 | Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 |
| | White House Office of Public Engagement Weekly Update
Good afternoon,
On Monday, President Obama signed the VOW to Hire Heroes Act into law. This is just one of the initiatives the President has enacted to ensure that the country fulfills its obligation to our service members and their families, and it's just one part of the President's plan to put the American people back to work. The President urged every business owner who can to hire a veteran right away because it is smart business. With more than 1 million service membersreturning to civilian jobs as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq wind down, connecting veterans with jobs here at home will help the economy grow.
Karen Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced the Obama Administration’s support of Small Business Saturday. Held on November 26, Small Business Saturday is a day to recognize the crucial role that small businesses play in driving our economy and creating American jobs.
President Barack Obama signs the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (VOW to Hire Heroes Act), that will provide tax credits to help put veterans back to work. First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden attend the ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, Nov. 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Wednesday, President Obama continued a Thanksgiving tradition by granting a Presidential Pardon to two lucky turkeys -- Liberty and Peace. The ceremony was held on the North Portico of the White House and the President received a bit of help from his daughters, Sasha and Malia. Liberty and Peace are both 19-weeks old and weigh 45 pounds. They were raised by a group of students from Willmar High School in Minnesota.
Finally, from all of us at the Office of Public Engagement, we want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope that you are able to spend a safe and relaxing holiday with friends and family. At OPE, we are all thankful that every day we connect with people like you across the country, and we work to make sure that each and every American has a voice in this Administration.
Blog Highlights
White House Champions of Change Program
The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities andnominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. That is why we are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.”
Get Involved
Be part of a program where there’s no typical day, and where young people from across the country dedicate their time, talents, and energy to better the White House, the community, and the nation. The application for the Summer 2012 White House Internship Program is now open, and the application deadline is January 22, 2012.
Get involved in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, run by the American Red Cross. This program, now in its fifth year, encourages all of us to send a holiday card to a service member this season. Making a card is a simple act of kindness that means the world to our soldiers and their families. Check out more information about how to get involved. All cards being sent in for 2011 Holiday Mail For Heroes program should be postmarked no later than Friday, December 9, 2011.
For more information about ways to get involved now, check out the Office of Public Engagement’s blog, which is updated daily with upcoming engagement opportunities. Take some time browse our Engage webpage, or email Public@who.eop.gov for more information. Also check out Serve.gov for opportunities to personalize your long-term service.
For the latest updates, follow Jon Carson, the Director of the Office of Public Engagement on Twitter: JonCarson44.
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