A 250th Anniversary Renaissance Project
with Our Founding Fathers
Facilitated by Suzanne Tulien, Brand Clarity Catalyst,
co-pioneer of the Brand DNA methodology, Author, Speaker
co-pioneer of the Brand DNA methodology, Author, Speaker
LIVING AMERICA'S BRAND DNA
A 250th ANNIVERSARY RENAISSANCE PROJECT
America turns 250 on July 4, 2026.
Beyond fireworks, it’s our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with the ideals that hold us together—beyond partisan politics.
America’s Brand DNA is a modern, NONPARTISAN framework that brings founding principles from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Federalist Papers, into your daily conversations. It is for anyone who wants clearer civic dialogue and collaboration.
Beyond fireworks, it’s our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect with the ideals that hold us together—beyond partisan politics.
America’s Brand DNA is a modern, NONPARTISAN framework that brings founding principles from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Federalist Papers, into your daily conversations. It is for anyone who wants clearer civic dialogue and collaboration.
THOUGHTFULLY DERIVED FROM AMERICA'S FOUNDING DOCUMENTS...
BUILT FROM AMERICA'S IDEALS for a more CONSCIOUS, STRATEGIC, & DELIBERATE SOCIETY.
DESIGNED AS A PRACTICAL CIVIC FRAMEWORK TO RECONNECT WITH AMERICA'S BRAND DNA.
BUILT FOR REAL-WORLD CONVERSATION, ACTIVITY & CIVIC UNITY.
LED BY SUZANNE TULIEN, BRAND DNA PIONEER, SPEAKER
What is
“America’s Brand DNA”?
When organizations (and a Country) need clarity, alignment, and shared language, to create a powerful value position and differentiation, they use Brand DNA to identify, define, and align:
Core Values (what we stand for)
Style Attributes (how we show up)
Differentiators (what makes us distinct)
Standards of Performance (what “ON-BRAND” looks like)
Brand Mantra (what we repeat)
Brand Promise (what we commit to)
America’s Brand DNA applies that same clarity tool to the American civic story—so we can talk about who we are and how we live it, with less heat and more signal.
Clarifying America’s Brand DNA starts with a simple idea: a brand isn’t a logo or a slogan—it’s the set of perceptions people hold about an entity, shaped by what it consistently does. In my definition, branding is the assignment of meaning—and meaning is assigned through real decisions, lived experiences, and repeated outcomes over time.
When we apply this to the United States of America, “brand” becomes a powerful civic lens. America’s brand shows up in how rights are protected, how justice is pursued, how power is restrained, and how we treat one another—especially when it’s hard. The founding documents weren’t just historical artifacts; they were an original blueprint for the nation’s intended identity and promise.
The Brand DNA process helps clarify those intended perceptions—so they’re not just admired on paper, but understood in practical, actionable terms. This isn’t about politics or marketing. It’s about giving citizens a shared, clear framework to recognize alignment, name drift, and participate in strengthening the promise we all live under.
“If we can’t define it, we can’t live it. That’s why clarity matters.”
- Suzanne Tulien
HOW TO USE AMERICA'S BRAND DNA..
At home: 10 minutes at dinner—“What do we mean by liberty, responsibility, and unity?”
In classrooms: a structured discussion prompt that builds civic literacy without partisan debate.
In communities: a 60–90 minute “Living America’s Brand” night (turnkey format).
In organizations: a clarity tool that supports leadership, culture, and community engagement.
In classrooms: a structured discussion prompt that builds civic literacy without partisan debate.
In communities: a 60–90 minute “Living America’s Brand” night (turnkey format).
In organizations: a clarity tool that supports leadership, culture, and community engagement.
Download the
CIVIC ACTION WORKBOOK FOR MORE IDEAS.
“America’s 250th is a reset moment. Clarity is the asset that helps us use it well.”
This is a NON-PARTISAN mission towards clarity for America's value position.
FAQ:
Is this political?
- No. This is a nonpartisan clarity tool based on enduring civic ideals and practical conversation prompts.
Is this historical analysis?
- It’s not a history lecture. It’s a modern framework designed to help people discuss ideals and standards clearly.
Can we host a 'Clarifying America's Brand DNA' event?
- Yes, community leaders, educators, groups, parents, and teams who want a clear, constructive way to talk about shared civic ideals.
Can Suzanne speak for our group?
- Yes - Keynotes, workshops, podcast interviews, live interviews, and facilitated sessions available.
Click to read each of 'America's Brand DNA Results' of the 6 components.
