2004 Grad Pledge

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This is an old project, from 2002-2004:

“SSS has organized a Graduation Pledge for the last 2 years.  In addition to publicizing the pledge and getting as many signatures as possible, we hold spring discussion groups on values and practices graduates can take with them through their future employment.  We debate how a sustainable business should run, and bring back alumnae who are working with innovative sustainable groups. 

This year we are hoping to research the business practices of the companies visiting Stanford’s Career Fair, to pass out a fact guide to students seeking employment.  We also hope to research companies whose work we respect, to have positive sustainable employment options to recommend to Stanford Graduates.”

Grad Pledge Contact, Frank Teng, fteng@stanford.edu

2003 Student responses to the question: What do social and environmental responsibility mean to you?

Treating others in an ethical manner and treating the environment in a way that will sustain it for future generations.

Considering how each choice cascades to others in a system ...even if not related to my immediate work project.

It means being cognizant of the impact that I have on others and the environment through every action I make; turning personal belief into deliberate action ; and remaining accountable for my actions and their consequences.

Social and environmental responsibility means being aware of the surrounding world and recognizing that your identity and potential are tied to those around you .

A commitment to socialism and equality for people of all races, genders, sexualities.

Using resources--both human and natural--wisely.

Working for the interest of future generations .

Commitment to weighing one's decisions with the well being of the environment and global community in mind, and to acquiring the knowledge to make this possible.

and play, and the right to self-determination as a people.

It means more than just choosing to do work for people with responsible labor and environmental practices.  

It means choosing to work for people or groups that are actively working to IMPROVE our society and environment in concrete ways.   Or it might mean not working for anyone in order to build one's own communities and groups of people who can work to make the world a better place ...

People and common resources before personal property.

It means recognizing the inequality that exists within any system (but particularly corporate America).

It means knowing that when I buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks, someone far away grew that coffee for me and I should be educated about the whole system, not just the end-user .

Being a human.  

To me it means understanding the implications of your actions for communities and individuals who do not have the opportunity to let their voices be heard. Once I can do that, I cannot help but feel that whatever I choose to do with my life, it will be with a view to helping those whose unspoken words I try to hear.

Approaching individuals with physical and mental disabilities, or any other problems directly, at a grassroots level.   Increasing awareness of these issues, and of the diversity of experiences people coming from different cultures and experiences have in order to eliminate stigma or stereotypes, to create a more all-accepting and all-embracing environment.

Taking a non anthropocentric view of the world by seeing the intrinsic value of nature and understanding the interconnectedness of all people and all other living organisms.    Social and environmental responsibility goes beyond mere recognition of the effects of your work on the social and natural environment, but is to actively pursue an end to inequality and destruction.   We must work for a world in which we do not destroy each other and we do not destory nature.   Finally, it is to realize that the world (including the people who inhabit it) is beautiful and mainintaining and enhancing this beauty is the legacy that we want to leave.   PEACE.

Using my privilege of an education to better my community and world.

Reflecting - of your own will and with your own thought process - on the direct and indirect ramifications of your work and the work of the institution for which you work. This does not imply accepting the fashionable opinion of the day among activists, but taking the time and effort to understand for yourself the implications of your labor.

Thinking about more global impact of what I'm doing instead of just living for the here and now.

Staying true to your ethics and beliefs, and upholding and instilling respectable standards in those around you.

The most valued aspect of my humanity is remembering that I am not alone.

Here are some flyers from the grad pledges 2003 and 2004, click for larger versions.

View the grad pledge virtual signature website.