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.

Foreign policy expert Fiona Hill, from a coal-mining town, served under three presidents. Her book, "There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century," warns of

Foreign policy expert Fiona Hill, from a coal-mining town, served under three presidents. Her book, "There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century," warns of America's socioeconomic collapse and authoritarian shift, advocating for expanded opportunity.

Hill discussed these insights with Ellen Nakashima (The Washington Post) on October 12, 2021. This program is part of the Good Lit series by The Commonwealth Club, the nation's oldest public affairs forum.

More from The Commonwealth Club: YouTube | Events | Membership | Donate | Watch & Listen | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter.

Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, delivers his 15th annual Top Risks Report for 2024. This report offers a reality-based outline of global threats and opportunities,

Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, delivers his 15th annual Top Risks Report for 2024. This report offers a reality-based outline of global threats and opportunities, contrasting with sensationalist news. Bremmer characterizes 2024 as a "geopolitical recession" with major conflicts and no effective global response.

The report identifies the United States as the top risk, followed by nine other critical global challenges. These insights help professionals and the public focus on what truly matters for global success.

For further insights from Ian Bremmer on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, subscribe to Big Think on YouTube, and explore his work at Eurasia Group and GZERO Media.

On September 12, 2024, WECAN launched its "Gendered and Racial Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America" report. This fourth edition details how fossil fuel extraction

On September 12, 2024, WECAN launched its "Gendered and Racial Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America" report. This fourth edition details how fossil fuel extraction disproportionately harms women, particularly in Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities, leading to increased health risks, violence, and human rights violations. It also identifies complicit financial institutions and recommends steps for accountability and a just transition.

The virtual launch featured frontline women leaders, health experts, and advocates. Speakers like Roishetta Sibley Ozane, Rene Ann Goodrich, Sharon Lavigne, and Casey Camp Horinek demanded that financial institutions take action to protect communities, ecosystems, and the climate.

Interested in a Creation Care Team (CCT)? CCL’s Steve Coleman and Roger Ingersoll will discuss CCT challenges and successes. Paz Artaza-Regan (Catholic Climate Covenant) will then share CCT

Interested in a Creation Care Team (CCT)? CCL’s Steve Coleman and Roger Ingersoll will discuss CCT challenges and successes. Paz Artaza-Regan (Catholic Climate Covenant) will then share CCT resources, including meeting materials, facility suggestions, and policy advocacy.

Paz Artaza-Regan, Catholic Climate Covenant Program Manager, oversees CCTs and develops educational materials. Steve Coleman, a retired engineer, has six years of CCL and Catholic outreach experience, including starting a creation care group and authoring a creation care booklet: http://bit.ly/catholic-ccl.

Roger Ingersoll, a retired ExxonMobil professional and CCL leader, is active in Catholic Action Teams, with global project experience and climate advocacy.

Jay Inslee uniquely prioritized climate change in the 2020 presidential race, a focus now amplified by the Green New Deal and rising voter awareness. As constituents feel global warming's effects,

Jay Inslee uniquely prioritized climate change in the 2020 presidential race, a focus now amplified by the Green New Deal and rising voter awareness. As constituents feel global warming's effects, Republicans increasingly acknowledge the issue, with former Representatives Ryan Costello and Carlos Curbelo highlighting its growing importance.

However, Christine Pelosi of the DNC notes that for some frontline communities, immediate economic concerns can overshadow long-term climate threats. Despite political risks, there's a growing call to prioritize climate solutions over political careers. #letstalkclimate Learn more at climateone.org.

A public forum, "The Possibilities for a Public Bank in Seattle," recorded December 10, 2014, explored how residents could benefit from public banking. Moderated by Way ne Lau of Rainier Valley

A public forum, "The Possibilities for a Public Bank in Seattle," recorded December 10, 2014, explored how residents could benefit from public banking. Moderated by Way ne Lau of Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, the event opened with Senator Bob Hasegawa emphasizing the long-term impact of such initiatives.

The distinguished panel included Council member Licata; Karl Beitel, Director of the Public Bank Project, who delivered an exceptional historical overview of public banking versus privatization; Dr. Thomas Keidel from the Federation of German Banks; and Gwendolyn Hallsmith, Executive Director of the Public Banking Institute and author of Creating Wealth: Growing Local Economies with Local Currencies.

Sristi Kamal, Oregon Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, testified for House Bill 2548, which proposes a study to fund wildlife crossings and safe passage structures on Oregon highways. The

Sristi Kamal, Oregon Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, testified for House Bill 2548, which proposes a study to fund wildlife crossings and safe passage structures on Oregon highways. The goal is to reduce collisions and protect ecosystems.

Kamal emphasized the severe economic and ecological impacts of wildlife collisions, including property damage, human injury, and animal loss. Collisions hinder species' movement, food access, and genetic diversity. A neighboring state estimated $2.5 million in annual collision costs on just 12.5 miles of highway. She argued the study is crucial to finding solutions, demonstrating that passage benefits will far outweigh initial investment, preventing further losses. Kamal urged continued engagement in the Oregon Legislative session to support better wildlife policies.

This panel, part of the inaugural B Corp Global Climate Summit, aimed to redefine business's role in fostering a just, equitable, and zero-carbon future. Emphasizing Justice, Equity, Diversity,

This panel, part of the inaugural B Corp Global Climate Summit, aimed to redefine business's role in fostering a just, equitable, and zero-carbon future. Emphasizing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles, the summit sought to advance the business sector's understanding and practice of Climate Justice through human-centered approaches.

The discussion featured global climate justice leaders, prioritizing those on the frontlines. They explored critical questions for businesses: understanding climate change impacts, identifying key focus areas for climate justice efforts, and determining actions with the greatest positive impact. The panel also conveyed direct messages to businesses engaged in climate justice, offering vital perspectives from diverse communities worldwide.

In a candid interview with National Geographic, actor and Water.org co-founder Matt Damon discusses the global water crisis and his nonprofit's mission to end open-air defecation. Despite

In a candid interview with National Geographic, actor and Water.org co-founder Matt Damon discusses the global water crisis and his nonprofit's mission to end open-air defecation. Despite significant progress, nearly 950 million people still practice this public health hazard. Damon hopes that solutions like microfinancing will make open-air defecation a thing of the past by 2030.

Water.org promotes access to safe water and sanitation. Learn more at Water.org. This interview complements National Geographic's August 2017 story "A Place to Go": National Geographic Magazine.

Watch the full interview: Exclusive: Matt Damon Gets Emotional About Global Water Crisis. Subscribe to National Geographic: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe.