President Obama believes that change starts with you

The President has always believed that the best ideas don’t just come from Washington. They come from individuals and communities all across the country. They come from people like you. To bring about real, lasting change the President needs you to stay engaged, share your stories, and add your voice to help address the challenges of the 21st century so we can win the future.

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Latest News

  • Marking the 22nd Anniversary of the ADA

    Posted by Valerie Jarrett on July 26, 2012 at 1:49 PM EDT

    Today, I had the pleasure of delivering remarks at the White House observance of the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, America took a bold step forward when President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law. This law was based on the fundamental principle that Americans with disabilities should have the same basic rights and opportunities as everyone else, and it established America as a world leader on disability rights.

    From the day he took office, President Obama has sought to extend this legacy and fight for Americans with disabilities. He championed the Affordable Care Act, so insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime or restrictive annual dollar limits on coverage. And, beginning in 2014, no one will be denied insurance based on a preexisting condition or charged more based on health status or gender. More than 5 million Americans with disabilities and senior citizens on Medicare have already received an average of over $600 to help pay for prescription drugs, and in 2014 30 million people who do not have insurance will be able to obtain it.

    read the rest
    Learn more about Civil Rights, Disabilities

  • African American Women's Forum

    Posted by Heather Foster on July 24, 2012 at 4:35 PM EDT

    Today, the White House hosted an African American Women’s Forum, bringing women from across the nation together for an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to women in the African American community.  First Lady Michelle Obama surprised guests to provide some of her thoughts on the theme, “Mother, Sister, Daughter, Leader,” an idea she fully embodies.

    Many topics were discussed including education and college affordability.  One of the panels at the forum focused on the Affordable Care Act and how it will affect African American women. The Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, discussed the importance of prevention for women and emphasized this point by leading the group in an exercise activity! Jocelyn Frye, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady, provided insight on current and future projects Mrs. Obama is working on, and Deputy Adminstrator Marie Johns led a panel on the economy and education. Gene Sperling, Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council, analyzed the current economic status of African American Women in the United States and shared his plan to enact more meaningful fiscal change in the community as a whole.

    Heather Foster is an Associate Director for the Office of Public Engagement.

    Learn more about Women

  • Promoting Sustainable Health Care

    Posted by Gary Cohen on July 24, 2012 at 3:26 PM EDT

    Health Care Without Harm President Gary Cohen

    Health Care Without Harm President and Founder Gary Cohen speaks during a panel discussion at the White House event on Sustainability and the Health Care Industry (White House Council on Environmental Quality)

    Imagine energy efficient hospitals that save money on energy bills to use for critical patient care, and that promote renewable energy as a community health and resilience strategy. Imagine hospitals that create healthy food environments to help address the epidemic of obesity and diabetes in our country. Imagine hospitals that lead society in reducing toxic chemical exposures , and that are reducing their waste, saving money and improving patient care at the same time. Imagine a health care system that redefines “community benefit” to include improving the living conditions of communities that hospitals serve, and focusing on the prevention of disease through environmental health in addition to treatment. Imagine a health care system that makes up over 20 percent of the U.S. economy and becomes the driving force for safer products, cleaner energy, and healthier communities.

    This vision is what the Healthier Hospital Initiative is bringing to reality today and is proud to share with the Obama Administration at the White House event on Health Care and Sustainability. We have created a roadmap for hospitals to embed sustainability into their core business model and are providing technical assistance to offer every hospital in America the chance to participate for free. Health Care Without Harm has joined with our sister organization Practice Greenhealth, The Center for Health Design and 11 of the largest hospital systems in America to create the Healthier Hospital Initiative and drive this movement in health care for healthier hospitals. We already have the participation of more than 600 hospitals and we aim to recruit 2,000 overall and track the progress of the sector in achieving our goals.

    read the rest
    Learn more about Energy and Environment

  • Eames Design Event

    Posted by Jim Leach on July 23, 2012 at 9:00 AM EDT

    Last Friday, architecture and design students from all across the country, as well as energy policy and sustainable design specialists, gathered at the White House for a screening and panel discussion of Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey’s documentary film: Charles and Ray Eames: The Architect and the Painter.  The film was funded in part by The National Endowment for the Humanities.

