• Following last year’s contribution for Blog Action Day (that addressed the devastating crises in the Horn of Africa), we have returned to focus on a more domestic issue and reflect on moments over the past year when everyday Americans joined together to demonstrate the “power of we.”

    The White House is constantly looking to expand public engagement and public involvement, making government both accessible and responsive to the needs of its citizens. Three examples stand out among many others.

    #40dollars

    In December of 2011, and again in February of 2012, the American people took to the Internet to tell Washington in no uncertain terms that letting the payroll tax cut expire was not acceptable. If Congress let the payroll tax cut expire, a typical family of four earning $50,000 a year would see about $40 less in each paycheck. For many middle class families struggling to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, losing $40 a week would have meant a lot. Tens of thousands of Americans spoke out to share their simple but powerful stories about what losing $40 per paycheck would mean for them and their families.

    Thanks to their voices, middle-class Americans scored a major victory when Congress took action and President Obama was able to sign this extension into law.

    When I first heard the topic for Blog Action Day, I immediately thought of a video called “Why Your Voice Matters” that features some of the people who believed that their voice could make a difference and had the courage to speak out:

    Or check out a slideshow featuring 50 Americans across 50 states who, through the Power of We, helped ensure that taxes didn’t go up on 160 million of their fellow citizens.

  • We depend on the Internet and digital tools for many aspects of our daily lives. This fundamental reliance is why our digital infrastructure is a strategic national asset, and why today I joined leaders from the Department of Homeland Security, members of Congress, and leaders from across New York and financial world to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign.

    This month, we recognize the role we all play in ensuring our information and communications infrastructure is interoperable, secure, reliable, and open to all. NCSAM reminds us that being safer and more secure online is a shared responsibility. That’s why, during the month of October we pay special attention to “Achieving Cybersecurity Together.”

    While increased connectivity has enormous benefits, it has also increased the importance and complexity of our shared risk. Many of our lives depend on technology, which makes cybersecurity one of our country’s most important national security priorities. Our economy and critical infrastructure depend upon the Internet, as nearly all public and private sector entities conduct business and store critical data on Internet-connected networks.

    Emerging cyber threats require engagement from the entire American community. This morning, I met with public and private leaders from the financial sector – individuals in the vanguard for securing our online banking systems, financial transactions and e-commerce. This afternoon, I’ll engage with the U.S. Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Task Force to examine law enforcement’s coordinated efforts to combat cybercrime. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, from government and law enforcement to the private sector and members of the public, working together to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment.

    We know it only takes a single infected computer to potentially infect thousands and perhaps millions of others. It’s our goal to make basic cybersecurity practices as reflexive as putting on a seatbelt – using antivirus software, being careful which websites you visit, not opening emails or attachments that look suspicious. These basic measures can improve both our individual and our collective safety online.

  • Starting today, the White House once again opened its gardens and grounds to visitors from across the country, continuing First Lady Michelle Obama's commitment to opening up the White House to more Americans. 

    As the First Lady has explained, "This is really what the White House is all about. It’s the 'People’s House.' It’s a place that is steeped in history, but it’s also a place where everyone should feel welcome. And that's why my husband and I have made it our mission to open up the house to as many people as we can."

    During these Fall Garden Tours, visitors are able to experience the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden, and the South Lawn of the White House as well as the White House Kitchen Garden – the first vegetable garden planted at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden.

    Those taking the tour are encouraged to use the hashtag #WHGarden to share photos of their experience. Check out a selection of photos: 

    Note: If you are interested in attending a White House Garden Tour, tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis on the days that we are opening the gardens and grounds to visitors.

    • Saturday, October 13th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    • Sunday, October 14th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    • Friday, October 19th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and
    • Saturday, October 20th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

    These Garden Tours are free; however, a ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 AM. Tickets will be distributed -- one ticket per person -- on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • President Obama talks about his choice to rescue the American auto industry from collapse and save more than one million American jobs.

    Transcript | Download mp4 | Download mp3

  • Watch the West Wing Week here.

    Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

    Honoring the Memory of César Chávez: On Monday, President Obama honored César Chávez, one of America’s great civil rights leaders, and established the César Estrada Chávez National Monument in Keene, California.

    The new national monument is located at Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (La Paz) and includes Chávez’ home, the headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) and the Memorial Garden where Chávez is buried. On Monday, the site because the 398th unit of our National Park System. The President celebrated Chávez’ commitment to our country, and remarked:

    He believed that when a worker is treated fairly and humanely by their employer that adds meaning to the values this country was founded upon, and credence to the claim that out of many, we are one.  And he believed that when a child anywhere in America can dream beyond her circumstances and work to realize that dream, it makes all our futures just a little bit brighter.

    To learn more:

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The White House was illuminated pink on October 1 to mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month. In a Presidential Proclamation President Obama asked Americans to “honor those we have lost, lend our strength to those who carry on the fight, and pledge to educate ourselves and our loved ones about this tragic disease.” This month is also a time to recognize the importance of prevention and early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

    During last year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Jill Biden, Jennifer Aniston and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited Inova Breast Care Center in Virginia to meet with breast cancer survivors and discuss the role access to care has in breast cancer prevention. Watch the video here.

