Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility

The MIT Pledge Effort is back!  The Pledge ceremony will take place on May 13, 2010 in the evening.  Check back here for more details as the event approaches.

What is the MIT Pledge Effort?

The MIT Pledge Effort is an initiative that focuses on MIT students taking 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.”

The MIT Pledge Effort is part of a greater international movement in which all participating students take the above pledge.  The Pledge was introduced at MIT in the 1980’s and re-introduced in 2007.  The Pledge emphasizes the opportunity for students to take responsibility in considering the environmental and social impact of their careers and the organizations for which they work.  For more information on the international initiative, visit graduationpledge.org.

Who can take the Pledge?

Any MIT student can take the Pledge.  It is not intended especially for students in a particular academic field or for students who intend to work directly on environmental and social issues.  The Pledge is a statement of the intention to think about such issues when going into the work force; therefore, it can mean different things to different students, and it covers the entire spectrum of occupations and organizations.

How do I take the Pledge?

First, e-mail Cecilia Scott at cecilias@mit.edu to sign up for our mailing list, pledge-info@mit.edu.  You will receive a few e-mails about Pledge-sponsored events, as well as important updates on the Pledge ceremony schedule, through this mailing list.  Then, come to the Pledge ceremony on May 13, or one of the less formal events around the end of semester, in the case of a conflict with the actual ceremony.  

At the Pledge ceremony, you and fellow Pledge takers will recite the Pledge together, receive and sign certificates which contain the Pledge text, your name, and your major, and receive similar wallet-size cards.  Students who are graduating in June 2010 will also receive green ribbons to wear at the MIT Commencement Ceremony. 

If you have further questions or comments, please contact Cecilia Scott at cecilias@mit.edu.  Thank you for visiting our site.