ABOUT
We have always been an imperfect union, with each generation working to bring the United States closer to its ideals. July 4, 2026 invites us into a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew our broad commitment to building the robust democracy the United States aspired to in its founding documents but has not yet realized. July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the shared articulation of the revolutionary imaginary of a nation that would take 12 more years to constitute itself — a project of boundless creativity.
This interactive AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL Recipe Box invites and equips community organizing, arts, culture, and service groups and practitioners to create and execute a variety of communal events that invite community members to envision and experience irresistibly inclusive American futures.
The recipes are envisioned as an on-ramp for participants to inspire each other to dream of a shared America together. They are designed to inspire and guide you in making events offer opportunities to envision beautiful, welcoming American futures on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL activates the shared ideals set forth in our nation’s founding documents, asking each of us:
- What is the American dream?
- What is the American promise?
- When in your American life have you felt most free?
- Who are this country’s founding mothers? What would this country be if it were founded by women?
- If money were light, how much would the US have to spend?
- For whom America, the beautiful?
AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL aims to spark patriotic inquiry, civic joy, and a shared and grounded hope, to create a United States where everyone belongs, every voice is valued, and solidarity is built across differences.
About the Recipe Box
WHY A RECIPE BOX?
Because they bring together recipes across generations, traditions, cultures, friendships.
Because they can inspire or direct us to care for ourselves and each other.
Because recipes can and should be adapted to suit your taste.
Because they invite us to contribute our recipes, as well as to draw on the recipes that have already been contributed by others.
Because we love them!
This recipe box is a starting point to provide grounding and generate excitement so that we can make recipes for engagement that inspire communities to create and advance irresistibly inclusive American futures.
TIPS TO CONSIDER:
All home cooks know they need to plan for the number of people who will be eating and they must make do with what’s in the pantry.
- How many participants are you planning for? And, how many are you planning with?
- How much prep, planning, and cooking time, energy, and other resources do you have to put into this?
- What excites you about a particular recipe here or inspires you to make your own?
Use this recipe box as you like.
- Perhaps you just want some inspiration — flip through and see what excites you. What are you inspired to do? Here’s a template, if you would like to share your own recipe.
- If you want some more guidance — use the tags to narrow the recipes and decide what you will make. Use the ingredients and process guide to get going!
Go with what you have. Scale your involvement to the energy, excitement, and capacity of your members, community, or staff. Of course, whatever approach you take, add the flavor of your own creative brilliance. Make it yours!