Tennessee native Erica Davis recognized that rural communities often see little benefit from local oil and gas extraction. Collaborating with grassroots organizers in Campbell County, she

Tennessee native Erica Davis recognized that rural communities often see little benefit from local oil and gas extraction. Collaborating with grassroots organizers in Campbell County, she researched and sponsored a bill to reform oil and natural gas severance taxes.

Davis's bill aims to raise these taxes, which are the sole legislative means to keep extraction wealth in-state. Crucially, it seeks to distribute all revenue directly to the affected communities where extraction occurs, rather than the current one-third. Despite Davis's lobbying efforts and bipartisan support, the bill was dropped from the 2015-2016 docket. Now pursuing an environmental law degree, Davis plans to revive the legislation in the next session.

In an October 2013 interview with Bill Moyers, author Wendell Berry—hailed as a "prophet of

In an October 2013 interview with Bill Moyers, author Wendell Berry—hailed as a "prophet of responsibility" and "passionate advocate for the Earth"—shared his views on leadership.

Berry believes true leadership emerges from the bottom up. It involves individuals who identify a need and act on it. He asserts that success is not the primary concern; rather, the fundamental question is, "What's the Right Thing to do?"

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized hemp's historical benefits and cited the recent U.S. Farm Bill, which permits states to regulate production and allows universities to conduct studies.

The legislation passed with an 88-5 vote. Following its approval, Faison distributed various hemp products, such as breakfast cereal, soap, cooking oil, and twine, to legislative leaders, showcasing the plant's diverse applications.

Bill Moyers has tracked two Milwaukee families since 1991, documenting their struggles against a harsh economy and urban transformation. His reports highlight the devastating challenges and

Bill Moyers has tracked two Milwaukee families since 1991, documenting their struggles against a harsh economy and urban transformation. His reports highlight the devastating challenges and difficult choices they faced.

Moyers revisits these families' stories, exploring the human cost of inequality with journalists Barbara Miner and Barbara Garson. This report was published on July 4, 2013.

An interview was recently conducted with Rev. Bill Kirlin-Hackett.

Rev. Kirlin-Hackett serves as the Director of the Interfaith Task Force on

An interview was recently conducted with Rev. Bill Kirlin-Hackett.

Rev. Kirlin-Hackett serves as the Director of the Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness.

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.

Peter Fish, jury chair, announced the latest winners of the California Book Awards.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in San Francisco in 1903, is the nation's oldest and

Peter Fish, jury chair, announced the latest winners of the California Book Awards.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in San Francisco in 1903, is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. It hosts over 400 annual events for its 20,000 members, covering politics, culture, society, and the economy. Notable speakers have included Teddy Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton.

Explore upcoming events, membership, or watch/listen to past programs. You can also subscribe, donate, or connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.