The Graduation Pledge

A new commencement tradition is popping up in colleges around the country called the Graduation Pledge.  It is distributed and directed by The Graduation Pledge Alliance (GPA).  GPA is an organization born out students’ frustrations over the Cold War at Humboldt State University in Northern California in 1987.  Today, the organization encourages college graduates to sign the following pledge:

I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.

Why are Signers Frustrated? 

In 2000, Rebecca Goldberg signed the pledge before graduating from Harvard University. 

Two years later she continued on to Harvard Law School, but was then was unsure how to connect her passions with her legal career.  A vegetarian since age 15, she had always been interested in the ethics of food.  She describes in an interview with Harvard Food Law Society, how she had an “actual light bulb-over-the-head epiphany” while doing some personal reading.   The book she was reading on the beach mentioned “The Plant Variety Protection Act” and she made the connection that a large number of laws are written each year about food ethics.  Ever since, she has committed her legal career to making food safer for consumers and the environment.  She currently works for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Office of Chief Counsel.  She hopes to work towards changes in regulations of food labels and also work towards making food production a more sustainable and ethical business.

Rebecca’s story is proof that it is possible to leave the mark you personally desire through your career.  It simply requires commitment to this goal.  That is where the pledge comes into play:  It holds its signers accountable for their actions and career choices after graduation. 

How to Interpret the Pledge

Signing the pledge is completely voluntary.  Graduates are encouraged to consider its implications fully and thoughtfully before signing it.  One of the first pledge signers at Humboldt State University explains, “An absolute commitment wouldn’t occur if the pledge were mandatory… It had to be a choice, because, it is said, people choose to take responsibility for their actions when they’re aware that it is a choice.” (William Inhe, HSU Class of 1988) 

The Graduation Pledge is also intentionally open-ended and vague.  It allows students to define for themselves what “take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work” means to them.  If you sign the pledge, it does not mean that you have to turn down more “traditional” jobs in finance or law, like Rebecca.  It simply means being conscious of how your job, in whatever field, affects society as a whole.  The graduation pledge is not meant to be intimidating or to require you to sacrifice job offers you may receive.  It is merely supposed to inspire you.  No matter where you spend forty hours a week after graduation consider how it can make a positive impact on the world.  

How to Sign the Pledge

If you are considering taking the Graduation Pledge, see if your school formally participates. The number of colleges and universities is expanding expands each year.  If not, here are some tools to get the ball rolling at your school.  Pledge on and see where it may lead you. 

*Permission provided by Jonathan Borofsky for the image of "Walking to the Sky."