Realize the power of clarity our Founding Fathers had intended through their work.
Preface & Story
Making the Brand Tangible
Clarifying America's Brand DNA project is a
shared civic compass rooted in our Founding Father's documents.
shared civic compass rooted in our Founding Father's documents.
Book + Workshops
Workshops:
Live facilitated Brand DNA in a Day (Organizations & Non-profits) Schedule Exploration Call
Live facilitated Brand DNA in a Day (Organizations & Non-profits) Schedule Exploration Call
Experience a live 'Clarifying America's Brand DNA' with our Founding Fathers presented by Suzanne Tulien!
Are you planning a 250th Anniversary Event? Bring Suzanne Tulien into your next event for a lively, experiential presentation on the process and outputs of this timely, clarifying exercise for America's Brand REFRESH celebrating our 250th Anniversary!
What Citizens Are Saying…
The Dinner Table Transformation
"We used the Family Discussion Guide at dinner the same night we downloaded it. Instead of the usual 'how was school' dead-end, we spent 20 minutes talking about what liberty actually means. My 14-year-old said, 'So liberty isn't just doing whatever you want—it's having freedom AND taking responsibility.' We've done this three times now, and our kids actually ASK for another Brand DNA conversation."— Jennifer M., Denver, CO | Mother of three
Multi-Generational Bridge
"My dad's a Vietnam vet, very conservative. I'm progressive. We haven't talked politics in five years without fighting. But the Brand DNA framework gave us neutral language. We spent an hour discussing 'Guarded Liberty' and 'Accountable Self-Government' without a single argument. We disagreed on applications but agreed on principles. First real conversation we've had in years."— Marcus T., Atlanta, GA | Age 34
The Reluctant 8th Graders
"I teach 8th grade civics in a Title I school. My students think history is boring and politics is toxic. I used the Brand DNA Activity Pack for three days, and kids who never participate were suddenly debating whether dress codes violate liberty or protect standards. One student said, 'This is the first time civics felt like it mattered to MY life.' I've adapted every unit to include Brand DNA discussions."— Keisha Williams, Philadelphia, PA | 8th Grade Teacher, 12 years
The Library Event That Filled Up
"I'm a librarian in a polarized small town. I was nervous to host a civic event—would anyone come? Would it become a fight? I used the 60-Minute Event template exactly as written. 47 people showed up. The framework kept us on track even when tensions rose. By the end, people who hadn't spoken in months were planning a monthly series. We've now hosted three events averaging 35 attendees. The mayor came to the last one."— Patricia Rodriguez, Durango, CO | Library Programs Director
The Veteran's Organization
"Our VFW was aging out—young veterans thought we were 'just old guys talking about old days.' I used Brand DNA to host a night for post-9/11 vets framed around 'What are we fighting to protect?' 23 veterans under 40 showed up—our biggest young turnout in a decade. Eight joined that night. We've made it quarterly and two other posts are replicating it. It gave us language that connects across generations."— James "Jim" Kowalski, Pittsburgh, PA | VFW Commander, Iraq War Vet
The Small Town's 250th
"Our town's 250th celebration committee was stuck on how to make it meaningful beyond parades. Suzanne facilitated a 6-hour Brand DNA workshop with 30 community leaders. We defined our town's Brand DNA—what we stand for, what we promise residents. It's now our North Star for budget priorities, development, and zoning decisions. Three local businesses adopted it internally. It transformed how we govern."— Mayor Linda Petersen | Middlebury, Vermont
Meet BRAND DNA Co-Pioneer, Facilitator, Author,
SUZANNE TULIEN
Meet Suzanne Tulien
Brand Clarity Catalyst • Author of Brand DNA • Speaker
WE don’t need more debate.
We need a clear civic framework Americans can live through action—so our shared promise isn’t trapped in rhetoric or dependent on any one leader.
Suzanne Tulien is the author and co-pioneer of the Brand DNA methodology and a brand strategist/facilitator who helps organizations (and leaders) clarify identity, values, and standards through a proven Brand DNA process. This project applies that same clarity methodology to the civic story—helping communities create shared language and forward motion as America approaches 250 years.
Suzanne Tulien is the founder of Brand Ascension, Brand Clarity Expert, author, international speaker, & certified trainer. With 30+ years of brand consulting experience, & co-pioneer of the Brand DNA methodology, she facilitates workshops, webinars, and consulting through the lens of Brand DNA methodology—helping leaders and employees create distinction and “out-behave” the competition through conscious, strategic, deliberate brand alignment.
Copyright Suzanne Tulien