    The event explored the Eames’ influence on modern and sustainable design. It was hosted in partnership with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)’s Grass Roots Leadership Conference. 

    This film, which aired nationally on PBS in 2011, looks at the many design advances of the married duo, from exhibitions like Mathematica to company brands like Boeing and IBM.  Along with their design success, the film pays special attention to their professional and personal relationship.

    read the rest

  • Calling All Champions of Change: Send Us Your Stories!

    Posted by Secretary Tom Vilsack on July 18, 2012 at 5:21 PM EDT

    Ed Note: This is a cross-post from the U.S. Department of Agriculture blog.

    President Obama and I know that today’s young people are critical to winning America’s future. From passing on the long-held traditions and values of American agriculture, to helping Americans live healthier lives by supporting the First Lady’s ‘Let’s Move’ initiative, 4-H and FFA members are truly making a difference.

    This September, the White House will welcome 4-H and FFA members from around the country to Washington for a day of discussion on their work, and the future of American agriculture.

    In addition, the White House will honor 12 Champions of Change- 4-H and FFA members who are helping America win the future with unique projects that move their communities forward.

    I’m asking for your help to tell their stories. Get online today and nominate a 4-H or FFA member whose leadership makes them a “Champion of Change” for rural America.

    read the rest

  • White House Champions in the Fight Against Youth Homelessness, Let's Move Olympics, Google Hangout on Local Foods

    Posted by Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia on July 17, 2012 at 10:30 AM EDT

    Champions of Change in the Fight Against Youth Homelessness Panel Discussion

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan (middle) moderates a panel of Champions of Change who have made a difference in the way their communities combat youth homelessness, July 12, 2012. (Photo by the White House Office of Public Engagement)

    White House Honors “Champions of Change” in the Fight Against Youth Homelessness

    Last week, The White House Office of Public Engagement honored 13 individuals who have made significant differences in the way their communities combat homelessness among children and youth as Champions of Change.

    The Champions of Change series spotlights everyday heroes who are demonstrating a commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or the lives of their fellow citizens. We are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.”

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    Learn more about , Rural

  • Keeping Interest Rates Low, Welcoming New American Citizens, and Saluting the Troops: Deputies' Download

    Posted by Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia on July 10, 2012 at 10:32 AM EDT

    You Did It!

    Just a few weeks ago, there was a real possibility that Congress would allow interest rates for federal student loans to double. But last Friday, President Obama signed legislation that will keep 7.4 million students from paying thousands of extra dollars.

    President Barack Obama delivers remarks before signing HR 4348 (July 6, 2012)

    President Barack Obama delivers remarks before signing HR 4348, the Transportation and Student Loan Interest Rate bill, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, July 6, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

    Last week, we talked to a group of students who were part of that effort -- all of whom would have affected by the higher interest rates -- and they talked about why it's so important for people to speak out.

    The video is a powerful reminder of how everyday Americans can make their voices resonate in Washington. Watch it here.

    read the rest

  • Student Loan Interest Rates, Refinancing, and the Affordable Care Act: Deputies' Download

    Posted by Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia on June 26, 2012 at 10:14 AM EDT

    President Obama Again Pushes Congress to Act on Student Loans

    President Barack Obama delivers a statement on college affordability (June 21, 2012)

    President Barack Obama, with Education Secretary Arne Duncan, delivers a statement on college affordability and interest rates on student loans, in the East Room of the White House, June 21, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

    President Obama spoke last Thursday from the East Room of the White House about the importance of keeping college affordable. He said:

    “If Congress does not get this done in a week, the average student with federal student loans will rack up an additional $1,000 in debt over the coming year. If Congress fails to act, more than 7 million students will suddenly be hit with the equivalent of a $1,000 tax hike. And that’s not something that you can afford right now.”

    Raise your voice and reach out to your networks if you agree that student loan rates should not double on July 1. On Twitter and Google+, use the hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate; on Facebook, update your status and profile image. Learn more about the President’s proposal and read about the impact higher interest rates would have on the AAPI, Native American, Hispanic, and African American communities.

