America@250

Community Conversations

There is something truly American about having a conversation with your neighbors. That’s why PBS Wisconsin and America@250 partners are pleased to share the following free and accessible Community Conversation resources to help you connect and reflect during the run up to–and beyond–America’s 250th Anniversary.

Community Conversation Grants

Communities and individuals are encouraged to apply for one of fifteen $500 grants we will award in support of intentionally diverse (e.g. culturally/ethnically, interfaith, civilian/military) Community Conversation using our America@250 modules. Grant recipients are required to manage all aspects of their Community Conversations and will be required to attend one Facilitator Training session in advance. The Community Conversation grant window opens on October 17, 2025, and closes December 21, 2025. Grant winners will be announced January 19, 2026. Complete grant application guidelines and distribution rules can be found here.

COMING JANUARY 2026 – Community Conversation Modules

Grant recipients as well as the general public can download Community Conversation modules featuring video clips from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION for group viewing along with thoughtful questions and other resources for small group civic reflection discussion. The value of civic reflection is found in the unpacking of assumptions, values, and commitments, learning what others think, and finding new connections. Multiple thematic modules will be provided for participants to choose from.

COMING FEBRUARY 2026 – Community Conversation Facilitator Training

Level up your Community Conversation with a virtual facilitator training session hosted by PBS Wisconsin, the Center for Community & Nonprofit Studies, and the Civic Health of Wisconsin Initiative. Anyone interested in learning small group conversation facilitation is welcome to join us via Zoom for one of two 90-minute training sessions during February 2026. Our experienced trainers will guide participants through the basics of facilitating small group conversations with an emphasis on listening and understanding differing perspectives and how to create a space for the fruitful exchange of opinions and ideas. Please check back here for facilitator training session dates/times or fill out this form to be notified when session registration opens.

Funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.