Today marks fifteen years since President Barack Obama visited Springfield, Illinois to announce his campaign for president of the United States. An Illinois State Senator at the time, President Obama addressed 17,000 people in front of the Old State Capitol where Abraham Lincoln once served.
The announcement spurred national excitement and action, with over one million people signing up to volunteer for Obama for America over the next 21 months. The now historic campaign is celebrated and reflected upon by campaign alumni across the globe, many of whom served and still serve in government, nonprofit, and community impact roles. Read more about several Obama campaign alumni and their stories here, including:
- Vanessa Waserman, Senior Vice President at After-School All-Stars
- Chris Wyant, Executive Director at Made to Save
- Jennifer Warner, Executive at Stand for Children
Currently, the Obama Foundation works to keep this mission of civic engagement alive by equipping young people in Chicago and beyond with the tools and knowledge needed to change their communities.
The fifteenth anniversary will be commemorated in Springfield, Illinois with a historical marker this week. Learn more here.
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