‘Shaping Our Next Chapter’: Obama Announces His New Foundation’s Inaugural Summit to Help Young People

‘A Place to Gather and Learn From One Another’

Former President Barack Obama has just announced his new foundation’s “next chapter,” a summit for hundreds of civic leaders from across the nation and around the globe, designed to help young people. 

“Based on what we’ve heard from you, I’m here to tell you what’s next,” Obama says.

“On October 31st and November 1st, the Obama Foundation will welcome civic leaders from around Chicago, the U.S., and the world to join us for a two-day immersive event in Chicago,” the Obama Foundation website says. “During this inaugural Summit, hundreds of leaders from around the world will come together to exchange ideas, explore creative solutions to common problems, and experience civic art, technology, and music from around the world.”

In a short video (above) and a longer version (below,) President Obama talks about all the letters he’s read and conversations he’s had with people, especially young people, since leaving office. 

“This leadership summit will be a place to gather and learn from one another, and then go back to your communities to lead others in the hard work of change,” he says.

“About 150 young people will attend each training to learn how to get involved in their local municipalities for the first time. The trainings will be hosted by the Obama Foundation and other partner organizations,” Talking Points Memo reports. 

“At the end of October, Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama will host a two-day summit in Chicago for young people from all over the world to gather and share ideas and problem solve.”

The former president not only remains very popular but is seeing his popularity rating increase in the Trump era.

Although remaining quiet on most day-to-day political hot button issues, President Obama has re-entered the national political discussion when critical issues arise. Just recently he denounced President Donald Trump’s decision to kill DACA, the program Obama instituted to protect undocumented immigrants brought to America when then were children, by their parents.

And on Monday President Obama issued a very personal statement on the passing of Edith (“Edie”) Windsor, whose Supreme Court case paved the road for marriage equality. 

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