Established in 1982, the East Bay Sanctuary assists Central American refugees, particularly Maya fleeing violence and racial persecution. Director Michael Smith, an anthropologist who joined in

Established in 1982, the East Bay Sanctuary assists Central American refugees, particularly Maya fleeing violence and racial persecution. Director Michael Smith, an anthropologist who joined in 1984, leads the Refugee Rights Program. With 5 attorneys, 9 paralegals, and volunteers, the sanctuary has aided thousands and expects to win its 4,000th asylum case this summer. Smith has received awards for his work with refugees and law students.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in 1903, is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Hosting over 400 annual events, it has featured a diverse array of speakers, from Teddy Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton, Martin Luther King, and Ronald Reagan.

Tim Higgins, a Wall Street Journal reporter, offers an insider's look at Elon Musk's Tesla in his book, Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century. The book details Tesla's

Tim Higgins, a Wall Street Journal reporter, offers an insider's look at Elon Musk's Tesla in his book, Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century. The book details Tesla's tumultuous history, from its early struggles and rival attacks to its triumph in making electric vehicles widely available and affordable, fundamentally changing the future of transportation.

Join Higgins and fellow WSJ columnist Joanna Stern for a discussion on Tesla's rise and its implications for a tech-driven future. This event is hosted by The Commonwealth Club of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum.

For more, visit: YouTube | Events | Membership | Donate | Watch & Listen

The San Francisco Foundation and The Commonwealth Club of California hosted a discussion on Black communities' complex relationship with American land. This conversation explored systemic racism,

The San Francisco Foundation and The Commonwealth Club of California hosted a discussion on Black communities' complex relationship with American land. This conversation explored systemic racism, "food apartheid," and the vital role of the Black farming movement in fostering environmental sustainability and worker cooperatives to ensure healthy, local food access for all.

Executive Director Doria Robinson (Urban Tilth) and Andrea Talley (Mandela Grocery Cooperative) shared insights on farming and food access for BIPOC communities. Noted author Natalie Baszile (*Queen Sugar*, *We Are Each Other's Harvest*) moderated. This program was supported by San Francisco Foundation's Bay Area Leads donors. Become a member: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/membership

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted Black communities, exacerbating existing racial economic disparities. Black businesses faced closures, and workers endured layoffs or unsafe

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted Black communities, exacerbating existing racial economic disparities. Black businesses faced closures, and workers endured layoffs or unsafe conditions. This reality highlights an urgent need to close the racial gap and achieve an equal, just recovery.

INFORUM convened a panel of experts, building on McKinsey & Company research, to outline paths for this recovery. This vital community program was made free to the public thanks to McKinsey & Co.

The Commonwealth Club of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum since 1903, hosts over 400 annual events with diverse speakers. For more information and events, visit their website and social media channels.

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Climate change demands urgent action from the world’s largest corporate emitters and their investors. Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit, is at the forefront of this effort, driving progress at

Climate change demands urgent action from the world’s largest corporate emitters and their investors. Ceres, a sustainability nonprofit, is at the forefront of this effort, driving progress at the necessary speed and scale.

Mindy Lubber, CEO and President of Ceres since 2003, is a global thought leader inspiring institutional investors and corporate executives to integrate sustainability into decision-making. Under her leadership, Ceres has significantly grown in influence, helping shift the climate conversation to focus on jobs and the economy. She received the UN 'Champions of the Earth' award and was recognized on Barron’s list of most influential women in U.S. finance.

Prior to Ceres, Lubber served as a Regional Administrator at the U.S. EPA. This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more here.

The Center for Biological Diversity challenged the Federal Highway Administration over Interstate 11, citing its threat to endangered species like the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl. These tiny,

The Center for Biological Diversity challenged the Federal Highway Administration over Interstate 11, citing its threat to endangered species like the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl. These tiny, fierce owls, weighing just 70 grams, are vital to the Sonoran Desert. Watch a video about them: Endangered Earth Online 1,224.

As a Tucson-based 501c3 nonprofit, the Center protects diverse wild animals and plants. We use science, law, and creative media to secure a future for all species, focusing on the lands, waters, and climate they need to survive. Learn more and take action at biologicaldiversity.org.

"Two American Families: 1991-2024" is a "knockout documentary" (The New York Times) chronicling the economic struggles of two Milwaukee families—one Black, one white—over three decades. From

"Two American Families: 1991-2024" is a "knockout documentary" (The New York Times) chronicling the economic struggles of two Milwaukee families—one Black, one white—over three decades. From 1991 to 2024, the Stanleys and Neumanns have battled poverty amidst a changing U.S. economy, marked by global shifts and lower-wage work, raising unsettling questions about America's economic future.

With profound intimacy, this FRONTLINE film reveals how these families and their now-grown children have navigated six presidential administrations, facing continuous challenges. As Terry Neumann notes, "It's like we haven't come very far," yet Jackie Stanley declares, "I won't give up." Directed by Tom Casciato and Kathleen Hughes, it offers a powerful window into enduring hardship.

The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, used by over a million visitors, grants entry to national parks and federal lands. The 2026 pass was legally mandated to feature a Glacier National Park

The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, used by over a million visitors, grants entry to national parks and federal lands. The 2026 pass was legally mandated to feature a Glacier National Park photograph. However, the Trump administration instead inserted the president's image, reportedly discouraging sales and potentially voiding passes if the image is covered.

A new bill, the Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act, seeks to ban images of living political figures on park passes. This aims to ensure public lands remain neutral spaces for all Americans, free from partisan politics.

U.S. residents should contact their representatives to support this act, ensuring passes feature natural beauty and wildlife, not political figures.

Lydia Jennings, a member of the Huichol (Wixaritari) and Pascua Yaqui (Yoeme) Nations, holds a doctorate in soil microbiology. Her work champions environmental science and the essential role of

Lydia Jennings, a member of the Huichol (Wixaritari) and Pascua Yaqui (Yoeme) Nations, holds a doctorate in soil microbiology. Her work champions environmental science and the essential role of Indigenous communities, striving for more inclusive academic and environmental landscapes.

When her graduation was canceled due to the pandemic, Lydia celebrated by running 50 miles to honor Indigenous scientists and knowledge keepers—a tribute to the past, present, and future. This inspiring story is captured in a film by Devin Whetstone and Jordan Marie Daniel.

Special thanks to Rising Hearts for making this film possible. Music was composed by Stephanie Nicora & Bill Reynolds, featuring vocalist Eden Fine Day, and songs by Portugal. The Man and Raye Zaragoza.

Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner

Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner Heisenberg, a founder of quantum mechanics, and quickly intuited connections between the discoveries of quantum physics and the traditions of Eastern philosophy. The result was his bestselling book, The Tao of Physics. His synthesis, which dispensed with the mechanistic worldview of Descartes and Newton in favor of a systemic, ecological one, has provided him with a different perspective on the life sciences, ecology and environmental policy.

Six decades later, Fritjof Capra remains at the crossroads of physics, spirituality, environmentalism and systems theory. Organized thematically and chronologically, the essays in Patterns of Connection document his revolutionary and far-reaching intellectual journey.

Founded in 1903, The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum.