Hello, Friends and Fellow Citizens,
I’m Shimon Waldfogel, the founder of Project 2026 and the publisher of Moonshot Press. I’m excited to introduce you to a project that is close to my heart—a transformative experiment designed to empower us as citizens to address the pressing challenges facing our nation today.
Moonshot Press and Project 2026: We the People, Reclaiming the Role of the Citizen
More than a decade ago, I found myself increasingly troubled by a simple but urgent question: why, in the wealthiest nation on earth, do so many Americans struggle to access, afford, and truly benefit from our healthcare system? As a psychiatrist by training and a citizen by conviction, I came to realize that meaningful change would never flow solely from the clinics or the boardrooms—it had to be born in the political arena. So I made citizen engagement my hobby, my calling, and ultimately, my life’s work.
Out of that commitment, Moonshot Press and Project 2026 were born. What began as a blog—Shrink the Government—quickly grew into a comprehensive framework for commenting on political events through a psychological lens. Alongside my continuing focus on healthcare reform, I dove headlong into the deeper currents of our democracy: its philosophical foundations, its institutional “DNA,” and the pathologies that threaten to tear it apart. Every book I read, every lecture I attended, every conversation I had became another building block in my understanding—and in the network of fellow travelers I call my “heroes.”
One guidepost emerged above all others: James Madison. Alarmed by the centrifugal forces of faction and the fragility of our young republic, Madison marshaled reason, principle, and compromise to design a government that could endure. His work on the Constitutional Convention—and the revolutionary idea that the people themselves would ratify their own government—remains the clearest blueprint for how citizen sovereignty can outlast the ambitions of any one leader or interest group.
Today, Americans face an unprecedented array of crises—declining trust in Congress, an increasingly powerful president who is breaking constitutional norms, a broken immigration and election system, staggering inequality, an opioid epidemic, the rise of AI, and more. We see a political class beholden to big donors and special interests, while the public’s voice grows ever fainter. It’s here that Project 2026 picks up the fight. From our citizens4health platform (HealthyPhilly, Montco Health for All, HospitalWatch.US) to the reborn Moonshot Press —now a full-fledged activist agenda—we’re developing “The Case Presentation” and “My Political Tool Box for the 21st Century.” Our first focus: building civic muscle by focusing on the First 1000 Days of Life: The Next Generation of Americans.
At its heart, Project 2026 is an ambitious, multi-year experiment moonshot, reclaiming the centrality of “We the People.” Rooted in the Preamble’s call “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, … promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty,” and inspired by the Declaration’s promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we’re exploring how the government——can become once again a source of national healing. And more effectively achieve the purpose of facilitating citizen well being. It can be different. It must be different.
I invite anyone who believes that citizen action can revive our democracy—and remake our healthcare, our institutions, and our shared future—to join us in this daring endeavor. Together, we’ll build the tools, forge the connections, and fortify the civic muscles we need to ensure that, in 2026 and beyond, America finally lives up to its founding promise.
Why Project 2026 Matters
Two hundred and fifty years after the Declaration of Independence boldly declared that “all human beings are created equal,” the United States still grapples with fulfilling that promise. Inequality, polarization, technological disruption, and fragmented public discourse continue to challenge our democratic fabric. Yet at the core of Project 2026 lies a steadfast faith in popular sovereignty, echoing the Declaration’s principle that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. By fostering public engagement, education, and cooperation, we can preserve a healthy, equitable, and vibrant democracy.
Project 2026 Q&A
1. What is Project 2026? Project 2026 is a visionary initiative aiming to harness and invigorate the ideals of the US Declaration of Independence, particularly focusing on democracy, opportunity, and citizenship, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the declaration. It seeks to enhance democratic engagement, increase opportunities, and strengthen civic participation across various communities.
2. Project 2026: Why? Project 2026 addresses contemporary challenges in maintaining and nurturing a healthy democracy. It responds to the urgent need for revitalized civic engagement and equality of opportunity, aiming to ensure that the founding principles of the nation continue to thrive and adapt to modern needs.
3. Project 2026: Vision? The vision of Project 2026 is to create a democracy that is continually refreshed by active citizen participation, where every citizen has the tools to thrive and every voice matters. To facilitate citizen flourishing along the life course.
