{This is my second installment in a series reviewing learning opportunities for sustainability and modern environmentalism.}
Lectures and panel discussions are some of the best ways to keep abreast of developments in sustainability, especially in the business realm. These events are also great networking opportunities.
Below you will find a list of organizations that provide ongoing lecture series in and around the Bay Area. They cover both broad and specific topics.
Green Chamber of Commerce (greater Bay Area): This chamber is the sensible alternative to the U.S., state, and local chambers of commerce that insist on perpetuating the old (broken) economy (case in point: the recent flight of enlightened companies such as Apple and PG&E from the U.S. Chamber over their proposed “Scopes Monkey Trial” for global warming). The Green Chamber hosts events at member companies around the Bay Area, and they are a great way to see first-hand “where the rubber meets the road,” in sustainable business. Their calendar also posts other relevant events.
Net Impact (worldwide, headquartered in SF): Net Impact arms individuals with tools for integrating corporate social responsibility into their own companies. Their (members-only) “Issues in Depth” calls feature leading-edge speakers who offer both inspiration and pragmatic ideas. Their events calendar is also a comprehensive clearinghouse of CSR events taking place around the world.
Just Means (online): Just Means is similar in mission to Net Impact (promoting sustainability through business). Their events calendar (which includes webinars, conference calls, and online classes) is also worldwide.
Chloregy (online, headquartered in San Francisco): Chloregy advances the conversation about the intersection of sustainability, business, and policy. Their events calendar is a clearinghouse of lectures, courses, and other sustainability-related goings-on. They also have a vibrant, robust presence on LinkedIn.
Hanson Bridgett (San Francisco office): Hanson Bridgett is a large, well respected law firm that has spent the past few years building its sustainability/corporate responsibility practice. To market these services, the San Francisco office hosts a monthly lecture series at their beautiful downtown offices. The panelists discuss a wide range of salient topics—from clean tech to green building.
San Francisco Department of the Environment (San Francisco): SF Environment is the brain of the city’s ambitious and laudable environmental strategy. Run by Jared Blumenfeld, it has perhaps done more than any other organization to institutionalize progressive environmental policies across the city. The department’s calendar primarily lists municipal committee meetings, which can be a valuable source of information if you are interested in a specific topic. The calendar also includes other environmental events across the city.
Commonwealth Club—especially their Climate One series (San Francisco): This is one of my favorite sources for keeping up-to-date with emerging sustainability trends. The speakers are all world-class, and eminently intelligent. I have greatly advanced my awareness and understanding just from this source. Memberships are an absolute bargain.
Stanford Social Innovations Review (Stanford University): SSIR’s courses and seminars are at the higher end of the price scale, but of course, you get what you pay for. They are always excellent. You can also subscribe to their newsletter, e-newsletter, and blog.
Business for Social Responsibility (worldwide, headquartered in San Francisco): BSR is a members-only nonprofit that works directly with businesses to advance corporate social responsibility. Memberships are company-based, but if your company is making a concerted effort to move in a more sustainable direction, it would be a good investment. The events are top-notch—both in terms of providing access and imparting valuable knowledge.
Sustainable Industries (magazine covering West Coast): This publication started in the Pacific Northwest, but they have established quite a toehold in San Francisco. They host/co-host a large number of events in the area, many of which feature engaging speakers and leading thinkers.
Green Events (worldwide): This is a no-frills event-listing site. Best to subscribe to their RSS feed so that you can passively keep abreast of events you might want to attend.
ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability (worldwide): ICLEI’s member organizations are municipalities dedicated to advancing sustainability in their communities. Naturally, they primarily approach the topic from a public-works perspective—and all of the attendant issues of budgeting and stakeholder engagement. To learn more about sustainability in this specific realm, check out their event calendar.
As I’ve mentioned previously, I just scratch the surface when presenting these lists of resources. I’m sure there a great deal more offered in the Bay Area, and would be happy to hear about them. Please let me know if you have one you’d like to add to the list.
{My next article will discuss virtual learning resources in this realm, including podcasts, webinars, and online courses.}
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