top of page

About

"The America I Want" is a forward-looking digital education initiative, encouraging personal expression, active listening, and community engagement among high school students across the country. Developed by the Vermont-based Linley Foundation, this initiative seeks to spark a nationwide dialogue about the future vision of America as we progress through the 21st century. The program is anchored in the core of our communities, namely our high schools and our classrooms.

A DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE

“The America I Want” is founded on several key democratic principles: a modernized civics education curriculum, active student engagement with peers and community members, and data collection and analysis. The program culminates in a town gathering where students, community members, and local political representatives meet to discuss research findings. The objective is for students to actively engage with their elected representatives to explore how the most promising communal ideas can be transformed into actionable initiatives.

 

 

Climate Protest
group of people.jpeg

REFLECTIONS ON OUR DEMOCRACY

America's democratic public square is vibrant and dynamic, sometimes exhilarating and, often, hilarious. It can also be contentious, confrontational, and at times downright offensive. This is the nature of living in a democracy where ultimate authority is entrusted to the people. Thriving in such an environment requires civic preparation, skills, and resilience. Today, the climate of our public discourse is intense. "The America I Want" program serves as a moment of reflection, providing a cooling-off period. Our aim is not to suggest unanimous agreement but to reaffirm the essential democratic principle that we will not always have our way and must often agree to disagree.

REFLECTIONS ON OUR DIVISIONS

Despite the frequent divisive narrative we encounter in the media, there is strong evidence Americans share common goals. This unity is reflected in our personal aspirations. Most of us desire the freedom to express ourselves. We want to grow to our full potential without unfair obstacles blocking our paths. We strive for economic stability and access to quality healthcare. We want safe neighborhoods and good schools for our children. In sum, we aspire to lead fulfilling lives enriched by our work, families and friendships while exploring new possibilities. These shared aspirations are what bind us. America is an extension of ourselves. We are the society we both admire and we criticize.

Image by Papaioannou Kostas

A Word From 
Linley Foundation 

The "America I Want" civics initiative derives its strength from its community focus and the ability to facilitate statewide, regional, and national comparisons. Our goal is to spark a nationwide conversation starting in our schools. At Linley, we are proud to support this timely initiative.

LINLEY_Vert copy 3_edited.png
LINLEY_Vert copy 3_edited.png

© 2022 THE AMERICA I WANT IS. All Rights Reserved. Design by Lucas Petit Caputo and Maria Lucia Ferreira/ reconceived by Blackthorn Publishing/ Logo: Cristina  Gomes / Video graphics: Guto Coelho

bottom of page