The Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University created a new way to tell America's story that focuses on shared democratic values instead of divisions. Led by Colin Woodard, this project developed and tested a national story that brings people together around ideas like freedom, equality, and democracy rather than splitting along racial or ethnic lines. The team did extensive polling that showed most Americans support this values-based approach to national identity.
They created a full report called 'The Story of America' with scripts and messaging tools that civic leaders, teachers, and community groups can use. The project launched in March 2025 with national media coverage and provides practical guides for changing how we talk about what it means to be American. This work matters because without a shared story built on democratic ideals, it's harder for people to work together and maintain strong democratic institutions.
The new narrative offers a way to counter authoritarian threats and strengthen social connections by focusing on the civic values that unite us rather than what divides us.