Obamas ask Americans to help ‘Obama Foundation’

“More than a library or museum, it will be a living, working center for citizenship,” the outgoing president said in a video message. “That’s why we want to hear from you. Tell us what you want this project to be,” The Hill reports.

The Obama Foundation will “focus on developing the next generation of citizens — and what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century,” according to the foundation’s website, obama.org.

The Obamas asked Americans to submit recommendations to the website for what the foundation can do. While based in Chicago, the projects created by the foundation will take place “all over the city, country and world,” Obama said.

“True democracy is a project that’s much bigger than any one of us,” Obama said. “It’s bigger than any one person, any one president, any one government. It’s a job for all of us.”

The video came just hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Obama met with Trump in the White House Friday morning, and they will travel together to the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol.

Before the Obamas start work on their foundation, they are going to “take a break,” the first lady said. The Obamas will jet off to Palm Springs, Calif., for their final flight on Air Force One just after inauguration ceremonies conclude on Friday.

The foundation will be run by longtime friend Marty Nesbitt and former White House political director David Simas. The foundation will also raise funds to create Obama’s presidential library.