Our shared mission

 
From my early days as a community organizer, across my political campaigns, and throughout my presidency, I've held fast to one truth: Change only becomes real when everyday folks roll up their sleeves, stay involved, and come together to demand it. It's the heart and soul of democracy.

Since leaving the White House, Michelle and I have embraced a shared mission: to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of changemakers. 

Today, the Obama Foundation supports emerging leaders around the world tackling some of the most important issues of our time—from climate change to income inequality to reducing racial and ethnic conflict. 

Through programs like the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, we’re ensuring boys and young men of color have pathways to reach their full potential. And the Girls Opportunity Alliance is working to help girls all over the world get their education and use their gifts to effect positive change in their families and communities.
 

Connecting with these emerging leaders is inspiring. And a little humbling—I know I wasn’t making as important an impact at their age. 

But that doesn’t mean we can’t help them make an even bigger difference. Our goal is to create a community where leaders can learn from each other, share best practices, and form strategic partnerships across issues and borders. And along the way, they can help strengthen democracy. 
 
All around the world, democratic ideals are under assault. We’re seeing it in Russia’s unjustified and brutal war in Ukraine. We’re seeing it as well-established democracies grow weaker. And we’re seeing it in the escalating polarization and disinformation so evident in recent elections in Brazil, the Philippines, Italy, Sweden, and right here in the United States.
  
That’s why the Foundation is developing the tools to rebuild a stronger democratic culture and a more durable set of democratic institutions. That work will be centered at the Obama Presidential Center when it opens. The Center will not only cultivate future leaders in our own backyard, it will also serve as a hub for those committed to reinforcing democratic ideals and promoting a greater sense of active citizenship both at home and abroad.