Browse Past Themed Common Rooms
Interested in participating in or hosting a Common Room? Browse past Common Room themes below.
Fall 2023
Join the hub where business acumen converges with AI creativity. Immerse yourself in pragmatic discussions, from harnessing generative AI, what’s new, societal fears, trending technologies, to envisioning market-disruptive applications. Join us to lead the way in leveraging AI’s generative potential for tangible growth.
AI is shaping our future – for good and for bad. In this Common Room, we will explore some of the current trends in AI, the positive and negative implications for the future of humanity, and the role that we can all play in shaping what comes next. Once again I will be hosting a common room rooted in content that I am writing about, so we will follow a structured sequence of themes and I will provide context and provocation to spark discussion. The magic of the common room will come from hearing the diverse set of perspectives and lived experiences that emerge from the group.
This CR examines China’s historical perspective of itself as a nation, and “not” being viewed as a nation in the sense of modern nationhood by people in China and overseas. We will discuss its traditional, cultural, national character as a people (or never as “A” people), and how Chinese history, tradition and culture have shaped China’s worldview towards the outside world. We will explore China’s relations with all major nations and regions in the world and attempt to answer the questions such as: What does a new world order look like according to China if China succeeds in building such a world order in the 21st century? Will the world’s nations recognize and live by such a world order? Why and why not? What example, values and models will China project to the world as an economic power, a moral leader, and a cultural influence? What does it take for China to displace the current world order built and defended by the collective West? How likely and when would this new world order happen, if at all? All alumni, fellows and faculty who are interested in this theme are welcome. No prior knowledge of Chinese history, philosophy and politics is required to participate.
The refugee crisis across the globe emerges in various regions due to different reasons such as conflicts, climate change, and poverty. How do these issues intersect with the concept of global mobility, and how can they be helped by bold new innovations, for example the Yale student and alumni initiative The Path Forward.
Participants would each present, very informally, some info on their favorite museum, whether from childhood or from the present; whether world-renowned or little known, whether in a foreign location or in their own town.
Herein a wish to uphold what is core; what is immeasurable, what values within. Through dream
interpretation and rhythmic modulations, LoCoMI will focus on bridging time; to look gently at how we
strive, defend, release, and enrich what arrives – to move, activate, and integrate our living spirits,
conscience calling, and spectral selves.
This common room is a safe and confidential space for Yale alumni working in the technology space, regardless of position or company size, to connect, commiserate and counsel each other. Tech leadership is as much about people as it is about innovation. Achieving big, hairy audacious goals requires strategy and culture, not just the newest breakthrough. We talk about our own challenges and experiences, and use examples from podcasts and talks by world leaders in technology. By learning from each other, we can grow our potential and more confidently work for a positive impact on the world.
What do you consider strange? These days, what comes to mind is income inequality. Some lives are strangely enriched due to relatively small income disparity in society at large. I’m looking forward to hearing stories around the world where this might be true in large or small measure.
Change is inevitable. Whether this change is self-determined such as welcoming a new baby or a new job, or imposed, in the case of divorce or loss, we are forced to respond. How we respond to these transitions can shape our experience and outlook. Let’s embark on an intellectual journey together to unpack the strategies, mindsets, and research on ways to navigate the challenges wrought by transitions. We start with a discussion of Yale alumna Dr. Maya Shankar’s TED talk on Why Change Is So Scary — and How to Unlock Its Potential.
Come join other curious souls on an uncharted journey in search of the lost art of flirtation. It will take us through the byways of desire and discretion, biology and biography, mischief and morality, literature and cinema, psychology and sociology, etc. Those looking for a Baedeker for the journey could do worse than to peruse ‘Un Amour de Swann’ in Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past” and/or watch at Volker Schlöndorff’s “Swann in Love”.
I’m the new YANA (Yale Alumni Non-Profit Alliance) European chapter leader. My idea is to host a common room for people with an interET in non-profits who would like to understand the landscape better: focus on Europe and/or how European non-profits are similar or different to the US, but this could be broader if need be. Each session could feature 1-2 (or more) overviews of different organizations presented by members that touch on the organization’s mission, structure, their goals, strengths and challenges. The result would be we all gain greater depth and breadth of knowledge, perhaps best practices may be shared, or solutions may even be brainstormed.
