“We’re not just celebrating our principles; we’re challenging Americans to act on them.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans for Prosperity (AFP) hosted its Washington, D.C. marquee One Small Step event yesterday evening at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium – bringing together national leaders, policy voices, and grassroots advocates to advance a shared mission: reconnecting Americans to the founding principles that make our nation exceptional—liberty, dignity, and opportunity.
The program, titled The Pursuit of Happiness, is part of AFP’s nationwide series leading into the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The initiative aims to reinspire, energize and activate millions of Americans by elevating the stories, ideas, and leadership that keep individual freedom at the heart of the nation’s future.
The evening featured fireside conversations with national leaders exploring how America’s founding principles – limited government, personal responsibility, and the right to pursue happiness – still define modern leadership and human flourishing. Speakers highlighted how these principles remain essential for preserving opportunity in the next 250 years.
AFP Leaders and National Voices Call for a Renewal of America’s Founding Ideals
Emily Seidel, CEO of Americans for Prosperity
“As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we face a critical choice about our country. Too many Americans right now feel disconnected from our history and feel like their actions don’t matter. But this moment demands something different. It demands a renewed sense of civic confidence. And a belief that small steps collectively drive big change.
“We have to have an urgency about defending freedom, because for too many people, pride in America and the belief in the American dream is declining. And I don’t think it’s any coincidence that that’s happening as the size and role of government in our lives grows. Because many feel their agency and opportunity shrink as the government gets bigger. Our challenge and our opportunity is to reverse that trajectory.
“That’s why One Small Step is more than just a series of events. It’s a movement. A movement to reconnect people to the idea that freedom doesn’t defend itself; people do. We’re not just celebrating the principles; we’re challenging Americans to act on them.”
Rep. Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip
“I think the one thing we’ve learned in the last several years, if you don’t do it, somebody else will. … So, I’d say to everybody in this room, [take] one small step … Find out where yours is, where you can best plug in, and don’t just sit back and let the world pass you by. This great country is worth preserving and making sure that it grows and provides the same type of freedom and opportunity for our kids and grandkids and generations to come that we’ve had.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin
“The idea of the pursuit of happiness is unlocked by making sure that we have an enabling environment, safe communities, great schools, and a government that actually works for the people as opposed to telling people what to do all the time. But I do firmly believe so much as the heart of the pursuit of happiness is enabling opportunity and unleashing prosperity. … The role of government is not to do everything for you. The role of government is not to be an omnibus provider of everything, but in fact to serve in those areas that we are required to serve.”
Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom250
“This is a once in a generation moment. When you think of Freedom250, its purpose is to bring people together to celebrate the triumph of the American spirit. … Democracy requires participation. … Whether it’s at the federal level, the state level, or the local level. … The 250th is more than about nostalgia, it’s about confidence. Confidence in our freedom, confidence in ourselves, confidence in our way of life, and confidence in our next generation.”
Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP
“On every team there’s a different position, a different role you have to play. And that’s kind of how it is in life. … We talk about everybody taking the next step. You have value and you have a position for our country, for your community, for your family. You just got to be confident enough to go take that step. … Your job is to be the best version of yourself and take that step into it because that is your faith walk, that is your giant leap.”
The event featured conversations moderated by Guy Benson – Fox News political analyst and AFP Advisory Council member – Katie Pavlich, host of Katie Pavlich Tonight on NewsNation, and Hugh Hewitt, nationally syndicated radio host and political commentator. Guests were encouraged to visit AFP’s One Small Step website to access digital toolkits and learn how they can take meaningful action to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through the nation’s founding principles.
As part of a nationwide effort leading into America’s Semiquincentennial, AFP is hosting 12 marquee events at historic locations across the country. The campaign also includes a 250,000step civic engagement challenge in every state and a major eight figure digital and connected TV campaign sharing powerful stories of Americans – past and present – who took action and made a difference. Later this week, on Thursday, February 12, AFP will continue the series with another marquee event in Springfield, Illinois, the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln.
About One Small Step
One Small Step is AFP’s national campaign leading into America’s 250th anniversary, designed to reconnect Americans with the principles that empower people to pursue happiness and build meaningful lives. Through marquee events, community engagement, and civic partnerships, AFP is showcasing the individuals, innovations, and ideas that continue to move freedom forward.
About Americans for Prosperity
Americans for Prosperity is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering people with the freedom and opportunity to improve their lives and communities. With a presence in all 50 states and a grassroots army that reaches millions nationwide, AFP works to advance policies grounded in individual dignity, limited government, and economic opportunity.
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