Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP, shares insights on aging, equity, and purpose amid a historic demographic shift. In conversation with ALI Fellows Terry Edmonds ’21 and Mary Jo Meisner ’17, she explores the longevity economy, ageism, Social Security, and the role of policy, business, and communities in ensuring dignity and opportunity at every stage of life.

As the United States and its Western democratic allies scale back long-term support for core democratic institutions internationally, authoritarian regimes in crucial regions are using soft power tools to expand their influence and stall democratic progress. Former Georgian ambassador and Harvard fellow Khatuna Salukvadze outlines the challenge and recommends policies the West should adopt to meet this moment and reclaim lost ground.

False information spreads faster than truth on social media, and newsrooms across America continue to shutter at an alarming rate. Yet citizens aren’t helpless in democracy’s information crisis. By curating deliberate media diets, supporting local journalism, and advocating for anti-SLAPP protections, individuals hold real power to resist forces fracturing our shared reality.

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick reflects on leadership, equity, and rebuilding trust in America. In this powerful conversation with ALI Fellows Kevin Robinson ‘22 and Mary Jo Meisner ‘17, he shares lessons on race, gender equity, DEI, and civic renewal — reminding us that the American Dream thrives when communities act together.

As global supply chains face growing scrutiny, the textile sector is shifting toward greater responsibility. Vaude, a German outdoor company, is leading the way. Matthias Bosch (ALI ’23) speaks with CEO Antje von Dewitz on transforming supply chains and redefining responsible entrepreneurship.

As the world neglects the continuing threat of mpox, in West Africa the crisis remains severe. Sierra Leone recently reversed its surge of cases, but outbreaks have swept into other African countries. Fortunately, new digital tools give community leaders a fighting chance. Tom Mahoney (ALI ’24) interviews Dr. Pardis Sabeti and Colby Wilkason on turning science into grassroots action.

In a world facing the realities of climate change, education is one of society’s most powerful tools for action. SubjectToClimate (StC), founded by David Jaffe and Margaret Wang-Aghania, provides a free, innovative platform that helps K-12 teachers bring climate and sustainability literacy into classrooms, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Climate change and rising authoritarian threats put our future at risk. Bill McKibben discusses his book Here Comes the Sun and explains how solar energy, local action, and civic engagement can drive climate solutions, defend democratic values, and inspire hope for a sustainable future.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping tax incentives for charitable giving and creating new challenges for nonprofits. Henry and John Carroll of DonorSpring offer actionable strategies to help nonprofits adapt, engage donors, and sustain funding from major, corporate, and small donors.

Humanity faces climate crisis, social inequality, and crumbling institutions. Harvard Professor Rebecca Henderson explains how her shift from Reimagining Capitalism to Reweaving Ourselves empowers students and leaders to drive climate action, ESG impact, ethical innovation, and cross-sector collaboration for a sustainable, resilient future.

The CDC’s leadership faced mounting challenges as trust faltered, disinformation spread, and vaccine confidence declined in a polarized environment. Communication missteps and evolving guidance weakened public understanding, while budget cuts constrained response capacity. Former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky reflects on lessons in rebuilding trust, defending science, and restoring confidence through transparency, clarity, and steady leadership amid uncertainty and polarization.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

People-to-people exchanges — not governments — have long defined U.S.-China relations, writes Carla Dirlikov Canales. An acclaimed opera singer, academic and cultural diplomat, Canales shows how music, education, and shared experiences — from ping-pong diplomacy to choral festivals — bridge divides, proving that ordinary citizens are often the most enduring diplomats.

THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Homelessness is a human and societal failure that demands shared responsibility — not judgment. It reflects how easily we turn away from suffering we no longer see. In his interview and opinion commentary, Dr. Brian Klausner calls for renewed urgency, compassion, and reform to address the complex realities behind this national crisis.

THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:

Why does chronic homelessness persist despite billions in healthcare spending? Matt Nathan, ALI ’20, interviews Dr. Brian Klausner about his new book, In the Gaps:Better Understanding the Expensive Human Suffering of Chronic Homelessness examining how trauma, inequality, and dehumanization fuel the crisis. Klausner’s insights reveal how empathy, data, and innovative care models can drive real, lasting solutions.

THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:

OPINION COMMENTARY:

Homelessness is one of America’s most urgent — and expensive — public health crises. In this powerful reflection, Dr. Brian Klausner shares what decades of caring for unhoused patients have taught him about empathy, policy, and humanity — and why solving chronic homelessness requires community collaboration, data-driven care, and compassion.

Former federal judges Robert Cindrich and Paul Michel launched the Article III Coalition to defend judicial independence amid rising threats and attacks. With bipartisan support, they aim to protect courts, uphold the rule of law, and educate the public on why judges matter.

The recent replacement of the entire CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) raises serious public health concerns, as explored in this interview with infectious disease expert, Dr. Camille Kotton, former ACIP member, by Tom Mahoney (ALI ’24).

Dr. Katherine Koh and Michael Jellison from Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program share urgent insights on rising homelessness and the power of peer-led street teams in this compelling discussion with ALI Fellows Martin Goldstein and Matt Nathan.

Harvard’s Cass Sunstein unpacks climate justice, global responsibility, and what rich nations owe the future in this powerful conversation with ALI’s Keith Forman.

We must restore biodiversity in our neighborhoods. Christopher Brown, in an interview with ALI Fellow Tony Mohr ’21, shares how anyone can help “rewild” urban spaces – even junkyards and industrial zones.