We Declare is a storytelling project for these times. As a community of writers, we tell compelling personal stories that relate to this challenging historical moment.

When our federal government threatens to silence and censor free speech, We Declare is an act of rebellion to speak out; when they seek to divide us, we stand together; when they spread hate, we listen to one another with love and respect.

2026 marks two anniversaries: the 250th of the Declaration of Independence, and the 20th of Ellen Schmidt’s Ithaca-based Writing Room community.

From across the US and 15 countries 100+ people have participated in Ellen Schmidt’s classes. Some have moved far away, we’ve seen each other through illnesses, births, deaths and a pandemic. We’ve learned the power of expressing ourselves and listening deeply to one another through the gift of writing.

In the lead-up to July 2026, participating writers are creating short pieces in response to brief phrases directly from the Declaration of Independence. These pieces are not editorials, but provide a snapshot into this moment in American history, a period with uncanny parallels to 1776. These pieces will be shared in live and online readings, print and digital publications.

We are raising funds in order to: rent the Kitchen Theater, pay videographers, print promotional material, and self-publish a book. We have received one small grant, but we need your help to round out our budget. Your donation will help to amplify the eloquent voices of our writers at a critical moment when their voices need to be heard. Thank you!

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