OBAMA 411: National Day of Service (Updated)

It's hard to believe it's been more than two months since Election Day -- the day Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. And now in just a WEEK, he'll take office!!!

I know a few people who have been fortunated to cop tickets to the biggest event this decade, and I hope to count on their experiences to give us back here in the SBC an idea of what it's like to be there. So stay tuned to next week's blogs for Inauguration reports from D.C.



MEANWHILE ...



For those not able to attend the BIG DAY, you can make history right here at home.


As the nation celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr ... The Obama campaign is asking all Americans to honor MLK and Obama's drive for change by making a difference in their own communities. Here's the information from a national press release:

President-Elect Obama is calling on us to participate in a National Day of Service on Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 19th) in anticipation of his Inauguration.

All you have to do to participate is go to http://www.usaservice.org/ and find an event to participate in over the course of the MLK Holiday Weekend (i.e. this weekend).

• Go HERE to find events you can participate in right here in the SBC. **
  
  
  

Or better yet, start an event of your own! Gather folks in your neighborhood to beautify a dirty playground, collect clothing and canned goods in your office to take to a homeless shelter, donate your time at a non-profit organization, have a bake sale to benefit your local animal shelter -- whatever!

Look around you and see what your community needs you to do, and then, be the change you wish to see in the world.

Make sure you register your event at http://www.usaservice.org/calltoservice so others can join you and be inspired by your ideas.

Now -- For those of you who plan on attending the Inauguration, you may be travelling or in DC on Monday ... but consider participating during the weekend before your travels! And go the website to share your contributions to this great event!

Change begins NOW and it begins with YOU!!! We made a difference on Nov. 4th and now we have four YEARS to keep it going. Do something for your community, your fellow American, or anyone in need of help this MLK Day. Let's keep the dream alive and be the beacon for change!

IN OTHER OBAMA NEWS:

The Shreveport Times wants to know what your plans are for Inauguration Day ... The Times wants to know how you plan to mark that day and the days leading up to the presidential inauguration.

• Do you have plans to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in inaugural activities?
  
  
• Are you planning to stay in town to host activities such as an inaugural ball or swearing-in ceremony watching event locally?
  
  
• Have your lesson plans for elementary school, middle school, high school or college classes turned to Obama and the nation's future?

The TIMES wants to hear from you ALL.

• To submit your plans ... Contact Local News Editor Velda Hunter by e-mailing veldahunter@gannett.com, calling (318) 459-3534 or faxing (318) 459-3301.
  
  

• And e-mail me too if you'd like be a correspondent for THIS blog .. :)