đź—˝For All of Us: 250 Years - Action Alert, June 29, 2026
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"Two and a half centuries in, Americans are neither naive nor defeated. They see the cracks, and they still bet on the future. The country's defining trait isn't agreement, it's a refusal to stop striving for a better tomorrow."
America at 250: Hope Amid Division
On Saturday, July 4th, the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which formally severed the 13 American colonies' political ties to Great Britain and asserted our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. How Americans view the state of the country and our democracy at this milestone is the subject of a landmark survey by Navigator Research. The results provide both hope and a cautionary note on our future.
Key takeaways according to the report:
Americans are deeply proud of the freedoms this country provides; many acknowledge they wouldn’t be able to enjoy these freedoms elsewhere.
Freedom is one of the core tenets of the American identity and a source of both pride and current anxiety. Americans understand our national identity through a lens of rights and freedoms, while also expressing concern that those freedoms are increasingly under threat, particularly freedom of speech.
Americans place greater importance on being American than on politics and continue to find common ground in shared values, symbols, historical moments, and traditions.
Americans are most inspired by moments of progress and unity. Historic expansions of freedom and equality, as well as contemporary examples of people coming together in service of one another in moments of crisis and in celebration of our country’s history, are among the strongest sources of national pride.
The American Dream still defines the promise of America for many, but fewer believe the promise is being fulfilled or think it’s achievable for themselves personally.
The survey also reveals deep divides, particularly among those who self-identify as "supporters of the MAGA movement." Despite these outliers, the survey finds more commonality than division around the basic values and founding principles of this country. As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, let's embrace those shared values and redouble our efforts to protect the future of our democracy.Â
Want to weigh in? Take the survey here.
America for All of Us: Flying the Colors
How are you celebrating America's 250th anniversary? Send us your photos of how you are displaying the flag this week! We'll share them in a special commemorative gallery on the BAM website! Conservatives have long claimed exclusive rights to the flag, but we know better. Share your colors!
More Ways to Celebrate America's 250th
Kick off the 4th by joining the weekly protest at the Beaches Library, Saturday at 10
a.m.! What better way to celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (especially
if someone brings donut holes!) The country started with a protest (Boston Tea Party), continue the tradition by showing up and pushing back on authoritarianism. See you on Saturday!
 250 TO 250 - Historian Heather Cox Richardson has produced a series of one-minute videos of the many people, places, and events that have built our country --- engaging reminders of the power of each person to make history. In addition, Richardson is encouraging people to post a video saying “I am America” to social media with the hashtag #WeAreAmerica250. Share your story!
You can also watch "Celebrating America 250: Made with Love" on PBS, exploring America's founding spirit through the works of modern artisans who illustrate the many cultures that built this country.
Indivisible Jax-Riverside is commemorating America's 250th anniversary by celebrating American heroes. Who in history do you admire? Leaders, artists, activists, athletes --- anyone who has helped shape this country.  Send them your nominations!
Fight Voter Suppression
While a federal judge last week halted his attempt to meddle with Vote-by-Mail through the US Postal Service, Trump has doubled down on Congress and is demanding passage of the SAVE Act.Â
The USPS decision is likely to be appealed, so register your opposition to the proposed plan, which threatens the role of state and local governments in overseeing elections, as a precaution. The deadline for public comment on these amendments is Thursday, July 2, at 5 p.m. If you haven't already submitted a comment, the League of Women Voters has a form that makes it easy! Use it to oppose proposed changes TODAY!
Meanwhile, let FL Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody know you expect them to protect voting rights and give a thumbs down to the SAVE Act. Scott, in particular, has championed the act which is designed to address non-existent fraud in the nation's voting system. 5 Calls makes it easy.
Get Ready for the Midterms!
Find out everything you need to know about the August 18th Florida Primary Election in BAM's online election guide! Learn about voting deadlines, who can vote for what, key races on the Beaches ballot, and steps you can take to be part of Indivisible's national Hands Off Our Vote election protection initiative. The primary election is just 50 days away!
SAVE THE DATE!
With voting rights under attack, BAM is joining area Indivisible groups and voting rights organizations for this year's Good Trouble Lives On Weekend of Action, July 17-19th, commemorating the late Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis and his work. This year, national organizers have adopted the theme: "Teach! Reach! Preach!" and we're planning activities focused on each over the three-day weekend.
Mark your calendar and watch for more information soon!
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