4. Project 2026: Mission? The mission of Project 2026 is to reinforce the nation’s commitment to the principles of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It focuses on empowering citizens, fostering a culture of informed participation, and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.
5. Who is behind Project 2026? Project 2026 is spearheaded by Moonshot Press and a network of collaborators from various sectors including academia, non-profit organizations, and community groups, all committed to renewing the democratic spirit.
6. What is the inspiration for the project? The project draws inspiration from the American creed and the philosophical underpinnings of the US Declaration of Independence, aiming to embody and extend these principles into contemporary civic life.
7. What are the goals of Project 2026? The goals include increasing civic engagement, enhancing public understanding of democratic values, and creating practical opportunities for citizens to influence and participate in the political process.
8. What are the core values? Core values are democracy, opportunity, and citizenship, emphasizing inclusivity, equality, and active participation.
Our Guiding Pillars: Project 2026 isn’t just an aspiration—it’s also a practical roadmap for nurturing a society where:
Democracy – Power genuinely flows from the governed, ensuring equitable representation and meaningful participation for everyone.
Opportunity – Every person, regardless of background, has a chance to develop their talents and pursue their aspirations in a fair and inclusive environment.
Citizenship – Civic engagement becomes an integral part of daily life, extending well beyond the voting booth and inviting all Americans to collaborate in shaping our collective future.
9. What is the idea behind Project 2026? The idea is to reinvigorate American democracy by embedding its foundational values more deeply into everyday practices and to mobilize citizens towards greater participation and responsibility.
10. What is your theory of change? The theory of change for Project 2026 revolves around the belief that educated and engaged citizens are the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. By providing tools, knowledge, and platforms for engagement, the project anticipates a shift towards a more active and informed citizenry. The project addresses the gap between ideals and the current national state.
11. How does Project 2026 work? It works through a series of interconnected initiatives that include educational programs, public dialogues, policy advocacy, and the development of digital tools to facilitate engagement and understanding.
12. What are you going to do? Initiatives include developing educational materials, hosting workshops and forums, engaging in policy advocacy, and creating platforms that facilitate civic engagement and public discourse.
13. What are the components of the project? Components include educational outreach, community engagement programs, digital platforms for civic interaction, and collaborative projects with various stakeholders.
Moonshot Press: Our Public Voice
Supporting these efforts is Moonshot Press, a reimagined media initiative dedicated to amplifying stories of local ingenuity and civic collaboration. Rather than chasing sensational headlines, Moonshot Press prioritizes constructive discourse and strategic thinking—helping citizens reconnect with the deeper rhythms of democracy and inspiring fresh energy to tackle urgent national challenges.
Thrive in Montco PA:A Model for Local Engagement and Impact
Project 2026 Utilizes Montgomery County, PA, as a pilot initiative to demonstrate how deeply engaged citizens can influence meaningful change at the community level, with the potential to inspire national progress.
The Institute for Salutogenesis
“Salus Populi Suprema Lex”: The Health of the People is the Supreme Law
A core aspect of Project 2026 is our commitment to health creation—a salutogenic approach that looks beyond treating illness to fostering overall well-being for individuals and communities.
Together, Let’s Build a Brighter Future
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is time to redefine our commitment to those founding ideals. Moonshot Press is a call to action for everyone who believes in making democracy work better for all. Let us honor the legacy of our founders by being the architects of a future that upholds the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice for all.
Thank you for joining us on this important journey.
Warm regards,
Shimon Waldfogel
Founder Project 2026
Publisher Moonshot Press
P.S. Believe in a vibrant, engaged democracy? Please share this invitation with friends and family to help expand our community of active citizens.
Learn more about our plans for Moonshot Press.
A Tribute to Inspiration
The creation of Moonshot Press is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Perla Rochman Waldfogel. She was a remarkable individual whose life exemplified the profound impact one person can have in shaping a better world. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her compassionate activism have been the guiding forces behind this endeavor.
Perla's life was marked by extraordinary challenges, as she navigated the harsh realities of totalitarian regimes, prisons, and labor camps in Eastern Europe during the tumultuous first half of the 20th century. Her resilience in the face of such adversity serves as a powerful testament to the impact that individual citizens can have. Her experiences are a constant reminder of our collective responsibility to forge a more equitable and just society.