As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we face a competition for the future of our country. Will the principles of bottom up empowerment in the Declaration of Independence continue to guide our country forward, or will people turn to extreme top-down ideas that violate those principles?
This moment is critical
During times of rapid change and disruption like we’re experiencing today, people are more susceptible to extreme top-down ideas. Only 31% of Americans say they believe the American Dream is real, 82% say we’re more divided than united, and fewer than half think we can solve our own problems.
Many people are arguing that the only way to solve our country’s problems is to turn away from the principles in the Declaration — yet Charles Koch and Brian Hooks make the compelling case that more fully applying those principles is essential to uniting our country and creating a future where everyone can lead a life of meaning.
The America’s 250th anniversary edition of Believe in People includes a new preface that shows why the ideas it contains are even more relevant today than when the book was first released, a new foreword by Martin Luther King III, and deeply personal stories and compelling examples.
Believe in People argues that the Declaration of Independence and America’s founding ideals aren’t abstract. They’re a guide for solving our country’s problems and living the American Dream.
Charles and Brian offer a clear path to success for anyone who wants to make a difference. An unrelenting picture of optimism that’s a road map for solving our country’s biggest problems.”
Marc Andreessen
Cofounder, a16z
What role will you play?
As Americans, we find meaning in our lives by contributing to the lives of others — we succeed by helping others succeed. This is what the founders meant when they wrote those words: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. And that is what has helped America accomplish more than any country in history.
No matter your background or beliefs, Believe in People will inspire you to rally around the principles of empowerment in the Declaration of Independence — and make our country’s next 250 years even better than the last.
Backed up by stories of inspiring people solving society’s toughest problems, Believe in People offers a practical roadmap for the role each of us can play, challenging people to use America’s founding principles to remove barriers, empower others, and solve problems from the bottom up.
Believe in People inspires all of us to achieve our limitless potential through hard work and lifelong learning.”
Jeffrey Rosen
President & CEO, National Constitution Center
Bottom up works best. Here’s the proof.
When we first told the story, The Phoenix — a group that pioneered a community-based approach to addiction — was helping about 10,000 people in 50 locations. Now, The Phoenix has helped more than 1 million people.
When schools closed during the Covid pandemic, families demanded better alternatives. Today, Stand Together has helped launch more than 4,700 education alternatives serving more than 5 million students, helping expand individualized learning and proving how quickly bottom up can scale.
Through deeply personal stories and compelling examples of real-life impact, Koch and Hooks show how removing barriers and empowering people closest to the problem unlocks solutions that no one-size-fits-all, top-down system can create. These changemakers are proving that when opportunity is expanded, everyone — and our institutions — are stronger for it.
Melony drove change after learning she’d have to jump through hoops to open her hair salon.
Free world-class education for all? It’s not a pipe dream, says Khan Academy founder Sal Khan.
By empowering residents and addressing essential needs, Daron helped prove that lasting change starts from the bottom up.
Stand Together Foundation supports 350 community organizations that show how bottom up principles of empowerment outperform top-down approaches to addressing the issues that plague our communities.
The Phoenix has helped more than 1 million people since 2006, with no signs of slowing down.
This restaurant helps justice-involved youth realize their potential.
This innovative app connects families in crisis to relationships and support in their community.
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