Student Experience
Sports v. Climate Change: The Battle for Attention
In case you haven’t heard the news or seen the riots, the San Francisco Giants won the World Series! While you were celebrating at bars, predicting next years’ players, or even mentally prepping for the next [insert sport here] championship, I bet you didn’t know that the UN Panel just released it’s “starkest warning yet …
The Changing Landscape of Philanthropy: Investing for Mission and Financial Returns
The world of philanthropy—much like the business world—is redefining itself. After decades working on complex societal challenges like education reform and poverty alleviation, many philanthropists are frustrated that their efforts have not resulted in more successful social outcomes—what many call “moving the needle” in the right direction. Getting to Large-Scale Social Change But as we …
The Power of Collective Action
A group of employees picket outside their workplace. Dozens of activists make their home at the tops of trees for weeks. Hundreds of protesters stand in silent protest in front of the White House waiting to be arrested. Thousands of people throng the streets with picket signs and banners. Countless world citizens stood in solidarity …
Practical Experience with an Influential Impact Investing Leader
As a millennial, the approximately 80 million U.S. individuals born between 1980-2000, I am part of the 85% who wants work that makes a positive difference and that is enriching to myself but also enriching to the world.[1] To some, our generation may be interpreted as wanting it all, quickly and efficiently. Millennials did grow …
Can I Do This Again Next Year Please? My Fellowship at Fort Bragg
I do not want to brag, but the U.S. Army engagement at Fort Bragg is the best in EDF Climate Corps. I apologize for the bombastic tone of this statement; however, when I consider the opportunities afforded to me during my time here, it is hard for me to imagine a comparable experience anywhere else. …
A Walk through the Urban Forest: San Francisco Looks to PGS for Guidance
For a city as progressive as San Francisco, it is surprising that it fall short when it comes to our urban forest. Strolling through Golden Gate Park, you might be lulled into feeling otherwise. But step out onto the city streets and you will find a meager canopy covering the city. With an urban canopy …
On Alamo Square: Helping San Francisco leave paper communications behind
By 2020, 80 percent of humans will live in cities. As mobile and digital communications evolve, are there better ways for cities to engage citizens than conventional paper-based public notices and mailings? Probably. This past fall I engaged Code for America (CfA) in an MPA Experiential Learning project to explore this question. CfA is a …
Diving into the Energy Challenges in Chile
This past winter 12 Presidians from the International Sustainability Club (ISC) went on an adventure to Santiago, Chile to learn about—and assist in cultivating—the potential for renewable energy and energy independence there. We were inspired to go to Chile by PGS Alumnus Edgardo LeBlond’s (C15) Alpine of the America’s project and the film Streams of …
The Facilitator: Lily Laurence Makes Things Happen
Wangari Maathai. Katniss Everdeen. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There are many different types of heroes, but it is generally agreed upon that they are people who accept the hard challenges others would defer. Although Lillian “Lily” Laurence (C17) hasn’t won a Nobel Peace Prize or vanquished any vampires (yet), she fits a heroic pattern. Her …
Finally, A Deodorant That Works: Developing Wild Arrow
The five of us like to laugh. And make jokes. Lots of jokes. One fine day, a joke turned into reality. At the beginning of our Fall 2013 semester, Scott created a funny fake ad of a classmate’s picture on Facebook declaring, “Sustainable Products for Sustainable Men.” An avalanche of likes and commentary quickly followed. …