    And finally, be sure to join Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for a special session of White House Office Hours on Wednesday, June 27th at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

    Would You Qualify for Refi? Find Out

    Did you know that the average homeowner could save $3,000 a year by refinancing at today's historically low interest rates? President Obama's plan to give mortgage relief to responsible homeowners boils down to one important principle. He wants to simplify the refinancing process. 

    And the very first step is to let people know if they would benefit from the President's proposal -- so we've built a tool to help answer that question. Just enter a few basic facts about your mortgage, and this tool will help you figure out if you currently qualify for easy, low-cost refinancing -- or whether, like millions of families, you need Congress to act to help you lower your interest rate.

    Statement by the President on the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Arizona v. United States

    Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, President Obama said:

    “I am pleased that the Supreme Court has struck down key provisions of Arizona's immigration law. What this decision makes unmistakably clear is that Congress must act on comprehensive immigration reform. A patchwork of state laws is not a solution to our broken immigration system – it’s part of the problem.”

    Read the full statement.

    How the Affordable Care Act is Helping Americans

    The Affordable Care Act, the new health care law, is making a positive difference in our health care system. Last week, the Obama Administration made four announcements about how the new law is helping people across the country.

    • 3.1 Million People Have Gained Coverage because young adults can stay on their parent’s health plan until age 26. This helps people like Ashley, a young woman living with cystic fibrosis, who would be spending her time trying to come up with money for healthcare instead of pursuing her education without this benefit. 
    • Community Health Centers are Stronger. The law provides grants that will ensure nearly 1.3 million more patients get high quality health care and will help support approximately 5,640 jobs. Learn more about these grants here.
    • Over 5 Million Seniors Have Saved $3.7 Million on Prescription Drugs. The average savings for seniors and people with disabilities this year is $651. Find State-by-State information on the amount of savings people with Medicare have received.
    • You are Getting a Better Value for Your Health Care Dollar. The new health care law created the 80/20 rule, which requires that health insurers spend at least 80 percent of your health care premiums on health care or improvements to care or they must refund you the difference. Overall, 12.8 million Americans will be benefiting from $1.1 billion in rebates from insurance companies this summer. Learn more about this announcement here.

    U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Funding for 47 TIGER 2012 Projects

    On Friday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that 47 transportation projects in 34 states and the District of Columbia will receive a total of almost $500 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) 2012 program.

    The TIGER program is a highly competitive program that is able to fund innovative projects difficult or impossible to fund through other federal programs. The program has provided $3.1 billion to 218 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Find additional information on individual TIGER grants here. 

    The White House Marks the 40th Anniversary of Title IX  

    Last week, the White House Council on Women and Girls hosted an event marking the 40th anniversary of Title IX with dozens of advocates and leaders who are continuing the fight for gender equity in our schools. The Administration also announced a new set of policies to step up enforcement of full gender equity under Title IX, ensuring that our schools continue to provide a fair shot at success for everyone.

    To celebrate this milestone, female leaders across the Obama Administration shared favorite pictures that express how getting a chance to compete has helped them reach their own dreams.

    Obama Administration Awards “Vets to Cops” Hiring Grants

    On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) announced funding awards to over 220 cities and counties, aimed at creating or saving approximately 800 law enforcement positions.  The grants will fund over 600 new law enforcement positions and save an additional 200 positions recently lost or in jeopardy of being cut due to local budget cuts. 

    All new law enforcement positions funded in the COPS 2012 Hiring Program must be filled by recent military veterans who have served at least 180 days since September 11, 2001.  For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2012 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website.

    Blog Highlights

    White House Champions of Change Program

    Last week, The White House Office of Public Engagement honored 11 individuals from Head Start programs across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to delivering on the promise of Head Start in their local communities. Over 45 years after its inception, Head Start continues to serve as a national laboratory for how we think about educating and caring for our youngest, most vulnerable children

    The Champions of Change series spotlights everyday heroes who are demonstrating a commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or the lives of their fellow citizens. We are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.”

    Get Updates

    For more information, visit the White House Office of Public Engagement website and blog and sign up for additional opportunities. Be sure to participate in the online conversation by following @vj44 and @JonCarson44.

    We welcome your thoughts and feedback at public@who.eop.gov

    Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia are Deputy Directors in the Office of Public Engagement.