New Dreams for America

As the United States reaches its 250th anniversary, what visions and aspirations can help shape the next chapter of the continent's democracy? Public discourse about the state of our nation often focuses on problems, blame, and what is broken. This 3-day gathering, March 26-28, 2026, at New York’s iconic Union Theological Seminary, offered space to imagine what is possible, grounded in a belief in imagination —essential to building democratic renewal and an ability to envision futures worth building. Bringing together educators, technologists, faith leaders, civic thinkers, GenZ activists, environmentalists, impact investors, leading members of the arts community, the multi-part event opened with a large-scale public gathering featuring a keynote by Fabio Scarano, UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. And it then engaged in a focused, invitational mini-think tank featuring collaborative conversations engaging speakers and audience alike on topics from scenario planning to the science of hope. It spoke to a hunger shared by many at this critical moment: how do we create our version of the “American Dream.” the desire to continue exploring new “stories,” alliances, mechanisms, and pathways that can help shape a more just, resilient, and thriving tomorrow for all is evolving New Dreams into an ongoing platform potentially extending nationwide.