This week we return to Harvard’s Harbus to discover the latest events and initiatives on the HBS campus.
Harbus reports the launch of a student blog titled “Economic Policy Review,” developed by four students in September. Aiming to offer a non-partisan commentary on issues that currently plague the U.S. economy, the blog (www.econblog.org) delves into economic policy, touching on topics such as domestic energy policy, trade policy, campaign finance laws, and global competitiveness. One of the blog’s creators, Kyle Sable, stated that the idea for the blog arose in his BGIE section when he recognized the “disjunction between sound economic principles and the polices that are often enacted.” Hoping to close this gap and use his “HBS education to impact the world immediately,” Sable recruited his section mates to serve on the editorial board. Each of the board members oversees a different economic policy area, yet each potential post is debated at their weekly meetings. One of Sable’s fellow board members comments, “Talking about these issues in an open forum, free of partisan debates is an important way to understand the gravity of these issues while maintaining intellectual honesty.” Another board member, Drew Thomas, recognizes the importance that his HBS education has played in making the blog possible, stating, “I’ve become more open to listening to opposing ideas and better at evaluating those ideas based on their strengths and weaknesses.” Thus, the blog offers a chance not only to delve into American economic policy, but also to learn life lessons about assessing ideas and reaching consensus.
In other news, the Student Association at HBS is currently in the process of accepting applications for the SA Community Impact Fund. The Impact Fund provides financial backing for student-led initiatives that have a “direct and tangible impact” on communities outside of HBS. Fred Smith, the Co-President of the Student Association, stated that the SA is “proud in helping students help others,” going on to comment, “So many students have great ideas for outreach projects, and we want to use the fund to enable these initiatives to become reality.” SA Senator and Chair of the Community Impact Fund Committee, John Coleman, echoes Smith in stating, “We know there are individuals and groups wanting to start new programs or expand current ones, and the SA wants to support them as much as possible.” To gain funding for an initiative, at least one of the leaders must be an HBS student, and the SA prefers to see projects in which results will be achieved within six months of receiving funding. Past funding has gone to transportation costs for the New Orleans Trek and material support for a student-led project in Africa.
Tune in next week for another edition of Campus Chronicles!
