Featured February 24, 2026 A government built to change: Join us as we commemorate America at 250 Back to Blog Civic engagement shaped 250 years of America. What can you do to shape the federal government of the future? Date April 21, 2026 | Updated on April 20, 2026 Authors Lindsay Laferriere Tags Government Effectiveness From revolutionary America to today, our country and our federal government have been shaped by the beliefs and actions of individuals and collective groups. Civic action has driven our federal government to become more responsive and accountable to the public—from advocates in the late 1700s who demanded postal services as tool for ensuring an informed citizenry to the suffragette and civil rights movements fighting for equal rights across the 19th and 20th centuries. Individuals can raise their voices to seek change, but when the federal government is at its best, it also seeks out and acts on the feedback and needs of those it serves. In 2022, our Service to America Medals® recognized Barbara Morton, who led the transformation of Department of Veterans Affairs services by designing new ways to collect and act on the feedback and experiences of veterans and their families. While history shows us that individual and collective action can instigate change in the federal government, it is sometimes hard to see what we as individuals can do in the moment to drive action. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, here are eight ways you can help to create a better federal government for the future: Join public service Public servants ensure essential programs and services are operating and delivering for the public good—from national security to social security benefits to medical research. Share your ideas for how the federal government can work better From April 14 to May 18, 2026, the Partnership is marking our country’s 250th anniversary by asking you to share your ideas, hopes and feedback for how government can continue to evolve to better serve you. Submit your thoughts here. Fill out a satisfaction survey When you access federal services, you may be asked to fill out a survey to rate your experience and share feedback. Agencies continue to look for ways to improve customer experience of federal services and benefits. In 2024, for example, the State Department launched the first-ever fully online passport renewal system, transforming a labor-intensive process into a quick digital transaction. Talk to others Some of the most transformative moments in our country’s history came from groups of people working together toward shared goals. That doesn’t happen overnight—start by talking to people you know (in person or online) about the issues most important to you. Participate in a town hall, information session or local event Join a conversation in your area to share your opinion, better understand an issue you care about or build relationships with your community. Provide feedback on regulations Did you know that you can comment on proposed federal rules and notices before they are finalized? You can provide feedback or comment on regulatory issues that are most important to you here. Vote. Identify the issues that are most important to you and vote for the elected officials who you believe will represent your interests. Contact your elected representatives Let your representatives know what you expect from government, when you need help with federal services or benefits, or whether you support or oppose legislation on an issue you care about. In the United States, our government was designed so that people could shape what it does and how it works. By taking action, however small, to define the federal government you wish to see, you can help to create a system that better serves the public and our shared values. Lindsay Laferriere leads elements of the Partnership's initiative to rebuild trust and trustworthiness in our federal government.
