Community Conversation:
What does the American Dream mean to you?
June 25, 2026, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Laramie County Library, Cottonwood Room
Join an open debate where people think together, listen to one another, and are open to being changed by ideas as we discuss if the American Dream is still achievable.
What does the “American Dream” mean to you? The expression was first used by John Truslow Adams in a book published during the Great Depression. To Adams, the American Dream was “not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” Broadly, it has usually referred to equal opportunity, social and economic mobility, and basic freedoms, allowing those who work hard to achieve success. The vision of the American Dream can be traced back to the 19th Century frontier opportunities and the ideal of the “self-made man,” and back even further to the principles of the Declaration of Independence. From the 1950s on, it was usually thought of in terms of economic aspirations—owning a home, a car, being able to provide for children, and enjoying middle‑class comforts. Recently, however, young people have increasingly questioned whether they will be able to achieve the American Dream, whether changes to “the system” will help them achieve it, and whether the Dream as defined in the second half of the 20th Century is even something that they desire. What, then, do they aspire to? What should they aspire to?
Participating in a Braver Angels debate is entering into a “marketplace of ideas.” Whether you are a seasoned speaker or new to public forums, all levels of engagement are welcomed. Attendees have the opportunity to kick off the discussion with a 3-4-minute speech, share their perspective with shorter comments, pose questions to fellow speakers, or simply listen and learn.
The Braver Angels debate structure fosters an environment where people think together, listen to one another, and are open to being changed by ideas. Every voice contributes to meaningful dialogue and potential solutions. It is a “collective search for truth.” There are no winners or losers. Everyone is expected to say what they truly believe, not try to score points. When done well, everyone walks out a little closer to the truth, more aware of what is valid in different viewpoints, and with tighter community relationships.
To find out more, including information that might be useful in framing your arguments, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bravercivic . To view recordings of some past Braver Angels debates, visit: https://tinyurl.com/BAdebates .
The Braver Angels Laramie County Alliance is partnering for this community conversation with the Wyoming State Museum and the Laramie County Library, as part of Cheyenne’s Civic Season celebration. To find out about other Civic Season events, visit https://wyomuseum.wyo.gov/index.php/programs/public-programs.
This event is FREE, but please register in advance to reserve your place. The registration button is below. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, a Section 501(c)3) organization.
The event will be from 6:00 to 7:30, but arrive at 5:30 for light refreshments and fellowship. This will be an in-person only event, in the Cottonwood Room of the Laramie County Library.
Thank you to our partners:
