“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.”
-Barack Obama
CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME
With the election over and the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States just around the corner – the question we are all asking is “what’s next?” How can we get involved in helping government solve some of the most pressing issues of our time? More importantly, how do we see ourselves as a part of this change?
The Case Foundation is a champion of efforts that provide individuals the opportunity to connect with their neighbors, decide what matters most to them, form solutions and take action. We believe in the collective ability and power of individuals to effect change in their communities and around the world.
That’s why, starting December 23rd, the Case Foundation just launched an online civic engagement campaign – “Change Begins With Me” – that calls on Americans everywhere to “be the change.” People across the nation are invited to visit the Case Foundation’s web site (casefoundation.org/change) and make a personal pledge to “be the change” in 2009. By finishing the sentence, “Change begins with me…” individuals can share their commitments to change their neighborhood, community or the world in 2009. One lucky participant (and guest) will be selected to come to Washington, DC to attend the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and related Inaugural festivities. And, in the spirit of giving and active civic engagement, this person will be part of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King Day of Service.
The campaign is simple and easy. There is no idea too big or too small. Whether it’s shoveling your neighbor’s sidewalk or helping to eradicate malaria in a foreign country, we believe everyone has a role to play in making our communities and our nation a better place.
HOW IT WORKS
Individuals everywhere will be asked to think about what they can do to help their community
• Participants go to casefoundation.org/change to share their commitment to change
• Participants submit their commitment for a chance to participate in the 2009 Presidential Inauguration festivities and MLK day of service project in Washington, DC.
WHAT YOU GET
The exclusive inaugural package includes the following:
• Two round trip tickets to Washington, DC
• Three nights hotel accommodations
• Participation in Washington DC’s MLK Day of Service
• Two tickets to the Hawaii Inaugural ball
• Two tickets to the Inauguration
• A Flip cam to record the experience!
TIMELINE
Participants can enter to win their trip to the Inauguration anytime between 3pm EST on December 23rd, 2008 through 3pm EST, January 12th, 2009.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Anyone with access to the Internet, a willingness to try something new and the desire for change can participate. Again, there is NO idea too big or too small. The only caveat? Participants must be at least 14 years of age and a legal resident of the U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Change Begins with Me campaign is just the beginning of the Case Foundation’s year-long effort to help transform inauguration excitement into community action. In the coming months, the Case Foundation will connect commitment makers with ongoing opportunities to serve, provide a venue for discussion and networking, share inspirational stories, invite participation with our innovative civic-engagement programs and catalyze action through mini-grants and other incentives, including:
• A survey reporting on the status of commitments;
• Spotlights on inspiring commitments to change;
• An online chat and Q&A series, highlighting government and non-profit leaders at the helm of change efforts; and
• Talk + Action = Change monthly mini-grant competitions for passionate individuals with innovative ideas about simple ways to connect with others in their communities, talk about what is needed, and then take action together.
Together, these efforts extend the Case Foundation strategies of citizen-centered action and engagement, including previous Case-sponsored campaigns such as Make It Your Own and America’s Giving Challenge.
ABOUT THE CASE FOUNDATION
The Case Foundation, created by Steve and Jean Case in 1997, invests in people and ideas that can change the world. The Foundation champions initiatives that connect people, increase giving, and catalyze civic action. For more information, visit www.casefoundation.org.
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For more information, or to find out how your organization can get involved, contact Megan Stohner at megans@casefoundation.org or 202-467-2048.
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