In This Issue
What We’re Reading
Studies Show...
This Month at MCAAD
Milken Institute Update
Dear friends,
The holiday season has arrived, and the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is brimming with excitement and gratitude for the continued support from our community. We extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones during this season. Thank you for being an integral part of the MCAAD community as we continue our mission to explore, preserve, and celebrate the multifaceted aspects of the American Dream.
In the spirit of the season of giving back, we’re sharing reflections below on key aspects of the American Dream that we found particularly relevant during the holidays. Happy December, and here’s to an exciting new year!
Rachel Goslins
Executive Director and Chief Creative Officer
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, Milken Institute
What We’re Reading
While the holiday season is undoubtedly a time of joy and celebration, it can also present challenges in terms of financial management. We recognize the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with money, especially during this time. As we exchange gifts and gather with loved ones, it's crucial to approach holiday spending with mindfulness. We encourage our community to consider meaningful experiences over material possessions, explore budget-friendly alternatives, and leverage the power of shared experiences to make this season memorable without unnecessary financial strain.
As Americans manage their holiday spending, five money pros created a survival guide to help navigate the process, as reported by NerdWallet. One suggestion is to give more creative gifts, like handmade goods. Other great tips include making a gift-giving budget earlier in the year and starting to save money for gifts in January. Learning how to manage money during the holidays can begin at any age. Here are five tips from Benjamin Talks to help teach your child good money practices during the holidays.
Studies Show...
The American Dream is deeply rooted in the values of family and community, and the holidays serve as a strong reminder of these connections. In December, we celebrate the significance of families and friends coming together, sharing traditions, and creating lasting memories. We believe that communities play a pivotal role in supporting one another during the holiday season.
Research like the Annual Review of Public Health affirms the crucial link between social connection and health, highlighting the powerful influence of communities on our mental and physical vitality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that those who are more socially connected have reduced risk for depression and greater happiness and satisfaction with life. They also have better sleep and cognitive function and are at lower risk for dementia. As we celebrate the holidays, let us cherish the bonds that unite us and recognize the vital role that communities play in fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to pursue and achieve their version of the American Dream.
This Month at MCAAD
December 4 is recognized as the International Day of Banks. The history of banking is particularly special to the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream as our Center will live in several historic bank buildings across the street from the White House. On this year’s International Day of Banks, we highlighted President James Garfield, one of the many US presidents who banked at Riggs National Bank, now one of our exhibit galleries. This check—now part of MCAAD’s collection—was signed at the White House only one day before he was assassinated in 1881. It was likely ripped in half so that Lucretia Garfield, his widow, could share his autograph with admirers.
Milken Institute Update
In early December, the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi convened leaders to pinpoint solutions to the critical issues facing the numerous countries, cultures, and societies within the region. Watch videos on demand of sessions on climate change, economic opportunity, and public health, including these panels of interest:
Artificial Intelligence Deep Dive: Risk and Rewards
In a world increasingly defined by technological advancements, artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the world as we know it. In this era of technological acceleration, the American Dream must evolve to embrace a future where AI augments human potential rather than hinders it. Watch this panel of influential members of the AI community examine its potential impact on our lives.
Health and Medical Research | Part 2: Preparing for the Next Wave of Biomedical Breakthroughs
Great strides are being made in health and medical research, not just in our own neighborhoods but across the vast landscape of the Middle East and beyond. We recognize that good health is the cornerstone of personal and collective success. From innovative treatments to groundbreaking research, the commitment to improving health knows no borders. Listen to this panel to hear experts discuss what trends and technologies will define the next era of innovation in health care.