A national conversation rooted in local communities.
What is
“What’s Next America”
“What’s Next, America?” is a nationwide initiative of the National Issues Forums Institute designed to help communities come together locally to talk, decide, and act on the issues that matter most to them as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. “What’s Next, America?” asks participants in a community to work through three sets of deliberative discussion questions centering on the overarching questions: where are we now; where do we want to go; and how will we get there. The initiative is built on decades of experience working locally within communities.
About Us
“What’s Next, America?” is developed by the National Issues Forums Institute and a broad—and growing—coalition of partners from nonprofit, educational, philanthropic, governmental, and faith-based organizations. NIFI is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to equip, empower, and mobilize people to use deliberation to take action for the public good.
Mapping Progress
“What’s Next, America?” conversations are happening—and growing—in communities across the country. Explore the map to see where people are coming together to talk, decide, and act. Want to add your initiative? Fill out this form!
Why Now?
Across the country, since before our nation was founded, Americans have been working together to solve problems they faced in their communities. From everyday citizens participating in New England town meetings to the speeches and sit-ins of the Civil Rights Movement, communities have proven they can stick together and work together – even in the most challenging of times.
As our nation turns 250, many Americans believe that the time is right for conversations that bring people together who might not normally talk and work together, conversations that will encourage fresh, innovative thinking and actions to emerge.
“What’s Next, America?” is designed to do just that — connect people who are already working to develop strong communities while bringing new people and new ideas into the mix.
How It Works
An Origin Story
In 2013, communities across West Virginia began gathering to ask a simple question: “What’s next?”
They met in libraries, schools, gymnasiums, and community centers to talk about the challenges shaping their lives—from economic opportunity to addiction to opportunities for young people. Learn More.
How do I get involved?
Committing to community
Building a community or a nation doesn’t happen all at once. The progress we look back on—from our nation’s founding to the Civil Rights Movement to other defining chapters in our nation’s history— took place over years, even generations, of people coming together, building trust, and working to address challenges step by step. Real, lasting change takes time: time to understand the issues facing our communities, to listen to one another, and to find common ground. That’s why the “What’s Next, America?” model is intentionally designed to be thoughtful and sustained. By creating space for ongoing dialogue, relationship-building, and people taking action on issues that are important to them, we help communities move beyond quick fixes toward meaningful, lasting impact.