Our stories about who we are—as a nation or as a community—often don’t match the reality of who is actually part of our community. When the Declaration of Independence was written, people living in what would become the United States didn’t all have the same rights. What does that mean for us 250 years later? This conversation is a chance to reflect on what the Declaration of Independence means today, what it means to be American, and what it takes to work together for the benefit of all.

Facilitator Eliot Feenstra is a community organizer, artist, gardener and facilitator. He currently works with Oregon's Kitchen Table, a statewide community engagement program that creates ways for Oregonians to participate in public decision-making. Prior to joining OKT, he worked on rural queer community organizing in southern Oregon, collaborative performance projects, and connecting people with place. He has worked with Oregon Humanities since 2015, leading trainings, facilitating conversations about power and place, and even once appearing on The Detour. After living in Josephine County for many years, he now lives in Portland and continues to work in solidarity with and advocate for rural communities.