Ahead of Independence Day, Chicago’s Morning Answer with Amy Jacobson and guest host Chris Krok welcomed Dennis Leavitt, CEO of United We Pledge, to share how his organization is working to inspire a new generation of engaged American citizens. The conversation focused on the growing concern that young people are losing touch with the nation’s founding principles—and what can be done to reverse that trend.
United We Pledge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about American history, civics, and the nation’s founding documents. Leavitt emphasized that the group’s mission is rooted in helping young people not only understand the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence but also develop a deep love for their country.
Leavitt explained that his organization creates and distributes supplemental civics curriculum, aligned with state standards, to schools of all types—public, private, and homeschool. The curriculum is developed in-house by a team of educators, historians, and constitutional experts. It targets students primarily in the fifth and eighth grades and is designed to be hands-on, engaging, and immersive.
To bring history to life, United We Pledge sends actors dressed as historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams into schools for full-day assemblies. They also operate a mobile exhibit built into a converted school bus, complete with screens and interactive materials. Additionally, the organization runs an incentive program, where students can earn awards such as medals, t-shirts, and pizza parties by achieving bronze, silver, or gold levels based on their participation and civic engagement.
Leavitt noted that in the first year of their “Give Me Liberty” program, over 3,500 students were reached, and that number is expected to grow significantly in the coming year. He described the transformation among participating students as striking, with many becoming more articulate and thoughtful about the responsibilities of citizenship.
The discussion also touched on the idea that teaching American history should be honest and inclusive. Leavitt was clear that United We Pledge does not shy away from difficult parts of the American story, including slavery and other injustices. He stressed the importance of learning from both the nation’s triumphs and its failures to become a more perfect union.
A key component of the group’s efforts is the construction of Liberty Village in Hurricane, Utah, just outside of St. George and near Zion National Park. Modeled after Alabama’s American Village, Liberty Village will offer an immersive experience in early American history, complete with 18th-century reenactors and interactive exhibits. The site is scheduled to open its first phase on September 13.
Visitors will be guided through the experience by both historical actors and modern youth ambassadors, allowing for a blend of period authenticity and present-day relevance. The concept is designed to bridge the gap between historical lessons and contemporary application, particularly for young people.
Leavitt also shared the story of Tom Jones, an ultra-marathoner who ran 76 consecutive marathons from Massachusetts to Utah to raise awareness and funds for Liberty Village. The effort helped generate excitement and support for the project, which aims to become a national destination for civics education.
To support the work of United We Pledge and Liberty Village, Leavitt encouraged listeners to visit the organization’s websites: unitedwepledge.org for school-based programs, and libertyvillage.org for the educational destination under construction. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible and help provide students with the resources they need to become informed, active citizens.
With patriotic holidays like Independence Day serving as a powerful reminder of the nation’s founding ideals, Leavitt urged Americans to do more than just celebrate—to get involved, educate the next generation, and keep the flame of liberty burning strong.