President Obama has called for a National Day of Service to kick off the inauguration ceremonies and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back to local communities.
On Sat., Jan, 19, Obama is urging people nationwide find local volunteer projects. He and his family will be rolling up their sleeves as well, he says in the video above.
"Thats because inaugurations are about more than just celebrating. They are about coming together to make our country a better place," Obama said.
On this National Day of Service, there are service projects ranging from storm relief to serving at shelters to helping military families arranged in local communities across all 50 states.
"In this defining moment, we each have the chance to reach out to our neighbors, lend a helping hand, and answer that call to greatness," Obama writes in a blog post urging those to participate. He points to his experience as a community organizer in Chicago and the countless times Americans stood up to help others in the wake of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the economic crisis.
"Americans have always given of themselves to lift up their communities. It's part of who we are," he adds.
And we want you to share your plans at HuffPost Impact! We will be making a slideshow of tweets and photos that represent good works, kind acts and generous commitments from all 50 states.
To submit, Tweet a pic using the hashtag #MLKDayImpact and your state. Example: @HuffpostImpact Serving at a homeless shelter. -Sarah, Idaho #MLKImpact.
Want to find ways to get involved? See ideas for service here.