Change Begins With Me

The Change Begins With Me campaign was an effort to build upon the unprecedented desire of individuals to see and create change on the tail of the historic election of President Barack Obama. Like President Obama, we believe "change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time."

Since its inception, the Case Foundation has worked to champion people and organizations with innovative ideas to engage communities in addressing urgent needs. We believe in the transformational power of efforts that provide individuals the opportunity to connect with their neighbors, decide what matters most to them, form solutions and take action together. 

Making a Commitment for Change

From marriage to treaties to proclamations, putting commitments in writing that are witnessed by friends, family and neighbors is a significant and time-honored tradition that transforms hopes and good intentions into promises and actions.  That’s why we kicked off Change Begins With Me with a campaign asking America to make personal pledges to convert their excitement on inauguration day into actions that could change their communities and the world. In less than a month from launch more than 12,000 people submitted commitments!

We sweetened the deal by offering incentives such as an Inauguration Swearing-In Ceremony and MLK Day of Service trip to Washington, DC, Network for Good Cards and a New Orleans Jazz Fest Volunteer Vacation Adventure.

To learn more about the program:

• Check out the 12,000+ commitments
• See the full list of winners
• And read the archived FAQs

What did people do with those commitments?

We conducted an online survey months after the inauguration to find out what actually happened. The response shows that an overwhelming majority have begun fulfilling their commitment, financial resources were a major factor for those who did not follow up, and wanting to "be the change" inspired people to action.

Read the full analysis here.