Despite being a wealthy developed nation, poverty remains a significant issue in the United States compared to many of its economic peers. While physical poverty in the U.S. is less severe than in other parts of the world, poverty conditions still include food insecurity, shelter insecurity, mental health challenges, unemployment, and limited access to basic services. Foundation research has shown that policies like the Child Tax Credit can make a positive impact. To reduce poverty in America, we need productive dialogue grounded in facts and a clear goal of lifting citizens out of hardship.

For the next generations of Americans to build a strong and secure future, there must be a solid foundation made of democratic principles. However, recent studies indicate that American democracy has deteriorated significantly in recent years due to hyper-partisanship, vulnerabilities in electoral processes, and declining trust in institutions and elections. To reinforce our democratic institutions and ensure that the people’s voice remains central to our democracy, we need to implement reforms that strengthen and safeguard our democratic institutions and regain the American people’s trust in the democratic process. Humanity Forward Foundation is identifying funding opportunities for programs that educate and engage the public on policy solutions that are recommended by legal experts and constitutional scholars, which reinforce institutional safeguards and foster a healthier democracy.

To mitigate risk and prevent global catastrophes from upending Americans’ security, the national dialogue must engage in well-educated discussions about how best to be prepared for existential threats. We can build a future in which fewer anthropogenic and existential risks pose a threat to the international community and the advancement of humanity, but only if they are well understood. Many of the technological advancements of the 21st century, for example, have opened the door to new dangers to the world. As climate change continues to pose an existential threat, for example, constructive policy conversations focus on reforms should focus on changes that can unleash the latent potential to better prepare for crises, such as permitting reform to unlock sustainable energy sources. Along with well-understood threats like climate change and nuclear events, the risks posed by future pandemics and artificial intelligence can only be addressed with a healthy, well-informed, and rigorous exchange of ideas.

Americans can contribute more to the growth and development of our economy when their costs of living are more easily manageable. These costs can range from the cost of food to prescription drugs, housing, and utility bills to keep the lights on. With healthy and affordable standards of living, our system is able to function with more economic activity and foster growth. Constructive exchanges on improving the lives of families and the health of our economy should always acknowledge the routine costs of living that every American contends with.

Ensuring that America’s economic future remains bright is a task that requires ongoing work, as technological advancements open up new opportunities and competition abroad continues to grow. Today, America’s ability to lead in the world economy is in jeopardy. There is a rising worry among experts that innovation is crucial in 21st-century sectors that may occur increasingly outside of American boundaries as technological developments provide new opportunities. A healthy national discourse aimed at keeping America’s competitive advantage explores policy ideas to contend in global markets and secure opportunities to lead the way in the industries of the future.