It is normal, at the end of the year, for organizations such as ours to assemble a “best of” list of stories. It’s a recognition of great work and a small thank you gift to those who have supported us.
We don’t have to tell you that 2020 was not a normal year.
But even in the maelstrom of a pandemic, social unrest, and political division, the important work of individuals and programs that are a part of the Aspen Institute has continued—and it is work that shouldn’t be overlooked.
This list isn’t a “look back.” If anything, it’s a look forward. It’s a compendium of pieces about where we are, where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there.
How-to guides for the rest of the pandemic
The good news is that we can see an end. Vaccines are approved and shipping and being received by the first wave of Americans. But what’s going to happen between now and the time we can breathe easy?
- First, we’ve got to figure out how to distribute those vaccines. The government has created a prioritized list, but within the tiers are groups who lack health care access, including information about the necessity of the vaccines. The Global Inclusive Growth Partnership, a collaboration between the Institute and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, gathered a panel of experts for their takes on the issue.
- While it’s assumed that the American workplace will look very different post-pandemic, it’s not clear just how. Aspen Ideas Now explores the extra resources (and extra understanding) that remote workers require.
- Vaccines will help the population reach herd immunity. If you’re about to spend the holidays trying to convince a wary aunt of their safety—or planning tough conversations on other topics—the Citizenship and American Identity Program has some tips about how to have better arguments.
