Honors and recognizes Martin Luther King’s Day of Service on January 19, 2009

One citizen will receive trip to Washington to participate in MLK Service Day and Inauguration Festivities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Case Foundation today announced a new, innovative online civic engagement campaign – “Change Begins With Me” – to galvanize Americans throughout the country to “Be the Change.” People across the nation are invited to visit the Case Foundation’s web site (www.casefoundation.org/change) and make a personal commitment by finishing the sentence, “Change begins with me…” Through the campaign, individuals can share their commitments to change their neighborhood, community or the world in 2009. One lucky participant (and guest) will be randomly selected to come to Washington, D.C. 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, D.C. Martin Luther King Day of Service.

“The Case Foundation is committed to providing all citizens the opportunity to connect with their neighbors, decide what matters most to them, suggest solutions and take action,” said Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation. “There is no idea that is too big or too small – whether it’s shoveling a neighbor’s snow-covered sidewalk or helping to eradicate malaria in a foreign country. We believe everyone can play a vital role in making our communities, our nation and our world a better place.”

HOW IT WORKS

• Participants go to www.casefoundation.org/change to share their commitment to change
• By completing the commitment form, citizens automatically qualify for a chance to participate in the 2009 Presidential Inauguration festivities and MLK day service project in Washington, D.C.
• One lucky winner will be randomly chosen to receive 2 tickets to the inauguration; 2 tickets to the Hawaii Inaugural Ball; 3 nights hotel; travel expense; and a flip video camera to record their experiences.
• Nine runner-ups will each receive a $50 “Good Card” where they can donate any dollar amount to the charities of their choice.

In addition to the Change Begins with Me campaign, the Case Foundation is encouraging Americans to make Martin Luther King Day "a day on not a day off" by committing to spend time volunteering on January 19, 2009. Last year, more than 500,000 Americans volunteered in 5,000 projects across the nation as a way to transform the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into community service that helps solve critical social challenges. This year, the Case Foundation proudly joins the Corporation for National and Community Service, Causes on Facebook, ServiceNation, the Points of Light Institute, and many other leading partners in service, as we work to boost the number of volunteers to one million by expanding the number and reach of project opportunities.

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.