Press Release: 5/20/2026

ACLU of Massachusetts Launches “Beyond 250: Dare to Create”

 



Initiative aims to spark conversation about how to expand civil liberties and strengthen democracy as the United States marks its 250th anniversary



May 19, 2026 11:00 am



Media Contact



Mark Sheridan, media@aclum.org



BOSTON — The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts today launched Beyond 250: Dare to Create, an initiative designed to spur reflection on the promises embedded in the United States’ founding documents and spark discussion about how to protect and expand rights and freedoms for everyone.



The initiative draws inspiration from the first line of the U.S. Constitution, which charges “We the People” with working together to build “a more perfect union” — a daring project that demands continual reflection, reinvention, and growth. The nation’s 250th anniversary is a fitting moment to recommit to that goal.



“The United States was built around the revolutionary idea that we would be a country by the people and for the people. In this anniversary year, We the People have an obligation to take stock of where we’ve succeeded and where we’ve fallen far short. We also have an opportunity to begin planning what comes next — how to build an America that truly works for all of us,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. “Our new initiative aims to prompt people across the Commonwealth to think and talk about these issues and emerge with a shared commitment to strengthen our democracy.”



The “Beyond 250” initiative will include an interactive community art project incorporating ideas about the future of freedom from people across the Commonwealth. ACLU of Massachusetts staff will take the project to festivals and farmers’ markets throughout the spring and summer. Upcoming locations include:




  • Springfield Farmer’s Market on Friday, June 5

  • Pittsfield Farmer’s Market on Saturday, June 13

  • Worcester Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 20

  • Small Town Pride in North Brookfield on Saturday, June 27

  • Juneteenth Arts & Awareness Festival in Lawrence on Saturday, June 27



Other elements of the initiative will include:




  • The Dare to Create T-shirt Design Contest. Amateur and professional artists of all ages are invited to submit designs for T-shirts reflecting the values that will power our collective work toward a more perfect union. The ACLU of Massachusetts will award a $2,000 grand prize and four honorable mentions of $500 each.




  • A Fired Up for Freedom BBQ kit, coming next month, which will provide food for thought at Fourth of July parties, including a civil liberties trivia quiz and thought-provoking conversation starters.




  • A Beyond 250 survey soliciting ideas from Bay Staters for building community and strengthening “people power.”




  • Blog posts, Q&As, and videos from ACLU staff and allies offering insight into the past, present, and future of civil liberties in America.




  • Collaborations with artists and musicians, to be announced in the coming months.



Ideas and questions submitted in the Beyond 250 survey and as part of the community art project will be shared on social media and the ACLU of Massachusetts website throughout the spring, summer, and fall. They will also help inform the ACLU of Massachusetts’ educational outreach and programming.



Find more information about Beyond 250: Dare to Create here.