Discover the Secret to Creating Lasting Change in Aspen’s Global Hub of Innovation and Inspiration

Aspen, Colorado, is a small town with a big reputation for bringing together influential people and ideas. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is home to several world-renowned organizations, including the Aspen Words Summer Words Writing Retreat, the Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative, and the Aspen Global Change Institute. While seemingly unrelated, these three organizations share a common thread: they all strive to effect change in their respective fields.

The Aspen Words Summer Words Writing Retreat is a gathering of writers from all over the world who come to Aspen to hone their craft and engage in literary discussions. Held annually in June, the retreat offers workshops, panels, and readings from established authors. This year’s keynote speaker, author and activist Rebecca Solnit, spoke about the power of storytelling to effect change in society. Solnit said, “It’s through stories that we make sense of the world and our place in it. We need storytellers now more than ever to help us navigate these turbulent times.”

The Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative is a nonpartisan effort to advance understanding of the changing nature of work in the 21st century. The initiative brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions to the challenges posed by automation, the gig economy, and other disruptive forces. In a recent report, the initiative identified the need for “lifelong learning” as a key component of a successful workforce in the future. The report states, “The skills needed for work are changing rapidly, and workers will need to be able to adapt to new technologies and job demands throughout their careers.”

The Aspen Global Change Institute is a nonprofit organization that brings together scientists and experts from around the world to address pressing environmental issues. Each summer, the institute hosts a series of workshops on topics such as climate change, water resources, and biodiversity. The goal is to generate new ideas and solutions to global environmental challenges. The institute’s executive director, Dr. Ben Santer, said, “We need to work together across borders and disciplines to address these complex issues. The Aspen Global Change Institute provides a unique forum for bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise.”

While the Aspen Words Summer Words Writing Retreat, the Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative, and the Aspen Global Change Institute may seem disparate, they all share a commitment to creating positive change in their respective fields. Whether it’s through storytelling, policy innovation, or scientific collaboration, these organizations are working to make the world a better place. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it’s heartening to know that there are people and organizations dedicated to finding solutions and effecting change.