PHILADELPHIA · SUMMER 2026
YOUTH DOCENTS
Young Philadelphians get paid to research and tell the hidden histories of their own neighborhoods through walking tours, storytelling, and a public showcase. No prior experience needed.
THE PEOPLE'S 250
THE NEXT 250 YEARS START WITH US.
We've built the place to begin. A national civic and cultural initiative for America's 250th anniversary, starting this summer in Philadelphia.
FIND YOUR ROLE IN IT
The People's 250 is built on a single proposition: the American Dream belongs to all of us, and the work of keeping it alive must be done together, across generations and across the country.
§ 02 · AREAS OF EXPLORATION
FIVE AREAS OF EXPLORATION
- 01ECONOMIC FREEDOM
The ability to build, earn, own, and pass something on. This domain explores the systems, skills, and opportunities that expand economic agency and help families create lasting security.
- 02CREATIVE EXPRESSION
How communities remember, imagine, and make meaning. This domain treats art, culture, tradition, and storytelling as narrative infrastructure, not decoration.
- 03SUSTAINABLE CARE
The systems that allow people and places to endure. This domain includes health, education, housing, food, caregiving, and the natural systems every community depends on.
- 04CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
How we show up for one another and the places we call home. This domain explores leadership, governance, public trust, participation, and the habits that hold communities together.
- 05COLLABORATIVE POWER
Communities solve problems together long before official systems know how to see it. This domain explores how government, law, philanthropy, business, and civic institutions can better recognize, support, and strengthen collaboration as a source of public power.
§ 01 · ROLES
FIND YOUR ROLE IN IT.
- 01STEWARD
Help carry the work in your community. Nominate someone trusted, or step forward yourself, for the August 29 convening.
Nominate → - 02YOUTH DOCENT
Young Philadelphians: get paid to research and tell the hidden histories of your own neighborhood.
Apply → - 03PARTNER
Bring an institution, organization, or program into the network. Build alongside us.
Get in touch → - 04NEIGHBOR
Join the network, RSVP to a launch, spread the word. The simplest way in is also the most important.
Join the network →
§ 03 · SUMMER 2026
WHERE THE WORK BEGINS.
Apply to be a Youth Docent
JULY 25 · PAUL ROBESON HOUSE & MUSEUM
PUBLIC LAUNCH
Join us in Philadelphia for the public launch of The People's 250, presented in partnership with the Paul Robeson House & Museum as part of its broader 250th anniversary commemoration.
Together, we will lift up the stories, institutions, and community traditions already shaping a local future.
AUGUST 29 · PHILADELPHIA
NETWORK CONVENING
We are bringing together 250 Americans from across the country to decide how this milestone becomes a movement.
Together, we will explore how communities can build the narrative and deliberative infrastructure needed to remember honestly, deliberate across difference, and establish a national rhythm of shared responsibility.
§ 04 · JOIN THE NETWORK
BE PART OF WHAT'S NEXT.
Sign up and we'll keep you posted on ways to get involved this summer and beyond.
§ 05 · CONTACT
CONTACT
For press, partnerships, or anything else, email us at programs@thepeoples250.org.