Washington, D.C. — “We Hold These Truths,” the nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting freedom, equality, democracy, fair elections, and the rule of law, is marking Constitution Day with a public-facing campaign that includes full-page advertisements in the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times, as well as a suite of new digital and social media assets designed to engage Americans across the country in defending democratic values.
Launched on Independence Day 2025, “We Hold These Truths” has already drawn support from more than 20,000 people nationwide from across the political spectrum, including thought leaders, artists, activists, executives, veterans, lawyers, and legal scholars. The initiative provides clear, accessible, and reliable information about the protections guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and the work required to safeguard these freedoms.
“Constitution Day is a reminder that our freedoms aren’t guaranteed – they’re earned and protected by all of us,” said Skye Perryman, CEO and President of Democracy Forward, which has brought the project in-house to maximize impact. “‘We Hold These Truths’ is about empowering Americans to understand their rights and take action to defend them, from speaking up in their communities to amplifying these values online and in their communities. Our freedoms depend on active participation, and this Constitution Day is a call to action to learn your rights, share them, and stand up for the principles that sustain our democracy.”
The initiative highlights five core principles of American democracy:
- Personal Freedoms: Upholding free speech, fair criminal justice, and personal autonomy.
- Equality: Guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for every American, recognizing that freedom depends on equality for all.
- Democracy and Elections: Supporting accessible voting, honoring election results, and protecting the peaceful transfer of power.
- The Rule of Law: Limiting government power through equality before the law, due process, judicial independence, and accountability.
- Separation of Powers: Ensuring no branch of government exceeds its constitutional authority, preserving checks and balances.
The initiative encourages Americans to:
- Sign the pledge at www.weholdtruths.org.
- Host a community gathering, salon, or discussion to engage friends and neighbors in civic education. Learn more at https://democracyforward.org/dinnersfordemocracy.
- Share digital assets on social media to amplify the initiative
- Record and submit personal videos explaining why these principles matter to them.
Prominent supporters include former cabinet leaders Deb Haaland, Christine Todd Whitman, and Pete Buttigieg, Gen. Wesley Clark (ret.), Martin Baron, Lynda Carter, Sharon McMahon, Brad Meltzer, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and former Rep. Barbara Comstock. Co-chairs include: Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of U.C. Berkeley Law School; J. Michael Luttig, Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (ret.); Skye Perryman, lawyer and President & CEO, Democracy Forward; and, Lisa Tucker, Professor of Law, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law.
To add names, see the full list of signers, and access resources on how to spread these truths, visit www.weholdtruths.org.