now booking 2026 speaking dates
A book club-style journey through the American story for readers who know
there's more to it than what they were taught.
BEYOND WHAT WE LEARNED IN SCHOOL
Why Now?
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a rare opportunity
to reflect on the stories that shaped us and imagine the ones we want to tell next.
This project was created to meet that moment with more than celebration.
What We'll Explore
12 Months. 12 Themes. A Fuller Story.
origins
manifest destiny
american exceptionalism
individualism
nationalism & patriotism
capitalism & clulture
becoming an american
slavery's legacy
moral authority
land relations
patriarchy & power
what we choose to be
Each month, we explore one aspect of American identity
through three lenses: a novel, a history book, and an artist's work.
Three Ways to Participate
Whether you want to read on your own, join guided discussions, or explore through creative practice; there's a place for you here.
1
explore
If you prefer to read and explore on your own or with an in-person group, this free level includes the reading list, personal reflection prompts, and a group starter kit.
2
engage
If you'd like to explore the materials with a virtual community, this paid tier offers monthly discussions, an app-based community, and an archive of content.
3
create
If you want more in-depth creative content, this paid tier offers both artists and non-artists a fuller creative experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're considering participating in a paid tier, you may have some questions.
Is this political or tied to a party or ideology?
In Dialogue with America is not affiliated with any political party or ideological agenda. The project explores American identity through literature, history, art, and cultural context rather than debate or persuasion. The goal is fuller understanding through questioning, reflection, and conversation, not argument, division, or promotion of a particular viewpoint.
That said, reflecting critically on the stories we’ve often taken as cultural truth can sometimes feel challenging or uncomfortable. Discomfort isn’t the point of the project, but thoughtful inquiry often invites us to sit with complexity rather than certainty.
Who is this project for?
This project is for thoughtful adults who sense that the American story they were taught is incomplete and want to engage it with curiosity, care, and depth. Many participants are readers, educators, librarians, creatives, and community-minded individuals who value humane conversation and reflection over hot takes or ideological performance.
Is this a debate or discussion forum?
No. This is not a debate space. Conversations are guided and facilitated with an emphasis on curiosity, listening, and meaning-making rather than winning arguments or persuading others.
The purpose of our conversations is to practice discussing ideas thoughtfully, even when we hold differing perspectives. Many participants experience this as a safe place to build capacity for complex, humane conversations they want to have in other areas of their lives.
Do I need prior knowledge of history or the arts?
Not at all. The project is designed for curious beginners as well as experienced readers. Context is provided, and reflection prompts help guide engagement regardless of background.
What if I miss sessions or fall behind?
That’s completely fine. All sessions are recorded, and there’s no expectation to keep up perfectly. This project is designed to support thoughtful engagement, not create pressure.
In addition, paid members will have access to the materials and recordings beyond the life of the project. You can return to any session you missed.
Do I have to be an artist or creative to participate (because I'm not)?
No. All creative practices are designed to work with the creativity we all share. Having any special artistic gifts or training is not necessary and creative responses are always optional. You can engage entirely through reading, reflection, and conversation if that’s what suits you.
Even in a creative cohort, our work will be about engaging with the creative process itself, not about a product that may be the result of that process.
Three Ways to Participate
When registration opens, you’ll be able to choose the level of involvement
that fits your season and capacity.
explore
Personal or Local Groups
FREE - $0
Monthly reading list
Personal reflection prompts
Group starter kit and leader support
Weekly thought-provoking emails
Perfect if you want structure and guidance to explore on your own or with a local group.
engage
Community Conversations
$216
or 3 installment payments of $79
equivalent to $18/mo.
Everything in Explore, Plus...
Live guided Zoom discussions
Add'l content and bonus materials
Replay archive of every discussion
Shared community space
Provides spaces to engage in a community while exploring these ideas
create
A Creative Cohort
$348
or 3 installment payments of $130
equivalent to $29/mo.
Everything in Engage, Plus...
Deeper art content and context
Guided aesthetic response prompts
Live Zoom creative sessions
Potential year-end creative showcase
For the creatively curious and/or serious. You do not need to consider yourself an artist to be welcome.
founder access open now
In Dialogue with America general registration officially opens in mid-February.
For those who already know they want to participate,
founders access is available now
at a reduced rate,
in recognition of early commitment to the project.
Founders access closes when general registration opens.
Founders price $144
Equivalent to $12/mo.
Founders price $240
Equivalent to $20/mo.
Interested?
Join the interest list for the March 2026 launch. You'll be the first to know when registration opens and receive updates about the project as we prepare for America's 250th year
Created by facilitator Michelle Rene Hill, who designs thoughtful spaces for exploring complexity through story, history, and creative practice.
Want to work with us?
FOR PRESS, MEDIA, OR COLLABORATION INQUIRIES
QUICK LINKS
Copyright 2026. Michelle Rene Hill. All Rights Reserved.
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