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The American economy depends on a reliable care system for children, the elderly, and the otherwise dependent; without it, many people could not fully participate in the labor force. What we currently have, however, is an incomplete network of inconsistent quality, held together by care workers who are often underpaid and underappreciated. Leaders at several Institute programs say it’s time to start thinking about the care economy as a vital piece of American infrastructure. Learn more.

The Deep Discrimination Against Black Women

This country is built on systems propped up by sexism, racism, and white privilege—Black women encounter this every day. For society to change, people need to get informed. Read what Chicago high school students Tabitha Walton and Alexis Saunders-Davis think every American should know about intersectional discrimination.

How to Build an Inclusive Economy

Reflecting on the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration, the Aspen Partnership for an Inclusive Economy looked at how businesses and investors can partner with the government to create an economy that works for everyone. The conversation featured experts including Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and Bharat Ramamurti, deputy director of the White House National Economic Council.

Making a Hard Case for Soft Power

Our foreign policy challenges are changing faster than the foreign policy establishment, says Jane Harman, president emerita of the Wilson Center, member of the Aspen Security Group, and author of the book Insanity Defense. In response, she says we should shift our priorities and increase our use of soft power. Harman joined the Institute for the final event in the Gildenhorn Book Series.

In the News

We Can Turn the Tables on Cybercriminals

Recent attacks have taught us no one is safe from ransomware. An Aspen Digital panel brought together leaders in industry, government, and civil society to address this challenge head-on. The Washington Post highlighted the event, and Voice of America quoted Chris Krebs, co-chair of Aspen Digital’s Commission on Information Disorder, who reacted to the Justice Department’s response to the Colonial Pipeline attack. 

Student Parents Need Mental Health Support

As higher education leaders look to support student-parents in their post-secondary education, they should start with mental health. A recent report from Ascend at the Aspen Institute—cited by Inside Higher Ed and University Business as a key resource—is the first study to focus on the mental health needs of parenting students. It offers a framework for leaders and policymakers to provide these students with the help they need.

Recognizing Those Who Weave Community

The first-ever Weaver Awards will celebrate and support people who connect Baltimore’s social fabric. With support from M&T Bank, ten people or groups will each receive $7,000 for projects that build connection and community across city neighborhoods. The Baltimore Business Journal and The Baltimore Sun were among the local outlets to cover the awards announcement and share how Weave: The Social Fabric Project is supporting neighbors.

Support the Institute with brands that fit your values

Sales from the store support the Institute’s essential, unrestricted resources that advance our important work. Share your passion and pride for the Aspen Institute’s mission with some new, sustainable gear from Patagonia, S’well, and others.

Upcoming Events

Digital 2021 Aspen Ideas Festival: “American Futures”

June 27 - July 1

Join us for this year’s free Aspen Ideas Festival, built around the theme of “American Futures.” You’ll hear from some of the nation’s most daring leaders and thinkers including General Motors CEO Mary Barra, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Senior Brookings Institute fellow Shadi Hamid, Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal, as we explore the big ideas surrounding democracy, inequality, science, and the US’s role on the world stage.

Summer 2021: In Person and Online

Summer 2021 will be like no other at the Aspen Institute, with a variety of in-person and digital opportunities to convene and connect around the ideas that shape ourselves, our society, and the world in which we live. From events at the Aspen Meadows campus to online programming that is free to all, this summer we are bringing together a diverse mix of thinkers to reflect, share ideas, and be inspired. Check out the full calendar now.



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