In an atmosphere of deep political and social division, many individuals, communities, and organizations are asking how, or even if, they should participate in this year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As writers like Jill Lepore, articles in USA Today, and others have pointed out, it’s not that people don’t want to honor our nation’s history or many virtues. Rather, there are legitimate concerns that certain “official” events and national organizations associated with the occasion have become increasingly and troublingly politicized.
Commemorating the Declaration of Independence can and should be an opportunity to focus on shared values, not aggrandizing any one individual or advancing one political faction over another. That is true regardless of who the president happens to be or what political party is in power. Precisely because our nation is so divided, this unique occasion calls for initiatives that transcend personalities and superficial celebrations in ways that engage all Americans and will help ensure our constitutional democratic republic endures for another quarter millennium.
Achieving that worthy goal may at times seem improbable if not impossible, but for inspiration on how to do so, we can turn to the Declaration itself, notably its powerful closing words, “we mutually pledge to each other, our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
That timeless “pledge to each other” is perhaps the greatest shared commitment to service ever written. It is also the essential, yet too often ignored, key to the success of any democratic republic, and it should guide how we celebrate this semiquincentennial.
History tells us that democracies fail when people of selfish motives use the democratic process to gain power, then use their power to undermine democracy. Democracies succeed only when voters and the people they choose are motivated by a commitment to do what is best for the nation as a whole, not for one faction versus another or short-term selfish gain at the long-term expense of the common good.
Not only this year, but every day of every year, we need to instill and sustain the cultural expectation that all of us, throughout our lives, should serve the community and nation as part of our responsibilities as human beings and citizens. As Martin Luther King said in his “Drum Major Instinct” sermon, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
Consistent with how local communities rose up and colonies joined together in 1776, there is a powerful way for every community and school in the nation to celebrate service in ALL its forms every day. What’s more, this can be done without applying for unobtainable external grants, without depending on direction, permission, or resources from the federal or state government, and without tacitly or actively promoting or elevating any political person or organization.
The process is strikingly simple yet incredibly impactful.
1. Bring together service groups and nonprofits, and invite or help them to create physical posters or digital displays telling the stories of who they are, what they do, why it matters, and how to get involved or contribute.
2. Then mount or project those displays throughout the community in public or private spaces so wherever people go, they will see examples of people from all walks of life and all ages serving.
3. Do the same in schools, with students creating the exhibits and posting them publicly inside and out of their buildings so it is not just athletic championships that are recognized; it’s also service by students, alums, faculty, and staff.
The results, when implemented nationwide, will reach millions of people each day with inspiring examples and ways to get involved. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve!”
To facilitate this process, a number of prominent national and local service organizations have collaborated to create a truly nonpartisan and nonpolitical grassroots initiative called 250andBeyond. The name reflects both the tradition of service extending back much earlier than 250 years ago, and that what matters most now is how we continue as a constitutional, democratic republic far beyond this year.
This movement is the initiative of the nonprofit National Museum and Center for Service (NMCFS.ORG) in close partnership with Independent Sector. The NMCFS has created free, open-source toolkits and case studies that can be used by schools and communities all across the nation to create their own “exhibitions of service." The toolkits for creating exhibits have been field-tested and proven, with communities, organizations, and schools using them to create and publicly display their own compelling exhibits remarkably affordably, and within a matter of months.
Lived experience, history, and abundant research demonstrates that there is no more powerful way than participation in service to unify people from diverse backgrounds, strengthen community, and enhance people’s sense of personal purpose and engagement. Even the experience of seeing others serve can elevate people’s feelings and inspire greater kindness and generosity. Every nonprofit, service, charitable and philanthropic organization stands to benefit as more people become aware of the importance of service, understand how it benefits their own lives and communities, and see examples of how they too can become involved and contribute in meaningful ways.
The good news is it is not too late to do this for the 250th, and it is intrinsically worth doing and sustaining long after the anniversary year concludes. Everyone, regardless of their politics or background, can play a part, and the result will create a legacy of honoring service in new ways that will continue for as long as the nation itself.
For more information and to access the free toolkits and case studies - visit the National Museum and Center for Service - NMCFS.ORG and 250andBeyond.org. For curriculum and discussion materials specifically related to service and the nation’s founding, visit the resource site accompanying the documentary series The American Revolution.
You can also join the upcoming 250AndBeyond Service Symposium, to be held in Washington, D.C., on April 24, with a free live webcast available online.
The Honorable Brian Baird, Ph.D., is a former Member of Congress, neuropsychologist, university president, and the founder, executive director of the National Museum and Center for Service NMCFS.ORG
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