To all our Obama alumni who joined Barack and me in Chicago, as well as all those who couldn’t make it, I just want to say thank you for everything you have done over the past 15 years—not just for me, not just for Barack, but for our country and our world. You’ve shown us what’s possible when you get involved not just in spite of the scale of the challenge, but because of it. You’ve shown us change is possible—and that our hopes are more powerful than our fears. And in the years that have followed since Election Night in Grant Park, you’ve proven that again and again and again.

As First Lady, I saw how this talented, hard-working team was able to accomplish so much with so little over eight years. It was so wonderful seeing them again and being able to hear more about the work they’re doing now to make a difference. Love you all! ❤️

I’ve always loved Halloween—especially when my girls were younger. It was so much fun to watch them dress up in their costumes and fill up their buckets with candy. Of course, like a lot of parents, I sometimes worried about how much candy they’d end up eating by the end of the night—and in the days that followed. So over the years, I developed a strategy for special days like this. Throughout the year, I tried my best to keep sugar to a minimum. Our kids could eat as many fruits and vegetables as they wanted for snacks. I tried to make sure they weren’t eating a lot of added sugars in their diet in general. Having some simple day-to-day ground rules like this had another big benefit, too: It meant that I didn’t mind letting them indulge a bit on nights like Halloween (or birthday parties or other holidays). It’s a strategy that worked well for our family, and I know that other families have found other tactics that work. So this year, our team at @PLEZiNutrition, the kids’ nutrition company that I’m proud to be a co-founder and strategic partner for, put together a few tips (link in bio!) on navigating Halloween from a nutrition perspective. Not every parent will follow the same strategy with their own family, and that’s good—because it means we can learn from one another. So I’m curious—how do you all approach sugar consumption with your kids on Halloween? Let me know in the comments!

Right now, there are important elections happening in states like GA, OH, MS, NC, VA, PA, TX, FL, NJ, CO, and MI. There are also important local level races in other states across the country. If there’s an election in your state, I want to make sure you have a plan to vote. When you cast your ballot, you’ll have the power to elect the representatives who will determine everything from funding for our schools, to enacting criminal justice reform, to protecting reproductive rights, and so much more. This #VoteEarlyDay, head to @WhenWeAllVote’s Voter Hub at the link in my bio to make a plan to vote early and find out what’s on your ballot ahead of time. Then, text three friends or family members and ask them to join your #VotingSquad so you can all vote together. When we organize, mobilize, show up and vote, we can make real change and create a better future for us all. 🗳️

Five years ago today, we launched the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance at the @ObamaFoundation—a program to empower adolescent girls around the world through education. Since then, we’ve reached more than 120,000 girls in 26 countries by working with community-based organizations that are helping to clear barriers that girls face to go to school. This work means so much to me because I see so much of myself in these girls. And I know that many of you do, too. If you’ve ever wondered how you can get involved, but aren’t sure where to start, you can support the Girls Opportunity Alliance by clicking the link in my bio. On this International #DayOfTheGirl, we’re reminded that our girls are the key to transforming our communities, countries, and entire world — we just have to make sure we’re doing our part to help them live up to their fullest potential.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to share Ernesto Rubio’s story. He’s a school counselor aid who is working to inspire students at Woodrow Wilson High School in California. Not only has Ernesto worked at Wilson for years, but he also attended high school there. Ernesto knows firsthand what his students are experiencing and is passionate about helping them achieve their dreams. When asked about what it means to be celebrating #HispanicHeritageMonth with his students, he shared, “I take pride in serving our community students daily. As a first-generation student at Wilson, it was my goal to break the cycle and attend college.” He hopes to lead by example and inspire students to break cycles that hold them back. Ernesto’s journey is an example of what is possible when we work to lift each other up. Because his school counselor invested in him when he was a student at Wilson, he’s now giving back and investing in the next generation of leaders at his school. How has an educator impacted you? Share your story below! #ReachHigher 🎓

31 years, and a lifetime to go. I love going through life with you by my side, @BarackObama. Happy anniversary, honey! ❤️

At @plezinutrition, we’re hoping to not only provide better products, but to help raise a healthier generation of young people — while being a partner that parents can count on. As a Co-Founder and Strategic Partner, I’m excited to be working alongside nutrition and public health experts on our Kitchen Cabinet to bring helpful, reliable, and fun information when it comes to kids’ nutrition. You can check out our blog at nothingtosugarcoat.com for resources and tips to help make healthier choices for your family just a little bit easier. Be sure to check it out and share ways that you’ve been adding healthier food options in your life, too!

Today is National Voter Registration Day! With state and local elections happening across the country and 2024 just around the corner, it’s critical that we get our communities registered and ready to vote. Join me and @WhenWeAllVote by checking your voter registration status and encouraging three of your friends to do the same at weall.vote/check.

Congrats, #ObamaScholars! These leaders are already making a difference in their communities and now they’ll be able to do even more through programming with the @ObamaFoundation. It’s going to be an incredible year ahead — and I can’t wait to hear what they get up to! 📚

Today is a day of reflection and most of all, remembrance, for those we lost on September 11. May we never forget to tell their stories and honor their legacies.

So proud of you, @CocoGauff! Your hard work and grit was on display throughout this tournament. This is your moment! 👏🏾