Unifying the Nation: The Hit Refresh Initiative to Redefine the U.S. Constitution

On President's Day, February 17, 2025, #unifyUSA introduced its transformative campaign known as "Hit Refresh," designed to reimagine the U.S. Constitution through the use of Citizens' Assemblies. This noteworthy initiative empowers everyday citizens to engage in discussions and propose meaningful solutions for constitutional reform.

A Citizens' Assembly comprises a group of randomly selected individuals who gather to learn about pressing issues, fostering discussions that aim to produce solutions benefiting the collective. In a time where the political landscape is evolving yet lagging behind the needs of the populace, it is critical for the Constitution to be adapted to contemporary realities. The core mission of the Hit Refresh campaign is to restore the founding ideals of democracy by prioritizing the voice of the people.

As Dr. Paul Zeitz, Co-Founder of #unifyUSA, stated, "The American people deserve a refreshed Constitution that builds on our shared values and serves and protects them in the 21st century. Regardless of your political beliefs, it’s clear that the nation’s founding document must evolve to meet the needs of today’s society." This resonates deeply, especially in an age marked by the concentration of political power among the wealthy and influential.

Many citizens feel disenfranchised as they grapple with obstacles such as the outdated Electoral College and the omnipresent influence of money in politics. This reality emphasizes the need to revitalize democratic practices—reminding us that the founding fathers had envisioned a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, not one that marginalizes ordinary citizens.

The Hit Refresh campaign is a call to action for citizens to collaborate in Citizens' Assemblies. Such gatherings are envisioned as a means to deliberate on contemporary challenges and to consider the aspirations of future generations. The initiative seeks to inspire trust in the American public’s capability to spearhead this monumental change and to forge a new path towards a just, thriving democracy.

In launching the campaign, #unifyUSA has established an interactive website that invites citizens to articulate their reasons for calling for a refresh of the U.S. Constitution. A launch video, created by Leigh Blake, elucidates the concept of Citizens' Assemblies and highlights their potential role in effecting meaningful constitutional change.

The key elements of the Hit Refresh initiative include:

- Launch Date: February 17, 2025, coinciding with Presidents’ Day
- Website: unify-usa.org
- Video Overview: Watch Here

Overall the campaign emphasizes several actionable items for citizens:
1. Educate Yourself: Understand the legal and moral obligation citizens have to initiate Citizens' Assemblies and contribute towards revitalizing the Constitution.
2. Local Advocacy: Motivate your local community for a Citizens' Assembly, setting the stage for a national movement aimed at constitutional reform.
3. Organize Dialogues: Utilize local resources to convene citizens, engaging them in deliberation within their communities, schools, or cities, preparing for eventual participation in broader assemblies.
4. Get Involved: Organizations and community groups are encouraged to endorse the #unifyUSA movement to amplify its reach and impact.

With scheduled discussions occurring as early as February 19 and 20, 2025, those interested in learning more about the initiative can register for a Zoom session aimed at educating participants about the structural changes being proposed.

unifyUSA is a 501(c)(4) organization striving for a collective goal—refreshing the U.S. Constitution by July 4, 2026. By fostering a broad coalition of citizens, the aim is to drive a significant shift during the 2025-2026 period. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Zeitz and Leigh Blake, #unifyUSA is igniting a movement that strives not just for constitutional change but for a radical reinvigoration of democratic engagement across the nation.

In a time of division, the Hit Refresh initiative is a crucial step towards a collective reinvigoration of America, advocating not only for a new document but assuring that every citizen's voice is crucial to shaping the future of the nation.