Spring 2023
We will explore the various ways in which recent advancements in language processing technology have affected various industries, such as customer service, marketing, and journalism. This topic is of great interest as language models have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with computers and have far-reaching implications for society. By participating in a discussion on this theme, you will gain a deeper understanding of the current state of language models and their potential to shape our future. [generated using ChatGPT :)]
Lebanon’s economic crisis has been called the world’s worst since the mid-19th century, and its repercussions at the local, regional, and international levels are yet to be fully grasped. The Beirut port explosion of August 4, 2020, was described as the worst non-nuclear explosion in history. A state mired in corruption and a lack of accountability, Lebanon often struggles to balance among 18 religious communities vying for power within a consociational system, further complicating governance in the small Mediterranean country. Equal parts travelogue, diary and geopolitical case study, this CR will be co-hosted by local Yale alumni, embarking you on a journey of what it means to live in Lebanon today. With a foray into politics, economics, cultures, and more, we hope to bring Yalies together in informal discussions around this key part of Yale’s global community.
Observe, assess, discuss the bilateral relationship from multiple angles and perspectives, such as historical, economic/trade perspectives. This group will also talk about the impact of US-China relations on regional and global geopolitical outlook in the near future.
Participants are invited to a profoundly whimsical (or will it be a whimsically profound?) conversation of two of the more intriguing concepts of our time. They are asked to bring a dollop of curiosity and a smidgeon of insight in whatever proportions they please.
Participants would each present, very informally, some info on their favorite museum, whether from childhood or from the present; whether world-renowned or little known, whether in a foreign location or in their own town.
Herein a wish to uphold what is core; what is immeasurable, what values within. Through dream
interpretation and rhythmic modulations, LoCoMI will focus on bridging time; to look gently at how we
strive, defend, release, and enrich what arrives – to move, activate, and integrate our living spirits,
conscience calling, and spectral selves.
This is a framework (and the title of an article I am writing) for understanding some of the key challenges faced by leaders right now in the increasingly polarised and reactive world in which we find ourselves. This Common Room will hold a space for personal reflection on how we are showing up as informed citizens who wish to have a positive impact and leaders in our respective fields, and also provide an opportunity to explore the relevance of current events that are occurring globally from diverse perspectives.
What do you consider strange? These days, what comes to mind is income inequality. Some lives are strangely enriched due to relatively small income disparity in society at large. I’m looking forward to hearing stories around the world where this might be true in large or small measure.
We are pleased to announce the formation of a YIA Writer’s Common Room. Join this Common Room for dialogue, companionship, and encouragement from fellow Yale alumni of fiction and non-fiction. Writers of all levels and interests are encouraged to join. We will determine the layout and flow of our Common Room based on our group’s interests. We anticipate most writing to be in English as a common language to receive feedback and to share writing. If you miss writing at Yale, have developed it as a hobby or passion later in life, and you want to develop your art with the support of eager and friendly Yalies, we invite you to spend an hour every other Sunday with us.
You’ll discover reading the land, changing your own micro-climate, reducing the power of those who espouse chemical agriculture, understanding the risks of bare soil and the benefits of restoring nature’s water and nutrient cycles. Learn to recognize greenwashing. Discover real, solid evidence of today’s Regenerative Agriculture revolution.
Over 100 students have participated in the YVISP! Call your country ambassadors and your peers for an opportunity to reconnect with our friends and allies around the world. We may end up mentoring, partnering for business, or befriending VISPers from new countries and generations. The conversations will be themed around your Yale experience, the return to our countries, as well as personal and professional advice for global careers.
Whether you’re in big tech or a start up, C-suite or a first-time manager, regardless of function, technical or non-technical, as long as you’re a leader in tech, please join a group of fellow Yalies to discuss the unique reality and challenges of managing IC, team and company performance in the tech world. We’ll consult each other on best practices for creating and achieving big, audacious goals and the necessary incentives to get the team there. WeI’ll talk about how best to craft and change company culture and performance expectations as you scale. And we’ll share with each other any cases of challenging employees or underperforming teams and how we should best address them. This will be a safe and confidential space for Yale alums who are now tech leaders to connect, commiserate and counsel each other.
Are you travel obsessed? Are your relatives sick of hearing about your travel experiences or travel plans? Join us for a free-flowing conversation about all aspects of travel! Tips, inspiration, ethical dilemmas, whatever interests you about travel!
