OBAMA Foundation:update

 

Hi there, Recently, we hosted the inaugural Obama Foundation Democracy Forum, in partnership with Columbia University and the University of Chicago, to bring together experts from around the world, leaders in our global network of changemakers, and President Obama to discuss the role we can all play in protecting and strengthening democratic values and institutions.   See the highlights. At the Forum, President Obama shared the stage with four of our leaders, where they discussed opportunities to strengthen democracy in their own communities, work they're doing to move progress forward, and their hopes for the future. He also announced an expansion of our domestic work to support changemakers, Leaders United States. The next day, President Obama joined many of our leaders for workshops exploring the opportunities and challenges they face on the ground as they work to advance values-based leadership.   Coming away from the forum, it’s clear that more unites us than divides us. As President Obama said, it’s up to us to carry democracy’s torch into the future.  As we head into the holiday season, I wanted to leave you with some ways that you can practice a culture of democracy:    1. Use your Voice Your voice matters. Recognize your own agency by speaking up for the causes and people you care about and enlisting allies in the fight.    2. Embrace Human Connection Don’t shy away from cultural differences, create space for them. There is so much more that unites us than divides us, and it’s the best way to strengthen a democratic culture.  3. Verify Facts Be mindful of the messages and information you consume. Examine sources, think before you share, and help others in your life be critical thinkers who can separate opinion from fact. The divisions that can exist within our democracies aren’t going away any time soon, but the information we choose to consume can encourage the better angels of our nature.  4. Participate Engage in the democratic process by voting, holding your leaders accountable, and working toward diverse and inclusive institutions. The future depends on how we act today.  At a time when democracy is under threat, it’s inspiring to see how the leaders I work with have joined together to meet the needs of our world. You’re a part of that, too. Thank you for being a part of this work.  —Laura Laura Lucas Magnuson Executive Vice President, Global Programs  Obama Foundation      Donate to empower rising leaders bringing hope to their communities. DONATE