January 9, 2009

Dear Mr. President

A new project asks kids to share their hopes for the nation with President-elect Barack Obama

By Vickie An

Do you have something to say to the incoming President of the United States, Barack Obama? Want to give him some tips on how to run the nation? Well, here is your chance!

CHARLES DHARAPAK—AP The Dear Mr. President Project asks kids to share their thoughts with President-elect Barack Obama.

The National Education Association (NEA) has teamed up with digital partner kidthing, to launch the Dear Mr. President Project. Kidthing is a free digital media player. Kids can use it to download and read books on the computer, play games and watch videos. Through the kidthing website, children can submit letters and drawings expressing their hopes, dreams and ideas to President-elect Obama. The last day for entries is January 20. That's the day President Obama officially takes office. (UPDATE: Due to high demand, the last day for entries has been extended to January 27.)

Kidthing and the NEA will choose the top 50 submissions. The chosen entries will be put together into the first-ever Dear Mr. President digital book. The special collection will be available for free on the kidthing media player. It will be unveiled on February 16, just in time for President's Day. A limited edition print copy will also be sent to the White House for the First Family.

A Lesson In Civics

Project organizers hope that the Dear Mr. President Project will be a fun way to teach students about democracy and citizenship as the nation greets its newly elected 44th President. "This is an incredible moment in our country's history and an opportunity to engage our youngest citizens in a dialogue with our new President, " said kidthing CEO Larry Hitchcock.

So, what are your hopes for the country for the next four years? Would you like to share your thoughts with President-elect Obama? Go to kidthing.com/DMP to get started. If you're 13 or younger, have a parent or guardian download kidthing and the Dear Mr. President Project submission form for you.

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