Susan Orlean, New Yorker staff writer and author of the best-selling *The Library Book*, visited The Commonwealth Club on October 14, 2021. She discussed her new book, *On Animals*, a collection

Susan Orlean, New Yorker staff writer and author of the best-selling *The Library Book*, visited The Commonwealth Club on October 14, 2021. She discussed her new book, *On Animals*, a collection exploring cross-species connections and animals' central role in human life. Orlean shared her lifelong fascination with human-animal interaction.

She was joined by journalist Julia Flynn Siler. The Commonwealth Club, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, hosts diverse speakers at over 400 annual events.

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Eric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and author of *The Lean Startup*, will discuss his upcoming book, *Incorruptible*. He posits that all commercial and civic infrastructure, though

Eric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and author of *The Lean Startup*, will discuss his upcoming book, *Incorruptible*. He posits that all commercial and civic infrastructure, though seemingly immutable, can be reinvented. Ries will explore how founders and leaders can build incorruptible organizations designed to last for decades and tangibly support human flourishing.

His Long Now Talk, facilitated by Denise Hearn, will delve into architecting accountability and governance mechanisms that outlive their creators and remain resilient across generations. Ries emphasizes imagining institutions future generations will thank us for, ensuring today's organizational choices become liberating structures rather than inherited constraints. His new book, *Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad…and How Great Companies Stay Great*, is available May 28, 2026.

Terisa Siagatonu, a queer Samoan spoken word artist, educator,

Terisa Siagatonu, a queer Samoan spoken word artist, educator, and activist from the Bay Area, shares her powerful poem on climate change and climate justice. A UC Santa Cruz graduate, she has performed on stages from Boston’s Cutler Majestic Theatre to the Oakland PRIDE Festival.

Currently, Terisa directs PIER (Pacific Islander Education and Retention) at UCLA. This vital project combats low matriculation rates of Pacific Islander students into higher education by offering tutoring, mentorship, and advising to high school students in Los Angeles.

Her work, rooted in devotion to her Pacific Islander community, empowers youth through spoken word and college access, fostering self-empowerment and sustainable community impact.

In an increasingly urbanized and digitized world, many people are disconnected from nature and lack a deep understanding of climate change's profound impacts, despite early warnings from melting

In an increasingly urbanized and digitized world, many people are disconnected from nature and lack a deep understanding of climate change's profound impacts, despite early warnings from melting glaciers. This growing disconnect highlights an urgent need for action.

Young activists are taking charge of their climate future. High school student Isha Clarke gained fame confronting Senator Dianne Feinstein, advocating for truth to power and criticizing politicians' inaction. Similarly, 14-year-old Sarah Goody organized a climate strike, questioning the value of studying for a future that may not exist. These young voices, alongside others joining organized movements, are fighting urgently for their future.

Learn more at climateone.org.

After the 2020 wildfires, Kyle Trefny became a wildland firefighter, connecting with peers passionate about transforming society's relationship with fire. This led him to co-found FireGeneration

After the 2020 wildfires, Kyle Trefny became a wildland firefighter, connecting with peers passionate about transforming society's relationship with fire. This led him to co-found FireGeneration Collaborative (FireGen) in 2022. FireGen is a youth-led organization dedicated to shifting wildfire management from short-term disaster response to long-term resilience and Indigenous leadership.

Trefny co-led FireGen's national campaign, advocating for youth roles in policy. This resulted in FireGen members advising a federal commission and Director Ryan Reed becoming the youngest federal advisor in US history. Trefny has also been instrumental in shaping FireGen's vision and securing over $350,000 in grants, empowering youth and Indigenous voices for the future.

Over the past 20 years, youth incarceration has plummeted by 75% as states closed prisons and reformed policies. In her new book, *In Our Future We Are Free*, journalist Nell Bernstein dissects

Over the past 20 years, youth incarceration has plummeted by 75% as states closed prisons and reformed policies. In her new book, *In Our Future We Are Free*, journalist Nell Bernstein dissects this transformation. She chronicles the forces that moved us from a "moral panic" to a time when youth prisons are rapidly fading.

Bernstein's book highlights the pivotal role of imprisoned youth, mothers, activists, and even prison officials in challenging the "racist brutality of youth prisons" and closing institutions. Join Nell Bernstein and moderator Chesa Boudin to learn how this coalition reformed a "racist and destructive institution" and what other social movements can learn from their struggle.

Dr. Darla Dixon, Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator for the California Department of State Hospitals, will discuss trauma-informed care, which promotes healing environments and avoids

Dr. Darla Dixon, Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator for the California Department of State Hospitals, will discuss trauma-informed care, which promotes healing environments and avoids re-traumatization. Patrick O'Reilly, Clinical Psychologist, will moderate.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in 1903, is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. It hosts over 400 annual events annually, featuring diverse speakers from Teddy Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton.

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Artists are increasingly using their mediums to address climate change, creating cultural moments that connect with people emotionally beyond facts and charts.

Join a conversation on art,

Artists are increasingly using their mediums to address climate change, creating cultural moments that connect with people emotionally beyond facts and charts.

Join a conversation on art, beauty, and humanity in the age of climate disruption. Featuring celebrated choreographer Alonzo King, whose new Arctic-inspired dance premieres in San Francisco, and senior curator Nora Lawrence, known for her "Indicators: Artists on Climate Change" exhibition.

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Join us for the Commonwealth Club's Virtual Gala on November 19 at 6 pm, celebrating women's leadership in science and medicine. Visit