    Celebrating the Power of Girls: The White House proudly joined the global community in marking the first-ever International Day of the Girl. Every year, on October 11, countries around the world will honor the importance of empowering girls to reach their full potential. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, along with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, spoke to a group of about 200 Girls Scouts at the State Department about raising the status of girls around world. Learn more about the International Day of the Girl. 

    Happy Birthday, Bo: On Tuesday, the Obama family dog—the most beloved pet at the White House—turned four years old. Check out some of our favorite moments with America’s First Dog at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

  • It's Fire Prevention Week -- when Americans are called up to renew our efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

    So it's fitting that we begin a new video series, Catching up with the Curators, with White House Curator Bill Allman discussing an important moment that came two years into the War of 1812 -- when British troops invaded Washington, DC and burned the White House. 

    To learn more about fire prevention or emergency preparedness check out http://www.ready.gov.

  • The White House Photo Office just released its latest set of behind the scenes photos, including images from President Obama's trip to view the damage from Hurricane Isaac, his participation in the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York, the visit of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House, plus a new portrait of the Obama family dog, Bo. Check out a few images below, then head over to Flickr to see all 20 images in the gallery.

    President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden talk in the West Garden Room

    President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden talk in the West Garden Room of the White House, prior to an event with the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams on the South Lawn, Sept. 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

     

  • Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President established a new, national monument in honor of Cesar Chavez, declared Fire Prevention Week, and sat down with Diane Sawyer, while the White House honored educational innovators and 4-H and FFA Champions of Change. That's October 5th to October 11th or "Our Journey Is Never Hopeless, Our Work Is Never Done."

  • The White House is proud to join the world community in marking the first-ever International Day of the Girl and has released a statement which can be found here.  Every year, on October 11, countries around the world will honor the importance of empowering girls so that they can reach their full potential.

    Yesterday Secretary Clinton, along with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, spoke to a group of about 200 Girl Scouts at the State Department about raising the status of girls around the world. Secretary Clinton announced new US Government and private sector initiatives to prevent child marriage and promote girls education.

    President Obama Congratulates Google Science Fair Winners

    President Barack Obama congratulates Google Science Fair winners, from left, Naomi Shah, Shree Bose, and Lauren Hodge in the Oval Office, Oct. 3, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

  • It has been a very busy year for America's First Dog here at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Check out some of our favorite moments, below:

    President Barack Obama and Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi pet Bo

    President Barack Obama and Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi pet Bo, the Obama family dog, at the conclusion of their meeting in the Oval Office, Sept. 19, 2012. Attendees included Danny Russel, Senior Director for Asian Affairs, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

  • Download Video: mp4 (83MB)

    October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time to honor those lost to the disease and recognize the importance of prevention and early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

    During last year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Jill Biden, Jennifer Aniston and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited Inova Breast Care Center in Virginia to meet with breast cancer survivors and discuss the role access to care has in breast cancer prevention.

    With regular screenings, breast cancer often can be found early, when the chance of successful treatment is best. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, preventive benefits like mammograms and well-woman visits are now covered with no out-of-pocket cost for 20.4 million women. 

  • President Barack Obama and Helen Chavez in Keene, Calif., Oct. 8, 2012

    President Barack Obama and Helen Chávez place a rose at the gravesite of César Chávez before the dedication ceremony for the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, Calif., Oct. 8, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

    Today the President traveled to Keene, California to honor the memory of César Estrada Chávez, by designating the property at Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz as a National Monument. Although César Chavez was one of my heroes, he was also my grandfather which made today’s dedication so moving and powerful. La Paz was my grandparents home and the headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) since the early 1970s but to a young child growing up in the farm workers’ movement it was also our playground.  

    Growing up in La Paz I spent a lot of time with my grandfather and my grandmother Helen, who still lives on the property. I ran around like any child, playing with my cousins, enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounds it, going on hikes, and even doing Yoga with my grandfather. But I also grew up sitting in on organizing sessions with thousands of farmworkers who prepared for any number of campaigns for basic rights, like clean drinking water, protection from pesticides, or just basic wages. There wasn’t a day I didn’t hear stories from my mom and her sisters about how difficult it was working in the fields when they were younger, so when it became our turn to do our part to support my grandfather, I didn’t think twice.  Often times we’d go for “a drive” with my grandfather and find ourselves spending the day leafleting and knocking on doors to mobilize farmworkers. La Paz was my grandparents’ home, my home, and home to hundreds of volunteers that built the farm workers movement, but I always knew it was so much more than that.

  • Today, I had the privilege of joining President Obama as he honored one of the great civil rights leaders in American history in establishing the César Estrada Chávez National Monument in Keene, California.

    Located at Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (La Paz), the new national monument becomes the 398th unit of our National Park System and will include Chávez’ home, the headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) and the Memorial Garden where Chávez is buried.

    By establishing this new national monument, President Obama has ensured that future generations will have a place to learn about this extraordinary man and the farm labor movement that improved the lives of millions of workers and continues to inspire us to achieve a more perfect union. 

