Society of Fellows

Vanguard Chapter

The Aspen Institute Society of Fellows: The Vanguard Chapter


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Benefits for Inaugural Year

The Vanguard Chapter of the Society of Fellows provides younger donors, who spend time in Aspen, the opportunity to engage in inspiring and stimulating conversation with like-minded peers. This dynamic and lively community will serve as a portal for involvement at the Aspen Institute and members will enjoy a distinct set of privileges while having access to programming of the Society of Fellows, an established and respected group of Institute supporters. The Vanguard Chapter is committed to the value of networking among contemporaries and mentors within the Aspen community. Members will be involved in sustaining the Institute’s mission - to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues - as well as expanding the Institute’s programs and ensuring its future.  

 Members will enjoy all of the following:

1)       Exclusive Vanguard Chapter Programming

  • 2-3 annual programs and events hosted exclusively for Vanguard members.
  • Programs typically feature a speaker or panel format and reception at a private residence.
  • Programs address topics of special interest such as technology, nutrition, business leadership and entrepreneurship.
  • When possible, programs will feature members of the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees, Aspen Staff and Society of Fellows to share their expertise.

2)       Society of Fellows Benefits

  • SOF Symposia: Opportunity to enroll in or audit 2-3-day symposia courses (contingent on space availability); moderated by leading scholars; symposia offered 6-8 times throughout the year.
  • SOF Luncheons: Invitation to attend luncheons on the Institute campus with thought-provoking and renowned speakers; offered during the summer.
  • McCloskey Speaker Series: Access to reserved tickets for distinguished series featuring world-class leaders; offered 6 times during the summer.
  • Aspen Ideas Festival: Opportunity to register early for this flagship program as well as other public events during the summer.
  • Regional Events: Invitations to attend special events, programs, and benefit dinners in Aspen, Washington, DC, and New York throughout the year.
  • SOF Reservations Hotline: Access to dedicated line for e-mail and telephone requests during the summer.

3)       Access to Aspen Institute Programming

  • Socrates Seminars*: Opportunity to attend 2 weekend-long sessions in Aspen designed as a forum for emerging leaders and led by expert moderators; additional Socrates programming offered in cities around the country.
  • The Great Conversation: Engaging Young Aspen*: Opportunity to engage in discussions about national and international issues with Aspen Institute policy experts; offered 6 times throughout the winter.
  • Additional Programs: Opportunity to attend the Great Books Series, Community Great Ideas Seminars, Great Decision Series, Aspen Writers’ Foundation Winter Series of author readings and talks, Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival, and AWF author salons.

* SOF discount of 10-20% applies

4)       Additional Benefits and Privileges

  • Subscription to the following publications: The Aspen Idea (the magazine of the Aspen Institute, published biannually), What’s New at the Aspen Institute (bi-monthly e-newsletter), SOF Newsletter (circulated quarterly), Monday e-mail updates (circulated weekly for summertime Aspen events).
  • Special, year-round 20% discount at Plato’s Restaurant on the Aspen Meadows campus.

Membership / Structure

Membership levels are $650 for an individual and $1,000 for a couple. (Regular membership in the Society of Fellows begins at $2,500.) Membership generally includes those in the 30-45 age range.

Please contact Isadora Wagner with questions at (970) 544-7994, or isadora.wagner@aspeninstitute.org.

The Vanguard Chapter Advisory Board serves as ambassadors between the Aspen Institute and our donors, as well as provides the program with support, direction and strategic advancement.

The 2011-2012 Vanguard Chapter Advisory Board members are:

Lauren Elston, Chair
Lisa Baker
Randall Bone
Michael Bourke
William M. Budinger
Soledad Hurst
Melony Lewis
Christine Light
Christopher Seldin
Alexandra Steel