What are the 5 shared values?

What shared future america means: definition and context

The phrase shared future america refers to the idea that citizens can point to a small set of common civic values to guide public life and local cooperation, and that these values form a practical basis for neutral civic information and community engagement, according to the Pew Research Center Pew Research Center.

National civic health reports use similar language when they describe how participation, trust, and a sense of belonging relate to common principles; the National Conference on Citizenship links measures of participation and belonging to shared civic values in its civic health index National Conference on Citizenship civic health index.

Research shows substantial agreement on the existence of core principles but also clear disagreement about how to prioritize them and about trade offs in policy, a pattern that shapes how the phrase shared future america is used in public discussion Pew Research Center.

The five values often cited for a shared future america

Researchers and civic reports commonly group five practical values under the shared future america framework: freedom, fairness, civic responsibility, rule of law, and opportunity. This list reflects recurring themes in recent national surveys and civic health work and is offered as a neutral organizing structure for civic information, not as a policy prescription.

Freedom, often described as personal liberty or the ability to make personal choices within a legal framework, appears consistently as a top-ranked civic priority in national surveys Pew Research Center.

Fairness and equality are framed in research as equal treatment under the law and access to opportunity; civic health reports link these ideas to measures of trust and participation, showing why fairness frequently appears in shared-values lists National Conference on Citizenship civic health index.

Civic responsibility refers to practices like voting, volunteering, and civil dialogue that sustain community institutions; research ties these concrete actions to stronger civic connections and a sense of shared purpose in communities Knight Foundation report.

Rule of law denotes consistent application of laws, institutional accountability, and predictable legal processes; recent analyses present rule of law as a separate value because it underpins stable civic interactions and public confidence in institutions Brookings Institution.

Opportunity refers to the ability for individuals and families to improve their economic and civic prospects through education, work, and access to services; civic health and survey research link perceptions of opportunity to civic trust and belonging in communities National Conference on Citizenship civic health index.

Why these five matter: a practical framework for civic cohesion

At the community level, research suggests framing civic goals around shared values can increase participation when paired with trusted, nonpartisan institutions that deliver local programs and information, according to analysis by policy researchers Brookings Institution.

Policy analyses and foundation reports note limits and important uncertainties: partisan differences shape how people prioritize and interpret values, and most studies document associations and program examples rather than definitive causal pathways for every context Knight Foundation report.

Used carefully, the five-value framework gives local actors a starting point to design information and programs that connect civic goals to familiar concepts. Research points to pairing values messages with practical opportunities for participation to avoid abstraction and to build measurable civic engagement Brookings Institution.

How local leaders and campaigns can use shared values: decision criteria

Decision making about messaging should begin with audience segmentation: identify which community groups prioritize which values, and adapt language to reflect local concerns rather than using one-size-fits-all slogans, a practice recommended by recent analyses of shared values and civic cohesion Brookings Institution.

The second criterion is pairing messages with trusted nonpartisan institutions or programs. When local groups, schools, or civic organizations that residents already trust present values-based information, research shows it is more likely to be received as practical guidance rather than partisan persuasion Knight Foundation report.

The third decision check is linking values to concrete local practices: describe how an abstract value like civic responsibility translates into volunteering, public meetings, or community problem solving. Civic health metrics tie such practical actions to stronger perceptions of a shared future and community belonging National Conference on Citizenship civic health index.

Leaders should also test messages locally before broad use. Message testing helps surface unintended partisan readings and allows organizations to refine emphasis so the public hears a concrete civic connection rather than a vague slogan.

Common pitfalls and framing mistakes to avoid

A first common error is assuming universal agreement on definitions. Surveys show that while many Americans endorse core principles, they often disagree on what those principles mean in practice and on prioritization, which can lead to confusion if communicators use shorthand language without explanation Pew Research Center.

Overly partisan or vague appeals are another risk. Research warns that framing meant to appeal broadly can backfire if it is perceived as partisan or too abstract; messages tied to trusted local institutions and clear, actionable practices are more likely to maintain credibility Brookings Institution.

Avoid presenting values as policy guarantees. Reports emphasize that values framing should be used to inform and engage, not to promise specific outcomes; organizations should present options, evidence, and trade offs rather than definitive claims about results Knight Foundation report.

Finally, prioritize message testing and local feedback. Testing helps reduce misinterpretation, uncovers which words resonate with different audiences, and highlights when to rely on nonpartisan partners for delivery.

Practical examples and scenarios for communities and voters

Example vignette: A local school district partners with a community college to offer civic education modules that explain rule of law and fairness through case studies and classroom projects. Academic work highlights civic education and higher education roles in transmitting shared values across generations Harvard Ash Center.

Example vignette: A town public forum uses a moderated civil dialogue format that foregrounds the value of freedom while setting clear rules for respectful exchange. Organizers credit nonpartisan facilitation and localized examples with reducing heated partisan framing.

In each scenario, pairing clear value language with practical activities and trusted partners helps translate abstract principles into accessible local practice, a pattern supported by civic health studies and educational analyses American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Conclusion: using the shared values framework responsibly

The five values – freedom, fairness, civic responsibility, rule of law, and opportunity-offer a concise, research-grounded way to describe what many Americans identify as important for a shared public life, and the phrase shared future america is useful as a neutral organizing frame when used carefully Pew Research Center.

Research cautions that messaging effects depend on local context, partisan differences, and the presence of trusted nonpartisan institutions, so voters and civic leaders should consult the primary reports and test approaches locally before broad campaigns are launched Brookings Institution.