[1]

We don’t have to tell you that 2020 was not a normal year. The spring
brought a global pandemic and new vocabulary like ‘social distancing.’ We
protested racial injustice, mourned lives lost, and experienced an election
year like no other. Now as we look ahead to the new year, we are shining a
light on problems and offering solutions that make us [2]hopeful for the
future.

[3]

[4]How-to Guides for the Rest of the Pandemic

The good news is that we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccines
are approved and being received by the first wave of Americans, including
frontline workers and elected officials. But what will it take for the rest
of us to have access? And what could daily life look like thereafter? The
Institute is addressing these big questions, from a [5]Global Inclusive
Growth Partnership discussion about [6]equitable and effective vaccine
distribution to an Aspen Ideas Now event about [7]the future of remote
work.
[8]Read

[9]

[10]The Next Big Crises

The new year holds an opportunity to amend many of the biggest challenges
that were exposed or exacerbated in 2020. The new stimulus deal provides
$25 billion in rental relief and extends an eviction moratorium, but the
[11]Financial Security Program asks: [12]can it protect the 30-40 million
Americans at risk of eviction? The [13]Food and Society Program highlighted
the ongoing legacy of systemic racism that [14]led to a hunger crisis — and
how to fix it. To address climate change, the [15]Energy and Environment
Program argues that [16]we need a cross-sector agenda that includes K-12
education.
[17]More

[18]

[19]Hopeful News in the Face of Despair

Hope is on the horizon, but humanity will be dealing with the overlapping
traumas of the pandemic for decades. Still, good things are happening and
will continue to happen. Take, for example, the [20]Business Ownership
Initiative, which helped [21]expand access to capital for US small
businesses owned by people of color. The Institute’s [22]Ascend program
announced that states are enacting [23]child care policies that promote
financial and family health. And Fred Riley at [24]Weave: The Social Fabric
Project reminded us that even in earlier times of tumult [25]we have always
found strength in one another.
[26]Read

[27]

[28]Rethinking the Future

Facing our current situation with honesty may be the first step in creating
a better tomorrow, but we also need to reconsider how we think about the
future. For example, though the pandemic gutted youth sports, the
[29]Sports and Society program [30]outlined a model that could make local,
affordable, quality sports options available to all kids. [31]Aspen Words
and [32]Aspen Digital tackled the [33]lack of diversity in the publishing
industry. And the [34]Business and Society Program suggested that the way
to unlock a new version of American capitalism is by [35]fixing CEO pay.
[36]Read

Life and Legacy Celebrations

As we close out the year, we are looking back on and celebrating the lives
of those we lost. Join us in remembering the "good trouble" started by
civil rights icon Congressman [37]John Lewis; the barrier-breaking work of
Supreme Court Justice [38]Ruth Bader Ginsburg; the integrity and patriotism
of Lt. General [39]Brent Scowcroft; the flexibility and vision of NBA
Commissioner [40]David Stern; the generosity of philanthropist and former
Institute trustee [41]Michelle Smith; and the legacy of flawed but beloved
citizen-athlete [42]Kobe Bryant.

[43]

[44]Join Us

If there is anything this moment in history proves, it is that the way
forward is together. The Aspen Institute brings together people from all
backgrounds, providing structure for difficult conversations and practical
solutions to our greatest challenges.
[45]Join Us

[46]Twitter [47]Facebook [48]LinkedIn [49]Instagram [50]YouTube

[51]ASPENINSTITUTE.ORG • [52]SIGN UP FOR FUTURE NEWSLETTERS

[53]FIVE BEST IDEAS OF THE DAY

If, for any reason, you would rather not be included in our database,
please email [54][email protected] requesting your removal.
Please be aware that some information may be retained for legal purposes
and that your removal may limit or cancel any services rendered by the
Aspen Institute to you. Personal data contained in our database is
processed under the lawful basis of legitimate interest and is typically
included in our database either because you previously subscribed to a
newsletter to receive information about our activities/events or attended a
recent event. As always, if you would like to unsubscribe to future emails
such as this, please unsubscribe below.

References

1. [link removed]
2. [link removed]
3. [link removed]
4. [link removed]
5. [link removed] in October 2019 with,the future of workers and
6. [link removed]
7. [link removed]
8. [link removed]
9. [link removed]
10. [link removed]
11. [link removed]
12. [link removed]
13. [link removed]
14. [link removed]
15. [link removed]
16. [link removed]
17. [link removed]
18. [link removed]
19. [link removed]
20. [link removed]
21. [link removed]
22. [link removed]
23. [link removed]
24. [link removed]
25. [link removed]
26. [link removed]
27. [link removed]
28. [link removed]
29. [link removed]
30. [link removed]
31. [link removed]
32. [link removed]
33. [link removed]
34. [link removed]
35. [link removed]
36. [link removed]
37. [link removed]
38. [link removed]
39. [link removed]
40. [link removed]
41. [link removed]
42. [link removed]
43. [link removed]
44. [link removed]
45. [link removed]
46. [link removed]
47. [link removed]
48. [link removed]
49. [link removed]
50. [link removed]
51. [link removed]
52. [link removed]
53. [link removed]
54. mailto:[email protected]
Unsubscribe:
[link removed]

This message was sent to [email protected] from [email protected]

The Aspen Institute
2300 N Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20037