If You Were In The Room - PA Humanities

How would the US Constitution be different if you were in the room?

What would you add? What would you take out? Who would you invite to join you?

As part of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ A More Perfect Union Initiative, PA Humanities asked young people across the state to share their thoughts on the nation’s founding document during the summer of 2022, and they had a lot to say.

A few exceptional participants were selected for a special educational experience that included a private tour of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway with an opportunity to speak to the cast.

Check out the warm welcome and original invitation to participate in If You Were In The Room from PA Humanities board member Gisele Fetterman.

Featured Submissions

“I would have added an amendment that gives women the right to abortions -- I would give them the respect and privacy they deserve.”

Nyla Wildman

17 years old, Philadelphia

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“What I would bring to writing the Constitution is more voices...as many marginalized people we can get in the room the better.”

Anna Skeels

20 years old, Pittsburgh

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“The right to bear can be revoked to clarify the second; For those whose troubled minds are provoked, should not have military weapons.”

Molly Hoffman

20 years old, Bethel Park

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“I would add in a new amendment that prevents big money politics.”

James Keenan

25 years old, Eagleville

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“I would ensure that there are no loopholes for the heinous crime of slavery.”

Andrew Foster

16 years old, Upper Chichester

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Why did we do this?

We believe the humanities can be a tool for civic engagement and leadership, through education, critical reflection, storytelling and dialogue. Amplifying the often unheard voices of young people is one way to bring fresh perspectives to the conversation and work towards a more equitable future.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country, we recognize that the challenges this generation face are impacted by the decisions of our past.

The If You Were In The Room initiative brought in passionate, thoughtful and creative submissions that engaged deeply with ideas about women’s rights, the 2nd Amendment, LGBTQ+ representation, slavery, quartering soldiers and more. From them, we selected a group of participants to join us for a curated educational experience to explore these issues further.

READ Federation of State Humanities Councils spotlight: Engaging History and Imagining Democracy for “A More Perfect Union”

Dive In Further

We can all learn from the vision, creativity and courage these young people have to reflect on our past and shape our collective future. View more of their submissions here.

The Experience

Private tour of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
Chartered trip to New York City with lunch at Carmine’s restaurant
Tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway
Opportunity to talk to the cast after show

Selected for Educational Experience

Name	Location	Age
Angelic Cortes-Bianchi	King of Prussia	20
Andrew Foster V	Upper Chichester	16
Molly Hoffman	Bethel Park	20
Faith Johnson	Havertown	23
James Keenan	Eagleville	25
Alexandria Kisow	Pittsburgh	19
Zivai Sinemani	Philadelphia	21
Anna Skeels	Pittsburgh	20
Nyla Wildman	Philadelphia	17
Jadyn Williams	Upper Chichester	19
Chloe Youngblood	Philadelphia	18

Teacher Resources

For educators who are interested in facilitating a similar program, we created this handout to help out!

We believe the humanities in action are a tool for civic engagement and leadership, through education, critical reflection, storytelling and dialogue. Centering marginalized voices, including those of young people, is how we counter dominant narratives and create equitable futures. The challenges young people face today are impacted by the decisions of our past.

We can all learn from the vision, creativity, and courage young leaders have to understand the past and shape our collective future.

If You Were In The Room has been made possible by our donors and a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the A More Perfect Union initiative. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or PA Humanities.

Featured Submissions

“I would have added an amendment that gives women the right to abortions -- I would give them the respect and privacy they deserve.”

“What I would bring to writing the Constitution is more voices...as many marginalized people we can get in the room the better.”

“The right to bear can be revoked to clarify the second; For those whose troubled minds are provoked, should not have military weapons.”

“I would add in a new amendment that prevents big money politics.”

“I would ensure that there are no loopholes for the heinous crime of slavery.”

Why did we do this?

Dive In Further

The Experience

Selected for Educational Experience

Teacher Resources

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