President Obama Honors Women On Mothers Day 2012 Youtube

We have such a wonderful model of family, parenting, commitment, being a real MAN, and all this nation of bigots can do is tear it down. It’s so sad, so many could learn so much.

First Lady Michelle Obama Commencement Speech North Carolina A&T Full Text

MRS. OBAMA: Good morning, everyone. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: Good morning.

MRS. OBAMA: You all, rest yourselves. (Laughter.) First of all, let me thank Chancellor Martin for that very kind introduction. I also want to thank Davonta and everyone from the Board of Governors, the Board of Trustees, the faculty, and all of the staff here who have worked so hard on this event and on making you the men and women that you are.

I also have to thank the University Choir. You all are amazing. (Applause.) As the Chancellor said, you all are becoming regulars at the White House, and that’s a good thing, singing at our Black History Month events for the last two years. It’s just amazing to hear those voices pouring through the White House. It’s very powerful, and it is obviously such a pleasure to hear your beautiful music here today.

And of course, I want to join in on thanking all the folks who have made this day possible, the people who have been with you all every step of the way –- yes, your families, including all those watching on campus or at home.

These folks have given you that shoulder to lean on, and that hug when you’ve done well, and maybe that kick in the butt when you need to do a little bit better, right? (Laughter.) And none of you would be where you are today without their love and support. So, again, let’s give them all another round of applause, because today is their day too. (Applause.)

And most of all, I want to thank this fine-looking group right in front of me –- (applause) — the graduates of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Class of 2012! (Applause.) Congratulations! You all have worked so hard and I know you have grown so much, and you’ve come to truly represent a little something called Aggie Pride!

Read more…

Michelle Obama & Jill Biden Mothers Day Service Project Military Moms

MFirst Lady Michelle Obama and Dr Jill Biden pack Mothers Day care packages requested by soldiers for their wives and mothers. Joined by Congressional spouses, this Joining Forces service activity  is another in a series that has sent 6,000 care packages for various holidays.

MRS. OBAMA: Well, good afternoon, everyone. I’m not going to talk long because we’re going to get to work, as you all already have been.

I want to start by thanking Jill for opening up this beautiful home for us today. I want to thank Sloan and the USO for everything they’ve done. They have just been a phenomenal partner.

And of course to Vicki and to Lisa, and everything they’re doing with Full Circle Home. This is just the kind of partnership, just the kind of opportunities that people have in this country to give back and to be creative with the skills that they have, the ideas that they have, what impact that that can have.

But most importantly, I want to just thank all of the congressional spouses, all of the men and women who have taken time out of their busy days to be here. It was wonderful spending time with you all yesterday at the luncheon. Great job to the committee. Well done. We had a lot of fun, as we always do. That luncheon is a very special opportunity for us to get together.

Read more…

Stand With President Obama On Gay Marriage Youtube

A Message From The President of the United States:

Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:

I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I hope you’ll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider it, and weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality:

I’ve always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage because of the very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil union laws that conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples were a solution.

But over the course of several years I’ve talked to friends and family about this. I’ve thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together. Through our efforts to end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, I’ve gotten to know some of the gay and lesbian troops who are serving our country with honor and distinction.

What I’ve come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the denial of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes of their children, they are still considered less than full citizens.

Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn’t dawn on them that their friends’ parents should be treated differently.

So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.

If you agree, you can stand up with me here.

Duncan Reveals RESPECT Project During National Teacher Appreciation Week

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the U.S. Department of Education has released a new project to raise the standards and professionalism of the country’s teachers. “Our goal is to make one of America’s most important professions into one of America’s most valued professions. We encourage educators nationwide to join this important conversation and share their ideas for transforming the field of teaching,” said Duncan.

Called the RESPECT Project, (Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence, and Collaborative Teaching), the goal is to transform teaching by implementing a series of steps, from Novice to Master, as well as creating leadership teams consisting of Master Teachers, Principals and District Administration. According to the proposal, these teams “will identify challenges, propose solutions, and share in distributed leadership and decision-making at all levels, including hiring, structuring the school day and school year, and designing professional learning.”

Read more…

President Obama In Boston

The New England Women For Change are assisting in reserving attendance at 3 Victory Fund events in June.