Click on the YouTube video above to hear President-elect Barack Obama invite the nation to participate in the Inauguration festivities surrounding his swearing-in as President on January 20. True to form, Obama’s opening words include “But this inauguration is not about me. It’s about all of us.”

It’s this kind of inclusive thinking that clinched him the nomination and then the election.

Can’t make it to Washington to participate in the official ceremonies? Then host a Neighborhood Ball Party of your own. Invite your friends. Want to roll up your sleeves and participate in the spirit of renewal that he promises will be the hallmark of his administration? Begin by going to www.USAservice.org and volunteer in your community the day before the inauguration to help mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Watch the online video by Michelle Obama encouraging everyone to participate. Enter the YouTube video contest and find out about local events through Facebook.

The Obama administration promises to employ the digital tools of Web 2.0 as much as possible in the campaign to introduce to the country a newer and much more participatory democracy.