US soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have acquired wide-ranging skills in technology and security, as well as leadership and project management, and yet they encounter a huge gap in employment. The veterans community is faced with a 9.4 percent unemployment rate, which is far higher than the national average of 7.7 percent. The Aspen Institute has made the health, employmen
Mar 20 2013
By Jeff Harris
At the Aspen Institute, we are regularly trying to bring together top thinkers and leaders from across various fields of work and study to convene and discuss pressing issues. One of our goals is to take these conversations to a broader audience and engage more people in the dialogue. Today, we are launching a new social media focused campaign aimed at addressing this challenge.
Mar 18 2013
By Jeff Harris
On Tuesday, March 19, Aaron Dworkin, founder and president of the Sphinx Organization and an expert on youth development and di
Mar 15 2013
Every year, at the close of the Aspen Ideas Festival, a handful of speakers and attendees are asked to give the gathered one big idea—an idea inspired by the many moments blooming on the Aspen campus during the festival.
Mar 14 2013
On Monday, March 18, the Aspen Institute will launch its first-ever program dedicated to veterans issues, the Aspen Institute Veterans Initiative.
Mar 12 2013
By Joyce Klein
Joyce Klein is the Director of the Aspen Institute microenterprise Fund for Innovation, Effectiveness, Learning and Dissemination (FIELD).
We've all heard, and seen the data, that small businesses are an important source of job growth. But what about the smallest businesses—microenterprises? Do these businesses—food trucks, home day-care providers, landscapers, small construction contractors—also support jobs? Are they relevant in addressing our nation’s employment challenges?
Mar 12 2013
At the latest Alma and Joseph Gildenhorn Book Series event, the New York Times' David Leonhardt, in discussion with the Wall Street Journal's David Wessel, offered a Washington, DC, audience his take on the present state of affairs on US spending and potential sources for revenue.
Mar 11 2013
By Karen Sommer Shalett
“It’s hard to remember what the theater was like before Joe,” said Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Kahn of the genre-changing, Public Theater founder Joseph Papp.
Mar 08 2013
By Jeff Harris
Today's jobs report, looking at February employment numbers, exceeded expectations in regards to total jobs added, 236,000, and the overall unemployment rate, which fell to 7.7% from 7.9% last month.
The Aspen Idea
The Aspen Idea—the magazine and blog of the Aspen Institute — covers the people, programs, and pursuits that embody the work of the Institute. From articles that address pressing issues facing our society to features that spotlight the fascinating and high-profile people connected to the Institute to highlighting video from across the Institute, The Aspen Idea provides its readers with insights and ideas like no other.
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