The greatest change of my life occurred when I recognized myself as lacking nothing. My surrounding circumstances didn’t require change in order for that change to occur in me. My dream? Raise the level of responsibility we hold for ourselves, and each other, while we give up the notion of entitlement. Change happens when we show gratitude for all that is right and get busy making it better. I was born with no arms and legs in a country where I’m free to pursue my full measure of happiness. My life changed when I became thankful. So can your’s.

By: Allison Wetherbee

People are not open to change. Some people don’t live and are lost. Many more are starving, sick, or sad. Our country has forgotten its potential. No one speaks. People do not question anything because of fear. There is too much heartache in this country, in the world, to even absorb. Knowledge is the only thing in life that is a promise. Once acquired you have it forever. It can even assist in positive change. Advocacy is one of the answers. Furthermore, people need to remember the gift of love, the contagiousness of a smile and that laughs are free.

By: Emily Patete

The change I’m ready for is priorities to be at home, sweet home. Our America.

This includes everyone in our 50-state home – everyone [image of impoverished being helped]

If we as a nation have freedom OF religion, speech, press, assembly, petition …

We should have the freedom to DO, too - to be given the opportunity to have:
the freedom to speak [image of labor workers]
freedom to give help [image of elderly and youth]
freedom to grow [image of school]
freedom to become [image of a run-down neighborhood sprucing up]
freedom to heal [image of patients in a hospital]

Give America the freedom to improve.

By: Fonda Chen

If we want a better world, we had better begin molding and mentoring our leaders of the future. Not only do we need to help them by ensuring that they can read and write, but we must model for them peaceable disagreement and active conflict resolution versus passivity.
How do we include them, without talking at them not with them? As today’s leaders, we need to show them that we value their input and their commitment to learning from us, and we have to ensure that they feel included and important in the process of change.

By: Kim Cassell

In the first 100 days, I’m ready for our elected leaders to listen to the will of the people. BUT, what is the will of the people?
We need to have a place that helps answer this question—
–Where WE can become more informed,
–Where WE can decide what challenges are important,
–Where WE can discuss the best solutions,
–Where WE can truly become “WE THE PEOPLE…” that form a collective direction for our future.
So, what can I do to bring about this change?
I’m helping to start ThePeopleAffect.com – a home for the will of the people.
For more information, visit www.ThePeopleAffect.com

By: Jason Austin

The “change” I’m ready for is one that will not come Obama. The “change” America needs doesn’t lie in the fantasy of a nation dependent on hand outs. America needs a reality check! Taking money from working Americans and giving it to the nonworking sets future generations up for dependency, instead of “self-sustainability”. All I can do is wait 4 years for another election, even then things might not change especially when the masses are too busy dreaming of utopia to pay attention to the real state of the nation and informed decisions aren’t made.

By: Michelle Miller

For eight years I’ve watched the rest of the world slowly develop an animosity towards my country. Many U.S. leaders have made long-lasting decisions without always incorporating a global perspective, and finally American voters have voiced that this is no longer acceptable. I am ready to see the Obama administration lead the U.S. into the international arena, allowing it to serve as both a leader and an equal to countries worldwide. It is time that we stop thinking of ourselves as U.S. citizens, and start recognizing that we are members of a much larger global community.

By: Michaela McGill

I am ready for a change that my generation has been desperate for. That change is filled with hope, inspiration and a moral resurrection. The world is watching our country closely and I am proud to be one of many people constantly striving to live up to their expectations. On today, one month after President Obama’s inauguration I am still soaring with so many, once hopeless, Americans. The change I expect to see and I plan to be part of is one that will empower young people to take their lives, educations and futures into their own hands. My faith in faith is reaffirmed and for the first time in a long time I am willing to do whatever it takes to uplift everyone around me in hopes that they’ll pay it forward.

By: Barhynn Johnson

The change that I am ready for in the first 100 days of newly elected President Obama’s term is a nationwide acceptance of diversity. President Obama represents the United States of America because our great nation is one made up of immense diversity. Our country was founded by people escaping religious persecution. This is the land of liberty and opportunity. Finally we’ve elected a president who truly can best represent such a diverse nation. I hope that Obama can change the way a lot of Americans feel about ethnic minorities because sadly still too many Americans are ignorant, biased, and just outright racist.

By: Gregory Duckoff

In the first 100 days and beyond, we want to redefine the image of a healthy American, one that is proactive and well-informed. The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education’s mission is to save lives by empowering individuals to conquer breast cancer. As a non-profit, our educational programs promote healthy lifestyle choices, early detection and risk reduction. We motivate people of all ages to take charge of their health by providing tools to protect against breast cancer. Our nation’s health is our most precious natural resource. A healthy mind and body is the most dynamic engine for creativity and change.

By: Morgan Evans