MTV planning inaugural ball

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- MTV and ServiceNation have announced plans to present the "Be the Change Inaugural Ball" in Washington.

The Jan. 20 event is designed to "celebrate the massive youth voter turnout in the 2008 presidential election and an active commitment from America's youth to impart positive social change through volunteer service," MTV said in a news release.

To be held at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the gala is to feature artists, celebrities and government officials, alongside hundreds of young people chosen to attend, based on their demonstrated volunteerism, for live performances and dedications highlighting the power of U.S. youth to take action in their communities.

The special event, which is to take place the day Democratic President-elect Barack Obama is to be sworn in, is to be televised live and premiere across all MTV platforms, including MTV, MTV2, MTV Tr3s, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams and MTV.com on Jan. 20.

"Over the last year and culminating in this election, we have seen a groundswell of engagement and a refreshed spirit of activism from young people," Stephen Friedman, MTV's general manager, said in a statement. "ServiceNation is the perfect partner for this inaugural event given they encompass a broad coalition of youth service organizations. We want to celebrate young people across the nation who are answering the call and working to make changes in their communities and beyond."