Inauguration activities not limited to Washington D.C.

If you’ve been keeping up on Inauguration news, it may seem like everybody and their roommate is expected to make the trip to Washington, D.C., to watch President-elect Barack Obama officially drop the “elect” from his title. But, while 3 or so million people is a lot, that still leaves about 300 million Americans whose best bet at witnessing the event is watching it on TV.

So, you’re one of the vast majority of people not going to the inauguration? Not to worry. Organizers have promised to “open up the inauguration” to make it accessible to the masses. There’s a lot you can do to be a part of the inaugural weekend without leaving East Lansing.

• The Obama team has stressed using the Inauguration as an opportunity for community service. Last week, Colin Powell held a press conference to raise awareness for a nationwide day of service on Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Visit the President-elect’s newly-formed volunteering Web site, usaservice.org, to find opportunities in and around East Lansing, or visit www.servicelearning.msu.edu to find events on and around campus.

• If the Inauguration is just a big party to you, there’s no need to miss out because you’re stuck in Michigan. Visit the Inauguration Web site, pic2009.org, to schedule your own ball. Or just invite a bunch of friends over to toast to democracy.

• Obama’s team also has set up a citizens’ briefing book, on which citizens can deliver messages regarding their stances on major issues and how they believe Obama should prioritize his first months in the White House. The most popular issues will be included in a briefing book which the Obama will receive after taking office. Visit citizensbriefingbook.change.gov to share your thoughts.

• For up-to-the-minute updates on inaugural events, text “open” to 56333. You’ll receive information on national and local activities, road closures and other Inauguration-related news.