The Art of War is a quintessential manual on military strategy, but besides its classical interpretation there are many lessons to be applied in other contexts and social spheres. In this CR we will first compare Sun Tzu’s work with other contemporary authors looking both for common ground between them and for differences. We will then build on a recent in-depth analysis of Sun Tzu to suggest insights relevant to some of today’s most pressing challenges, many of them born of the digital age. The CR is likely to include one or two sessions co-hosted with Professor Scott Boorman, who is a mathematical model-builder and sociologist expert in strategy. A rich discussion and multiple questions would be the goals!
As the host of the DeepTech Common Room, I will facilitate discussions on a wide range of topics related to cutting-edge technologies. These topics include Quantum technologies, which encompasses quantum computing, cryptography, and quantum sensing. We will discuss their potential applications, ethical and societal implications, and how to ensure that they are used responsibly. We will also explore Biotechnology and longevity, including ethical and societal implications of extending human lifespan and enhancing human abilities through biotechnology. Our discussions will also include New space, New materials, Green chemistry, Robotics, and AI. Additionally, we will include Metaverse and VR as another example. Throughout these discussions, we will consider the philosophical and ethical dimensions of these technologies, as well as their potential impact on society and the environment. We will explore entrepreneurial and investment opportunities in these fields, as well as their potential to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Music Common Room is open to anyone who is involved in or passionate about composed and improvised music (from any era). The hosts are (coincidentally) both cellists, with wide and varied interests.
YIA Education in Action invites educators to an ongoing conversation about the status quo of education and their vision of a curriculum that bridges the gap between current deficits within their communities and their vision for the future of their communities. The following questions drive us, though these are not exhaustive. What does it mean for K-16 students, lifelong learners, and teachers to be global citizens in a world marked by binarism and opposition? How do we foster curiosity in learning, reading, and critical thinking in a world where knowledge is re-produced by AI? What does it mean to create culturally sustaining pedagogical environments? How does social-emotional learning enable democratic participation and agency for K-16 students and lifelong learners in developing their individual and communal learning environments? What are meaningful methods of information delivery and effective curricula for learning environments that foster proactive democratic engagement within and across societies and cultures? What human skills do K-16 students and lifelong learners need to create their and their communities’ paths forward? We deeply believe in universal humanism as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the role education plays in this declaration. We will start each CR with some fodder for thought on a controversial question, then split up in break-out rooms according to the age group you want to focus on, and come back towards the end to share our thoughts.
Fall 2022
We discuss the most pressing issues when it comes to formally educating the next generation of our world – and we brainstorm ways to make a difference in education both in the U.S. and abroad.
We will examine and discuss the following to arrive at our own conclusions and hopefully calls for multilateral leadership involvement for deterrence and de-escalation of the threat of nuclear war:
How real the threat of nuclear war is today and in the current decade
Grasp of the real implication of nuclear war on human civilization
Analyze the root cause and the degree of public apathy toward such threat
Understand historical, geopolitical, cultural, and ideological context in which nuclear
proliferation, deterrence and current threats have been developed
Understand the individual components that make up the nuclear threat, such as: how
and why the nuclear weapons are deployed and intended to be used; loose nukes;
manufacture and use of nukes by terrorists; tactical nuclear weapons; human errors and
system glitches causing unintended launch of nuclear missiles; defense budget used for
nuclear arsenal upgrade; how the Doomsday Clock works and who monitors this Clock
and how far we are today from the “midnight” on that Clock.
Discuss how it may be possible to mitigate, delay, and ultimately prevent nuclear wars,
what means (including technical, political, diplomatic and civil means) are available and
may be devised to prevent such existential threat to humanity.
We will use authentic and rich materials researched and compiled by the William J. Perry Project at Stanford University to guide our conversation.
Observe, assess, discuss the bilateral relationship from multiple angles and perspectives, such as historical, economic/trade perspectives. This group will also talk about the impact of US-China relations on regional and global geopolitical outlook in the near future.
Participants are invited to a profoundly whimsical (or will it be a whimsically profound?) conversation of two of the more intriguing concepts of our time. They are asked to bring a dollop of curiosity and a smidgeon of insight in whatever proportions they please.
Participants would each present, very informally, some info on their favorite museum, whether from childhood or from the present; whether world-renowned or little known, whether in a foreign location or in their own town.
A space to collect one contemplate for another; to speak between dreams; to open truths with measure to merit our passions, restraints, methods toward resilience, openness, logic, and understanding; to conjure moments of mind with shared experience; to inquire what is and what can be in spirit with our active vulnerabilities; giving ground to good motion focusing aspects of thought in light of our lives.
