A New National Narrative
Organization
Nationhood Lab — Initiative of the Pell Center at Salve Regina University
Director: Colin Woodard
Overview
To develop and test a rebooted civic national narrative that centers on liberal democratic ideals and counters authoritarian and ethnonationalist frameworks. The project produced a core narrative frame, extensive polling, and strategic messaging tools, released in March 2025.
Why It Matters
Without a shared story built on democratic ideals, public cohesion and collective action weaken. Amid rising polarization and authoritarian threats, a revitalized narrative rooted in civic values provides the social glue and moral framework to sustain democratic governance and shared purpose.
Alignment with The Change Lab
Systems Thinking — Reframes widespread structural tensions through narrative intervention.
Narrative Strategy for Systems Change — Offers a communication toolkit for civic leaders and educators to shift public discourse.
Civic Imagination — Helps envision a democracy grounded on shared ideals and collective belonging.
Key Outputs & Tools
“The Story of America: A rebooted civic national narrative” – Full 2025 report with narrative scripts and polling analysis (PDF) Nationhood Lab
Baseline Poll Results – 2024 national survey showing supermajority support for ideals-based civic identity Nationhood LabNationhood Lab
In-the-News Campaign – National Press Club launch (March 12, 2025), guest essays at AEI & substack, radio interviews on NPR, Marketplace, BYU Nationhood LabNationhood LabNationhood LabNationhood Lab
Narrative Messaging Package – Tested framing guides and talking points for public use Nationhood LabNationhood Lab
Role in the Ecosystem
Nationhood Lab acts as a research-driven strategist for civic renewal, offering data and narrative frameworks to democratic leaders, media, educators, and civic innovators. Its work bridges academic insight, public policy, and public-facing storytelling.
Engagement Levels
Level 1 – Awareness & Access
Level 2 – Exploration & Expression
Pathway: Systems Change & Structural Power
Sub-pathway: Narrative Strategy for Systems Change
Keywords
civic identity · national narrative · democratic ideals · polling research · narrative framing · civic unity · public discourse · democracy defense · countering authoritarianism · Colin Woodard · Declaration of Independence
