Van Jones is an eco-visionary, award-winning human rights attorney and powerhouse speaker. He is the founder of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (EBC), a strategy and action center, working for justice, peace, and opportunity in urban America.
He has served on the boards of numerous environmental and nonprofit organizations, including the National Apollo Alliance, Social Venture Network, Rainforest Action Network, Bioneers, Julia Butterfly Hill’s “Circle of Life” organization and Free Press.
Van won his first major award in 1998 when he was given the Reebok Human Rights Award. Other significant awards include the international Ashoka Fellowship, selection as a World Economic Forum “Young Global Leader,” and the Rockefeller Foundation “Next Generation Leadership” Fellowship.
In the aftermath of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, Van helped to found ColorOfChange.org, an online advocacy organization. With more than 100,000 members, Color Of Change is now the nation’s biggest e-advocacy organization tackling Black issues.
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Tuesday, 31. March 2009
I love how Van says “you have to have a breakdown to have a breakthrough. You need a crisis.” We are on the brink of a new future, a green future! Van is the burgeoning voice that will lead us to into our new green economy! Human technology is capable of releasing creativity and excitement, we are truly on the brink of an ecstatic and ever-changing era!
Wednesday, 1. April 2009
The Social movement and the green movement are often set apart as two separate events with different agendas. Van’s commentary on how these two movements are actually one in the same is refreshing and right on. The green / environmental movement is in fact not about VOC free paints
and carbon offsets, but about bringing ALL of us together in community to overcome the current crisis (economic, social and environmental) which will, by the laws of nature, lead to the next step in human evolution. Bravo Van Jones, bravo David Gottfried.
Wednesday, 1. April 2009
Ditto that, Christina!
I also love Van’s insight into the different forms of technology – holding hands! It’s true – we can’t get to where we need to be until we acknowledge we need to fall in love with each other again.
What a phenomenal video.
Wednesday, 1. April 2009
Neat video and great interview. Van’s message that nothing — no person, no idea, no relationship, no neighborhood — is expendable is a powerful one. Hearing how economics and the human spirit can work together for a green future is truly inspiring!
Thursday, 2. April 2009
Very inspirational video. Gives your brain a lot to chew on.