Participatory Taxation: Aligning Spending with Our Values

Every year, Americans pay taxes that fund a wide range of government programs—from roads and schools to defense and healthcare. But how we feel about paying taxes often depends on how much we trust where the money is going—and whether we believe it reflects our values.

At this meeting, we’ll explore our personal experiences with taxation and our opinions about how tax dollars should be used.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• If you could choose how your tax dollars were spent, what would you prioritize?
• Do you think you'd feel differently about paying taxes if you had more say in how the money is used? Why or why not?
• In your opinion, is our current tax system fair? What makes it feel fair or unfair to you?
• Who do you believe should have the power to decide how tax dollars are spent—and why?
• Do you think most people have the knowledge or tools they’d need to help shape tax spending decisions? What might help?

This conversation invites us to reflect on our beliefs, values, and lived experiences related to taxes—and to listen to how others see it differently.
Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.

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