Our Mission

Our mission at the Obama Foundation is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.  

We seek to build an active democratic culture where people are equipped and motivated to make change, not just at the polls or in the halls of power, but in their communities, in the places where they live, work, and play. 

Around the world, we’re empowering rising leaders to more powerfully participate by connecting them with the skills, resources, and networks to maximize their potential and take their local impact global. We’re forging pathways to essential opportunities for young people, through education, mentorship, and career development, no matter where they’re from. 

Right here on the South Side of Chicago, we’re building a home for this vision, a global center for change with programming that invites visitors—whether they’re coming from down the block or across the globe—to bring change home.

The words wrapped around the Museum building reflect President Obama’s remarks on the Edmund Pettus bridge to mark the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. “Oh, what a glorious task we are given, to continually try to improve this great nation of ours.” 

President Obama’s words animate our work at the Foundation as we seek to revive our trust in our culture of democracy and the spirit of active citizenship in communities across the globe. 

Join us — and let's bring change home.