Download the Toolkit to take part in the 2017 People's State of the Union!

The People’s State of the Union is an annual civic ritual, rooted in the truth that democracy is a conversation, not a monologue. In January of most years, the President delivers a State of the Union Address highlighting the past year and suggesting priorities for the coming year. In Presidential inauguration years there is no official State of the Union Address. When a new President is elected, a Transition Team of experts is assembled to advise on the new administration’s directions and strategies. But a handful of experts can’t represent all of us. After this campaign cycle, We the People are likely to have even more light than usual to shed. We’re thinking of everyone who takes part in #PSOTU2017 as a member of the USDAC Transition Team, sharing your experiences and wisdom with each other and the next President, who really needs to hear them.

During the People’s State of the Union any individual or organization can host a Story Circle, bringing people together to reflect on the state of our union. Events can take place anywhere—living rooms, schools, houses of worship, community centers, public parks, offices, libraries, theaters. The stories shared at these events are uploaded online to inspire a collaboratively composed Poetic Address to the Nation, performed and broadcast live. This year Story Circles will be held January 27-February 5, 2017.

Whether you're hosting a few folks in your own home, a dozen simultaneous circles in a high school gym, or inviting members of your organization or network to host their own circles, the Toolkit explains absolutely everything you need to know to organize, promote, and pull off your event, plus how to access online training and technical assistance.

Learn more about the People’s State of the Union at www.usdac.us/psotu

And download the Toolkit here to begin planning your Story Circle!