Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

MARCH 13, 2020  | DANIEL R. PORTERFIELD | Washington DC

A message from Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield

Dear Friends,

One of the great lessons of history is that in moments of crisis, our communities sustain us. And since our founding, the Aspen Institute has been committed to not only the creation of a free, just, and equitable society, but to fostering strong communities among our many partners and friends. Indeed, the ways in which we connect with each other are at the heart of our work and our impact.

I am deeply proud of how all who work at the Aspen Institute are responding to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. In the interest of public health, we have asked our employees to work remotely through Monday, March 30 (and possibly longer) and suspended our in-person events. These were difficult but necessary decisions. We will remain operational and intend to share ideas and content through digital platforms. You can find more information at www.aspeninstitute.org.

Looking forward, the Institute’s Policy, Leadership, and Public programs and International Partners will all be working in myriad ways to promote the public good. In uncertain times, our mission is more important than ever. For those interested in our public convenings to be held this summer, it is too early for us to make a final determination about their status, but we are fully engaged in planning for them to occur as scheduled. Every decision we make will be based on the health and safety of our participants and staff.

In moments of crisis, our people and communities are our greatest assets. Each of us can make a difference by treating one another with respect, consideration, and kindness.

Thank you for your belief in the Aspen Institute. We wish you the very best as we continue to carry out our mission and live our values.

Sincerely,

Daniel R. Porterfield
President and CEO