Over the past 25 years coaching has become a rapidly growing profession. This roundtable offers Yale alumni an opportunity to connect with colleagues around the world to exchange ideas on coaching. Through building a community and discussing current issues, we will be able to learn from each other and grow as coaches.
What do you consider strange? These days, what comes to mind is income inequality. Some lives are strangely enriched due to relatively small income disparity in society at large. I’m looking forward to hearing stories around the world where this might be true in large or small measure.
Let’s dive into art of any medium (visual, aural, performance, mixed media). Exploring works, practices, traditions, innovations (historical, contemporary) from around the world.
We’ve spent the last 60 years farming as if Natural systems were a sideshow to the main event of industrialized farming. It’s given us food lacking the key elements we need to sustain health and both poisoned and degraded lands worldwide. There’s another way and as young people rediscover the land older farmers are playing catch up – learning what it really means to farm with Nature. Neither corporations nor chemistry offer as much for producing nutrient-dense foods while healing the land and restoring resilience and relevance to our food supply.
This common room is for alumni who consider themselves third culture kids, who were born in a different part of the world than they were raised in or spent their educational or working years at. As a group, we will discuss what it is like embracing different cultures while identifying and staying true to your original culture. We look forward to getting to know alumni from all walks!
This common room explores the experiences of various Yale fellowship program graduates, such as the Yale World Fellows, about the memorable moments at Yale and the life after Yale. As a group, we will explore what happened after the fellowship experience, the evolution of our goals, and the challenges experienced in this journey.
This common room explores the various meanings texts from the Ancient Mediterranean take on today in locations worldwide. The common room is an open invitation for every participant to share their reading experiences with Ancient Texts and local modern adaptations of Ancient Texts with the group. It is an open-ended exploration of the question of how and why Ancient Texts still speak to us today. As a group, we will explore whether we see patterns, differences, or radical discontinuities in teaching, reading, contact and modes of adaptation. Introductory readings will be sent before the start of the CR.
The Bretton Woods order is on its last legs and there is something called the Rules Based Order that essentially lacks rules. What ideas do we have about how to build on the pieces of the old world order and create something better given the urgency of climate change, the hostile US-China relationship, Russia’s isolation after the invasion of Ukraine, the rise of Africa, economic dominance of Asia-Pacific, and all the many other factors that are reshaping our world.
Is the current systems of governance working-what are the gaps and challenges, do we need and how do we include new voices in decision making. Share new platforms and processes that can make this a reality. what new insights can happen, how will this impact current and future environmental processes re climate change, biodiversity, desertification, waste stream, plastics, pollution etc
The Music Common Room is open to anyone who is involved in or passionate about composed and improvised music (from any era). The hosts are (coincidentally) both cellists, with wide and varied interests.
How is it that my friend with a good head on her shoulders warns me about the dangers of 5G towers, without much to back that statement up? Good people, exhausted after a day of work and family responsibilities, have no energy to thoroughly research important topics. And they somehow get – and run with – the wrong information that they don’t seem to know how to verify. How do we get well-sourced and easily digestible information in front of this tired demographic?
Spring 2022
We discuss the most pressing issues when it comes to formally educating the next generation of our world – and we brainstorm ways to make a difference in education both in the U.S. and abroad.
Focus on the Asian economy, geopolitics, how both affect ethnic Asian communities worldwide, and Asian culture broadly, from food to antiquities
Observe, assess, discuss the bilateral relationship from multiple angles and perspectives, such as historical, economic/trade perspectives. This Modern spycraft involves technology beyond Q’s wildest dreams. As countries come to rely on tech to gather information, is there still a role for traditional spycraft? Or, paradoxically, is human connection more important than ever when almost any tech can be hacked? This group is for enthusiastic amateurs to discuss spycraft, share book and podcast recommendations, and offer their own hypotheses on the future of intelligence gathering.group will also talk about the impact of US-China relations on regional and global geopolitical outlook in the near future.
Interested in what is going on in the world and would like to connect the dots? Join the conversation, share perspectives with alumni from all over the world, and, if you like, suggest new topics for discussion! The last cycle included the role of different value systems in geopolitics, China in the international landscape, and energy transition. Materials will be shared in advance as a starting point for the conversation. Warning: enriching and inspiring meetings ahead!
