The Citizenship Challenge

Take charge of your power to more effectively communicate your views and ideas on the issues facing Americans rather than the politics of the issues. 

In doing so, you’ll understand new ways to combat citizen ignorance, divisiveness, and apathy and be more empowered to restore America’s goodness and greatness – relighting that (in the eloquent words of Ronald Reagan)  “shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere.”

It’s easy and will only take about an hour of your time.

We ask only that you read (or reread) the two documents that are the foundation of our nation: The Declaration of Independence that established our separation from tyranny and the U.S. Constitution which defines the framework for a free people governed only by consent.

Following this, we’ll ask you to Pledge your allegiance to the Flag and to the republic for which it stands.  Choose any of the three versions below.

And finally, your reward.  We ask you to put into words your experience and thoughts on what you have just read.  The challenge?  Try to do this in 50 words or less without using the divisive, politically charged words*: left, right, liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican or any other party name. Why is this a reward? Because you’ll be clarifying your core beliefs in a language that creates collaboration not chaos or contention.  From this exercise, you can be more confident in talking to others on issues.   In that way, you’ll be part of the solution, not the problem.

“A society that cannot talk about – hence investigate – its own issues because it is ‘impolite’, emotionally charged with political rhetoric, or otherwise uncomfortable, is not a free society. “

from the editor, UnitetheVote

For many, this may be the first time to actually read our nation’s founding documents. It may also be the moment of profound gratitude and appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices of earlier generations who have fought, contested and protected your ability to live in the most magnificent nation on the globe.

Already read the documents? Do it again to refresh and recommit purposefully to poli-free living and the power that comes with it. And…by pledging your allegiance to the Flag and to the republic for which it stands in the presence of at least one other person, you may be helping them take their first step into step into the poli-free zone and the power that comes with it.

For All American Born:  The day that you take The Citizenship Challenge may be your date to celebrate annually.   Naturalized Citizens can remember the date, the place and the person whot stood for them when they became Citizens of the United States of America. Many can also remember the joy of being a member of the greatest society on earth where regardless of sex, race, or religion any human willing to work for it could achieve their dreams and reap the rewards of their efforts. Annually, they can smile back on that day.

Those of us born on US soil don’t have such a day.  It may be a sort of rite of passage for American Born. We too can celebrate a day in which we, as teenagers and adults make a conscious commitment as an informed citizen of the United States of America. Every year, we too can celebrate our citizenship as well as our good fortune to have been born here.

We now ask you to take The Citizenship Challenge…

Step One: Read the Declaration of Independence.
Know first hand what tyranny was, and why our nation’s founders took action against tyranny and for a nation of free people. That’s the moment our unalienable Rights were recognized and defended.

- The Declaration of Independence has 1,458 words, including the signatures.
- Takes about 10 minutes to read.

Declaration of Independence

Step Two:  Read the The Constitution of the United States of America

- The Constitution has 4,543 words, including the signatures.
- Takes about 30 minutes to read.

Constitution of the United States of America
Bill of Rights (Amendments 1 – 10)
Amendments 11 – 27

Step Three: In the presence of at least one other person, pledge your allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands.  Choose the version below that provides you with the most comfort.   Afterall, the Citizenship Challenge is about your citizenship, not your religious views.

-  Congress passed the necessary legislation and Eisenhower signed the bill into law on Flag Day, June 14, 1954.  Eisenhower stated “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource, in peace or in war.”     I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

- Francis Bellamy’s original Pledge dated 1892. I pledge of allegiance to the Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

- Congressionally approved version dated 1942:  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.