On Jan 21, 2009 after taking the oath of office, when President Obama spoke to his White House Senior Staff for the first time, his speech included this (excerpted) call to action for the nation:
“Our commitment to openness means more than simply informing the American people about how decisions are made. It means recognizing that Government does not have all the answers, and that public officials need to draw on what citizens know. And that’s why, as of today, I’m directing members of my administration to find new ways of tapping the knowledge and experience of ordinary Americans—scientists and civic leaders, educators and entrepreneurs—because the way to solve the problems of our time, as one Nation, is by involving the American people in shaping the policies that affect their lives.”