    President Obama’s establishment of the César Estrada Chávez National Monument is especially meaningful as we strive to tell a more diverse, rich and complete history of our nation – one that more fully recognizes the many contributions of women and minorities throughout history.

  • In this week’s address, President Obama says that Congress should act to keep our nation moving forward by keeping taxes low for 98 percent of Americans, cutting red tape so responsible homeowners can save about $3,000 a year on their mortgage by refinancing at lower rates, and creating a veterans jobs corps to help our returning heroes find work.

    Transcript | Download mp4 | Download mp3

  • Today, I joined Samantha Power in participating in our first White House Office Hours on Twitter, where we took questions about Equal Futures, a new partnership to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls. Last week, the U.S., along with12 other founding member countries, launched this partnership at the UN General Assembly. During our live Twitter Q&A, we discussed how the U.S. and other countries can advance the political and economic empowerment of women and girls around the world.

    Check out the full Q&A below and learn more about Equal Futures here and here. To view more conversations like this one, check out some of our recent White House Twitter “Office Hours” at Storify.com/WhiteHouse.

  • Here's a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:

    Watch the West Wing Week here.

    In October, the White House is working to recognize a range of important causes: 

    • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: On Monday evening, the White House was illuminated pink to mark the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. President Obama wrote in a Presidential Proclamation, “we honor those we have lost, lend our strength to those who carry on the fight, and pledge to educate ourselves and our loved ones about this tragic disease.”
    • National Energy Action Month: On Monday, in an official proclamation, President Obama called on the American people to “recognize this month by working together to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children.” The President is pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy to help the United States achieve energy independence. Watch this video outlining the progress we’ve made and President Obama’s plan for the future.
    • Domestic Violence Awareness Month: This month also marks Domestic Violence Awareness month. The Obama Administration is committed to raising awareness and preventing domestic violence. Earlier this year, President Obama directed federal agencies to develop policies to assist victims of domestic violence in the federal workforce. Through Vice President Biden’s 1 is 2 Many campaign, we released a public service announcement featuring professional athletes and other role models speaking out against dating violence.

  • While there is more work that remains to be done, today’s employment report provides further evidence that the U.S. economy is continuing to heal from the wounds inflicted by the worst downturn since the Great Depression. It is critical that we continue the policies that are building an economy that works for the middle class as we dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the severe recession that began in December 2007. 

    Most pressing, Congress should pass an extension of middle class tax cuts that President Obama proposed, and the Senate passed.  This extension would prevent the typical middle class family from facing a $2,200 tax increase at the beginning of next year. In addition, the President has proposed a plan that will enable responsible homeowners to refinance their mortgage and take advantage of today’s historically low interest rates. To create more jobs in particularly hard-hit sectors, President Obama continues to urge Congress to pass elements of the American Jobs Act, including further investment in infrastructure to rebuild our Nation’s ports, roads and highways, and assistance to State and local governments to prevent layoffs and to enable them to rehire hundreds of thousands of teachers and first responders.

    Today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that private sector establishments added 104,000 jobs last month, and overall non-farm payroll employment rose by 114,000. Revisions to the previous two months added another 86,000 jobs.  The economy has now added private sector jobs for 31 straight months. Taking account of the preliminary benchmark revision (+453,000) released last week, the economy has added a total of 5.2 million private sector jobs during that period.

  • Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the White House and The Treasury hosted events highlighting innovative apps, we travel with Dr. Biden to events in Washington and Virginia and the White House Blue Room Christmas tree is selected in North Carolina. That's September 28th to October 5th or "Operation Educate the Educators".

     
     

  • Note: This live session of Office Hours has concluded. View the full question and answer session below or at Storify.com

    Last week, the U.S., along with 12 other founding members, announced Equal Futures, a new partnership between the U.S. and other nations to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls. At the event, founding members announced national commitments to expand women's political and economic participation.  

    For the United States, these commitments include new efforts to expand opportunity for women and girls in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, expand economic security for domestic violence victims, support women entrepreneurs and promote civic and public leadership for girls. To fulfill our commitments, we will be working to strengthen government policies and programs with the help of the private and non-profit sectors.  

    Have questions about the Equal Futures Partnership? On Friday, October 5th at 2:30 p.m. EDT join us for a special session of White House Office Hours with Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President and Chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls and Samantha Power, Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs. During a live Q&A on Twitter they will answer your questions about how the Obama Administration is working to empower women and girls both here and abroad through the Equal Futures Partnership.

     Here’s how it works:

    So take a few minutes to watch video of the launch last week, learn more about the Equal Futures Partnership and then join us for Office Hours with Samantha Power and Valerie Jarrett on October 5th at 2:30 p.m. EDT. 

  • October is National Energy Action Month, when Americans are called up to work together, "to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children" -- as President Obama wrote in an official proclamation on Monday.

    Those goals are the reason that the President is pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy to help the United States achieve energy independence.

    To give you a better sense of what that means, we've put together a video that outlines the progress we've made and President's Obama's plan for the future.

    Check it out:


    Learn more:

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