Monday, February 2, 2009
Van Jones '93 YLS
author
The Green Collar Economy
As climate chaos and soaring fuel costs batter the U.S. economy, Van Jones brings a unique perspective to the color green. A 1993 Yale Law School alumnus, Van is a tireless advocate committed to creating "green pathways out of poverty" and greatly expanding the coalition to fight global warming. So when he imagines an Earth-friendly economy, he dreams of a society that has no throw-away species or resources - and no throw-away kids or neighborhoods.
He argues that a green economy that rescues the polar bears can also rescue the U.S. economy - putting America back to work; driving down energy and food prices; giving green-collar jobs and a second chance to wayward youth; and ending forever the need for oil wars and resource wars. In his vision, the green economy can be much more than a place for affluent people to spend money. It also can be a place for more ordinary people to earn money - and for poor people to save money.
Shifting the new environmental discussion from green consumers to green workers, Van shows how the shift from an oil-dependent, pollution-based economy can create a powerful engine for economic renewal - creating jobs for millions. Warning against the dangers of "eco-elitism" and "eco-apartheid," Van calls for a "Green New Deal" to help all classes and colors enjoy the work, wealth and health benefits of the green economy.
Van Jones. Van Jones is founding president of Green For All and a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress. Green For All is a U.S. organization that promotes green-collar jobs and opportunities for the disadvantaged. Its mission is to build an inclusive, green economy - strong enough to resolve the ecological crisis and lift millions of people out of poverty.
In 2008, Green for All partnered with the Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection to launch the Green For All Academy. The Academy trains U.S. grassroots leaders to effectively advocate for an inclusive, green economy.
On September 27, 2008, Green For All worked with national partners to produce "Green Jobs Now" – the first-ever "national day of action" calling for green-collar jobs in the United States. More than 600 communities in all 50 states participated, with more than 50,000 signing a petition that called for federal government action to spur green jobs.
Van' has received many honors. In 2008 alone he received:
- the Elle Magazine Green Award 2008;
- selection as one of the George Lucas Foundation's "Daring Dozen 2008;"
- Hunt Prime Mover Award 2008;
- Campaign for America's Future "Paul Wellstone Award 2008;"
- Global Green USA "Community Environmental Leadership" Award 2008;
- designation as one of the nation's "Plenty 20" in the October/November 2008 edition of Plenty Magazine;
- San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Award 2008;
- selection as a TIME Magazine 2008 Environmental Hero; and
- designation as one of Essence Magazine's 25 most influential/inspiring African-Americans of 2008.
At the national level, Van worked successfully in 2007 with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), U.S. Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) to pass the Green Jobs Act of 2007. That path-breaking, historic legislation authorized $125 million in funding to train 35,000 people a year in "green-collar jobs."
Date: Monday, February 2, 2009
Time:
6:30 pm Check-in/Reception with light refreshments
7:00 pm Program and Q & A
8:00 pm Book Signing (Books for sale by Kepler's Books)
Location:
Kellogg Auditorium
Silicon Valley Bank
3005 Tasman Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-654-7400
Directions:
Silicon Valley Bank is located near the Great America Parkway, which connects to both highways 101 and 237. The Kellogg Auditorium is next to the main office.
Ticket Price per Person:
$25 Paid at the door
Note: The ticket price is $7 for students (including college students) with a valid student ID.
Registration:
You can register online at the Commonwealth Club or by calling the Commonwealth Club at 408-280-5842.
Sponsors:
Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley, Yale Club of Silicon Valley, and
Yale Law School Association of Northern California