of Independence: that all people are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We believe these aren't just words on a page, but a living blueprint for a thriving society where an active, well-informed citizenry engages in a thriving American democracy that provides an opportunity for all Americans to flourish.
Core Paradigms Guiding Our Work
We approach this transformation through several core paradigms:
The Citizenism Paradigm: This concept is central to our work. It emphasizes the profound meaning and vital role of citizens within the body politic. It highlights the indispensable importance of active, purposeful involvement from every individual to ensure a vibrant and responsive democracy.
Paradigm Shift for Lasting Change: True, deep change isn't about simple policy tweaks. It demands a fundamental shift in how we think about power, responsibility, and the very nature of citizenship. We're aiming for a new mindset where active, informed participation is the norm, not the exception.
The Political Ecosystem: We understand that the political system is a complex, interconnected web. It's shaped by a constant interplay of ideas, institutions, media, culture, and, most importantly, the actions of citizens themselves. Lasting change requires us to address this ecosystem holistically, not just isolated parts.
The Salutogenic Paradigm: Instead of solely focusing on what's broken in our democracy, we emphasize what creates health and well-being within the civic body. This means understanding and fostering the conditions that lead to citizen flourishing, rather than just reacting to crises.
The Life-Trajectory of Citizens: We view citizen flourishing through a "cradle-to-elderhood" lens. This means recognizing that civic engagement and well-being are not static, but evolve across a person's entire life, requiring support and opportunities at every stage.
Take Action: Empowerment Through Citizen Engagement
Our theory of change culminates in empowering individuals to take action. We believe in fostering personal agency and political engagement through a tiered approach:
Get Personal: We encourage individuals to define what "optimal health" and well-being mean for themselves and their families, recognizing that personal flourishing is a bedrock for civic engagement.
Get Social: We provide tools and frameworks to help improve community and local environments, understanding that a thriving society starts at the grassroots level.
Get Political: We equip citizens with the skills and knowledge needed for effective civic advocacy, enabling them to confidently address critical issues and shape public policy.
The Project 2026 Moonshot: Democracy, Opportunity, Citizenship
At the very core of Project 2026 lies our ambitious Moonshot vision, built on three foundational pillars that permeate all our initiatives and content:
Democracy: This is far more than just voting. It's about ensuring every voice is heard, fostering visibility for all citizens, and sharing power broadly. We work to strengthen participation, build robust civic infrastructure, and enable citizens to genuinely shape policy and hold institutions accountable throughout the year. Success looks like: Fair representation, transparent processes, and accessible public data.
Opportunity: True flourishing must be available to everyone, not just a privileged few. We concentrate on achieving equity across the entire life course, with a special emphasis on "The First 1,000 Days of Life" as a crucial foundation for lifelong well-being, resilience, and meaningful contribution to society. Success looks like: Level playing fields in health, education, and work.
Citizenship: We see citizenship not merely as a legal status, but as a daily practice of responsibility, personal agency, and collaborative problem-solving. We strive to make civic engagement accessible, rewarding, and a central, vibrant part of American life. Success looks like: High-trust communities and dynamic local and national engagement.
By blending these founding ideals with modern tools and research-driven insights, Project 2026 provides a practical roadmap for citizen empowerment, working towards a democracy that truly works for everyone.
Go Deeper to Learn About Our Moonshot: Democracy. Opportunity. Citizenship
Moonshot Press: Reimagining Media for a Thriving Democracy
Central to Project 2026's strategy to revitalize American democracy and foster citizen flourishing is Moonshot Press. This isn't just another media outlet; it's our innovative, AI-assisted media arm, fundamentally dedicated to reimagining the role of media within a thriving democracy.
At its core, Moonshot Press is a public-interest media, storytelling, and deliberation platform designed to inform, provoke thought, and foster genuine connection. As an independent, non-partisan initiative, we go beyond traditional news reporting. We combine in-depth journalism with powerful citizen-empowerment tools and community-driven initiatives. Moonshot Press is driven by key editorial areas of focus, while also directly supporting the broader initiatives and projects of Project 2026. Our goal is clear: to address the pressing challenges facing our society, inspire meaningful civic engagement, and uphold the vital role journalism plays in a healthy democratic society.
Our editorial focus spans critical areas essential for a flourishing citizenry and a vibrant democracy:
Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities: Exploring the evolving landscape of democratic processes, advocating for greater participation, and highlighting pathways for systemic improvement.
Community: Building Stronger Communities through Collective Action: Showcasing stories and strategies that foster local resilience, connection, and shared purpose.
Health: Enhancing Health and Wellbeing: Investigating the broader determinants of health, from individual well-being to public health initiatives that support flourishing lives.
Technology: Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sphere: Examining the transformative impact of AI, ensuring its development and deployment serve the common good and democratic values.
Media: Exploring the Media’s Role in Democracy: Critically assessing the media landscape, promoting responsible journalism, and empowering citizens to navigate information effectively.
Through Moonshot Press, we provide citizens with the knowledge, context, and inspiration they need to become active shapers of our shared future.
To learn more about how we use Moonshot Press, click here: https://citizenbrief.substack.com/about
Empowering Citizens for a Thriving Democracy
The Citizen Toolbox
At the heart of Project 2026 and Moonshot Press is a commitment to reinvigorate the role of the citizen within our democracy. The Citizen Toolbox is both a symbol and a practical resource for this mission—a curated set of tools and engagement platforms designed to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and reimagine our democratic systems for the 21st century.
Born from the recognition that democracy must evolve alongside technological and societal shifts, the Toolbox leverages digital technologies and structured formats to enhance citizen agency, participation, and well-being. It equips citizens with the knowledge, skills, and structures needed to navigate the complex political ecosystem, make informed decisions, engage meaningfully with institutions, and shape policy at all levels.
The Citizen Toolbox is an integral component of the broader Project 2026 agenda—our effort to catalyze a citizen-driven renaissance of democracy as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. Alongside Moonshot Press’s journalism, dialogues, and deliberative forums, the Toolbox provides citizens with actionable resources to transform civic frustration into civic power.
Components of the Citizen Toolbox
1. Ecosystem Tool — Understanding Your Political Landscape
The Ecosystem Tool provides an interactive map of your political and social environment. By entering your location or area of interest, you gain insights into your local, state, and national representatives, public institutions, key organizations, and policy processes.
Purpose: Help citizens see themselves within the political ecosystem, fostering systems thinking and more strategic engagement.
Features: My Political Ecosystem, My Health Ecosystem, issue-specific ecosystems (e.g., Pain-Opioid Epidemic).
2. Tracers — Following the Path of Policy and Services
Inspired by healthcare quality assessment tools, Tracers allow citizens to "follow the journey" of policies, services, or patient experiences through complex systems.
Purpose: Make visible how systems operate, where breakdowns occur, and how improvements can be made.
Applications: Tracing the implementation of legislation, funding flows, developmental milestones (e.g., First 1000 Days).
3. Checklists — Translating Complexity into Action
Checklists provide citizens with simple, actionable steps to navigate challenges, engage stakeholders, and participate effectively in policy discussions or community actions.
Purpose: Demystify engagement processes, ensuring consistency and empowering action at personal, social, and political levels.
Examples: Media literacy checklist, maternal health action steps, legislative engagement guides.
4. Data — Enabling Evidence-Based Civic Action
Reliable, accessible data is the bedrock of informed deliberation and decision-making. The Toolbox’s data tools simplify complex datasets into usable insights for citizens.
Purpose: Move discussions from opinions to evidence, supporting citizen advocacy, monitoring, and policymaking.
Focus Areas: Biological, psychological, social, environmental, and political domains; with emphasis on First 1000 Days indicators and community health data.
Citizen Platforms for Deliberation
5. Citizen Briefs — Framing Issues for Civic Action
Citizen Briefs are concise, citizen-authored documents that reframe societal challenges (e.g., opioid epidemic) into actionable, multi-stakeholder roadmaps.
Purpose: Empower citizens to define problems, propose solutions, and initiate civic deliberation.
Format: Problem framing, stakeholder analysis, citizen-centered action plan.
6. Citizen Commission — Collaborative Civic Problem-Solving
The Citizen Commission is an ongoing, participatory framework that brings together citizens, experts, and stakeholders to develop, implement, and monitor community or national “treatment plans” for complex issues.
Purpose: Enable citizens to engage in sustained, structured deliberation and co-production of solutions.
Applications: COVID-19 Commission, Opioid Epidemic Commission.
7. Case Presentation — A Diagnostic Approach to Democracy
Borrowing from clinical practice, the Case Presentation format invites citizens to approach societal issues as if they were complex medical cases—diagnosing root causes, identifying cognitive and systemic biases, and developing phased treatment plans.
Purpose: Promote objectivity, reduce partisanship, and enable deeper exploration of challenges and opportunities.
Examples: The Pain-Opioid Case, The Frustrated Citizen, U.S. Healthcare System Case.
Closing Invitation
Together, these tools and formats make the Citizen Toolbox a gateway to active citizenship, informed dialogue, and systemic impact. By using the Toolbox, citizens are invited to transform frustration into participation, dialogue into action, and aspiration into outcomes that advance the common good.
Initiatives for a Thriving Democracy
The Life Trajectory Approach to Thriving Citizens
We The People @ 250
The 2026 Election: Critical IssuesThe Life Trajectory Approach to Thriving Citizens
The Life Trajectory Approach to Thriving Citizens
The First 1000 Days for a Flourishing Life
Address how early life stages from preconception through a child’s second birthday shape long-term well-being, advocating for comprehensive community support.
The First 1000 Days of Life aims to establish a comprehensive approach to support the foundations for a flourishing life, from preconception through a child’s second birthday.—creating an environment where everyone can flourish.