Participants would each present, very informally, some info on their favorite museum, whether from childhood or from the present; whether world renowned or little known, whether in a foreign location or in their own town.
The trend towards globalization started in the 1940s, but caught its momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The Millennium and Sustainable Development goals are two strong global agreements that have steered countries towards a common vision of the global health under the rubric of WHO. Ironically, however, most of the inquiry was not led by the LMICs and therefore their perspective seemed to have been lacking. These weaknesses in the WHO global leadership and governance did not come into focus until the Zika virus and recently during the COVID19 pandemic. Nearly 4 million deaths to date worldwide are attributable to the failure of the WHO in its surveillance role in spite of the fact that since July 2003, when SARS-CoV transmission was declared, an active global surveillance for SARS-CoV disease has been in place. The world response to the pandemic with reference to vaccine production and inequitable distribution has further unravelled these weaknesses in the global governance. Countries are no longer being led under one governance and are finding it difficult to impose strict measures recommended for COVID-19 Control. Hence, countries are forced to take their own measures to contain the spread. Alongside WHO guidance notes, CDC, USA, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and countries’ own CDCs are emerging as independent, powerful and reliable source of information and advice regarding the control measure. People in the middle and low income countries feel alienated as most of the recommendations are not relevant and feasible in their context, frequent hand washing where water is not available, use of sanitizers in countries where affordability and availability is an issue, use of telemedicine where technology and health literacy are key issues, and mandatory screening when availability of RDT and PCR is an issue. This forum is aimed at generating a discussion around experiences of various regions regarding global governance and to gauge their perceptions and to discuss underlying issues and challenges of global public health issues.
Over the past 25 years coaching has become a rapidly growing profession. This roundtable offers Yale alumni an opportunity to connect with colleagues around the world to exchange ideas on coaching. Through building a community and discussing current issues, we will be able to learn from each other and grow as coaches.
Opening up discussion topics about the Latin America region and its culture broadly. Recent discussions have been about the Panama Canal, origins of Mexican nationalism and the recent migration to the USA.
This common room explores the experiences of various Yale fellowship program graduates, such as the Yale World Fellows, about the memorable moments at Yale and the life after Yale. As a group, we will explore what happened after the fellowship experience, the evolution of our goals, and the challenges experienced in this journey.
Based on Emily Greenwood’s introduction of the term “omni-local classical receptions” this common room explores the various meanings texts from the Ancient Mediterranean take on today in locations worldwide. The common room is an open invitation for every participant to share their reading experiences with ancient texts and local modern adaptations of ancient texts with the group. It is an open-ended exploration of the question of how and why ancient texts still speak to us today. As a group, we will explore whether we see patterns, differences, or radical discontinuities in teaching, reading, contact and modes of adaptation. Introductory reading: Emily Greenwood, Afterword: Omni-Local Classical Receptions, Classical Receptions Journal, Volume 5, Issue 3, December 2013, Pages 354–361, https://doi.org/10.1093/crj/clt025
The Bretton Woods order is on its last legs and there is something called the Rules Based Order that essentially lacks rules. What ideas do we have about how to build on the pieces of the old world order and create something better given the urgency of climate change, the hostile US-China relationship, Russia’s isolation after the invasion of Ukraine, the rise of Africa, economic dominance of Asia-Pacific, and all the many other factors that are reshaping our world.
An opportunity to get together and discuss issues in music. This space is for people in the industry, professionals and music lovers of all genres.
Participants are invited to a profoundly whimsical (or will it be a whimsically profound?) conversation of two of the more intriguing concepts of our time. They are asked to bring a dollop of curiosity and a smidgeon of insight in whatever proportions they please.
Sustainable development issues for the energy sector, in a climate constrained world.
According to many reputed policymakers, experts, and institutions, including the Centre for Economics and Business Research, the Chinese economy will overtake the United States by the turn of this decade; notwithstanding, the US military capability would remain the dominant force globally. Historically, rising powers have tended to disrupt international orders, causing wars, for example: the rise of Dutch Republic, France, Germany, etc. In each situation, dominant status quo powers try to defend systems that are mostly built by them and which benefit them, while new rising powers try to change the system to benefit their interests. This observation led AFK Organski and Jacek Kugler to argue in The War Ledger (1980): Substantial shifts in economic power and therefore military capabilities cause international conflicts. “The faster the challenger overtakes the dominant nation, the greater the chances the two will fight.”
Fall 2021
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