The People’s Commission to Make Our Children Healthy
A grassroots initiative paralleling federal efforts, focusing on holistic health strategies from disease prevention to long-term flourishing, using AI and social media to amplify grassroots ideas and create comprehensive health approaches.
Join our People’s Commission to Make Our Children Healthy, advancing community-based solutions to early childhood health challenges. (Take Part in Our Initiatives)
National Forums: Dialogues on Democracy
Engage in our conversations
"What Do We Owe the Next Generation" explores the philosophical, political, and spiritual dimensions of ensuring access to opportunities for future generations.
What are the Core Capabilities for Thriving Citizens? What are the Core Capabilities for Thriving Citizens?
We The People @ 250
Imagine the Constitution in The Era of AI
Project 2026: Imagine the US Constitution for Our Time is a civic learning and engagement initiative exploring the enduring significance of the U.S. Constitution—and how its principles might be adapted for our times. Through daily AI assisted exploration, modeled after the 1787 Constitutional Convention, this project revisits the debates, compromises, and hopes that shaped the original document while offering a framework for citizens to reflect on the social contract’s relevance in the age of AI and complex global interdependence.
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and Citizen Engagement
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA), enacted in 1946, is a cornerstone of American administrative law. It governs the way federal agencies propose and establish regulations, ensuring fairness, transparency, and public participation in the rulemaking process. The APA was established to address concerns about the growing power of federal agencies and the need for standardized procedures to ensure accountability and protect the rights of individuals and businesses.
The People’s Department of Government Excellence (PDOGE)
Enhance government accountability and effectiveness by conducting citizen-led assessments, developing transparency standards, and creating pathways for public input on government operations.
The 2026 Election: Critical Issues
As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, many Americans feel disillusioned by partisan media cycles and uncertain about where to start. Yet, this election presents a pivotal opportunity to refocus national conversations on the issues that will define our future.
The 2026 Election: Critical issues that are not being discussed publicly
The Defining Issues of the 2026 Election
The 2026 Election Initiative will shine a spotlight on six urgent, interconnected issues that demand public attention and deliberation in the lead-up to November 2026:
Renewing Democracy: Participation, Trust, and Civic Power
How can we modernize and protect our democratic institutions while increasing transparency, participation, and responsiveness?Artificial Intelligence and the Social Contract
The AI revolution is transforming jobs, media, and public life—yet policy is lagging behind. What role should citizens play in shaping the rules of the digital age? Learn MoreUniversal Healthcare and Health Justice
Millions remain uninsured or underinsured. How can we create a system that promotes health for all—not just profits for some? Learn MoreEconomic Opportunity, Debt, and Intergenerational Equity
From stagnant wages to spiraling debt, Americans are questioning whether the economy works for future generations. What does a responsible, opportunity-rich economy look like? Learn MoreThe Addiction Crisis and the Hope of Community Resilience
The opioid epidemic reveals a deeper societal unraveling. How can we rebuild the foundations of care, connection, and healing?Learn MorePublic Health and Pandemic Preparedness
COVID-19 exposed the fragility of our health infrastructure. How do we invest in smarter, more resilient systems to protect everyone? Learn More
Project 2026 hyperlocal focus
Our inaugural initiative, Thrive in Montco PA, puts our principles into action at the community level. This hyperlocal project serves as a testing ground for our broader mission, demonstrating how deeply engaged citizens can create meaningful change. By focusing on Montgomery County, PA, we explore how local initiatives can inspire national progress.
Shrink Notes: Shrink the Government
This psychologically informed citizen journal addresses timely issues at the intersection of health, democracy, media, technology, and community. By applying psychological insights, this initiative offers unique perspectives on challenges facing society today.
The Institute for Salutogenesis
Dedicated to exploring the principles of salutogenesis, this initiative emphasizes holistic health creation as a framework for maternal and infant well-being. The Institute focuses on fostering environments that promote health and well-being, with the ultimate goal of creating healthier, more resilient communities.
Join Us
As we near the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Project 2026 is not merely a reflection but a proactive call to action. It challenges us to reimagine democracy from the bottom up, ensuring the next century of American life is marked by inclusion, fairness, and progress. Join us in this vital endeavor to fulfill the American promise, ensuring that the principles of democracy are not only preserved but are actively realized in every community.
Through Project 2026, we will provide insightful analysis, citizen briefings, and deliberative platforms to ensure that these critical issues remain front and center in the electoral process.
The 2026 election is not just about candidates—it’s about our collective future. Let’s make every voice count.
Get Involved → Participate in Election 2026 Citizen Forums and help shape the national conversation.
📌 Stay Informed → Follow Moonshot Press for in-depth coverage and fact-based election reporting.
Additional Content
The Project 2026 Moonshot—Democracy, Opportunity, Citizenship
Project 2025 vs. Project 2026: Compare and Contrast
Project 2026: A Madisonian View
