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Van Jones

Van Jones

Keynote Speaker: CEO of REFORM Alliance, CNN host, Emmy Award-winning Producer & NY Times Best-Selling Author

Van Jones Biography

Van Jones is a CNN host, political commentator, Emmy Award-winning producer, and author of three New York Times best-selling books: “The Green Collar Economy” (2008), “Rebuild the Dream” (2012) and “Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How we Come Together” (2017).

Van has also found success as a social entrepreneur, having founded and led many thriving enterprises including the REFORM Alliance, Color of Change, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and the Dream.org, which works to close prison doors and open doors of opportunity in the green and tech economies.

In 2009, as the Green Jobs Advisor to the Obama White House, Jones oversaw an $80 billion dollar investment in clean energy jobs.

Jones was the main advocate for the Green Jobs Act. Signed into law by George W. Bush in 2007, the Green Jobs Act was the first piece of federal legislation to codify the term "green jobs." During the Obama Administration, the legislation has resulted in $500 million in national funding for green jobs training.

Jones has stewarded several bipartisan legislative and advocacy efforts, racking up wins under the last four US Presidents: Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump. Jones’ most recent victory was advocating successfully for the passage of the FIRST STEP Act, which the New York Times calls the most substantial breakthrough in criminal justice in a generation.

A Yale-educated attorney, Jones has won numerous awards, including the World Economic Forum’s “Young Global Leader” designation, Rolling Stone’s 2012 “12 Leaders Who Get Things Done”, TIME’s 2009 “100 Most Influential People in The World”, the 2010 NAACP Image Award, a 2017 WEBBY Special Achievement Award, a 2019 Lumiere Award and a 2020 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Interactive Program.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Van Jones and other top speakers and celebrities.

Van Jones Speaking Topics

Rebuild The Dream: The Next American Economy

Imagine a new economy, where the founding principle of our country— liberty and justice for all—is deeply rooted in our economic philosophy and design, where businesses can profit alongside flourishing communities. The next American economy must value production over consumption, savings over credit and ecological restoration over ecological destruction. To achieve sustained prosperity, we need to transform our ideas and understanding around ownership and wealth—transcending consumerism, transforming corporations, and revitalizing communities.

“Green Jobs Not Jails”: Criminal Justice + Ecology

The USA has only five percent of the world’s population. Yet we produce: (a) about 25 percent of its greenhouse gasses and (b) about 25 percent of its prisoners. Coincidence? Van Jones doesn’t think so. He sees “mass incarceration” and the “mass extinction” as twin outcomes of the same false ideology: disposability. Industrial society behaves as if we have a throwaway planet – and throwaway people, too. To reverse course, Van says we must shrink the prison system and grow the green economy.

“Beyond Prisons”: Don’t Criminalize – Humanize

Civil rights attorney and TV personality Van Jones seeks peaceful streets through approaches that are smarter, fairer and less costly. His organization, Dream Corps Unlimited, houses the Beyond Prisons campaign. That initiative works to safely and smartly reduce the prison population by at least 50 percent – by promoting proven, bipartisan solutions. Neither Democrats nor Republicans see much sense in locking people away for long periods of time, often for petty offenses, and then denying them a chance to work, vote, rent an apartment or get a student loan for the rest of their lives.

#YesWeCode: Race, Gender & The Digital Divide

Former Obama advisor and CNN personality Van Jones created #YesWeCode to find real solutions. Housed at Dream Corps Unlimited, #YesWeCode is working to help 100,000 young adults of color – both women and men – find employment in the technology sector. Learn from the many insights that Van has gleaned by working directly with dozens of major tech firms, the Obama White House, and the nation’s top accelerated training programs. Hear how cultural barriers – on both sides of the divide – may be the biggest obstacles to an inclusive tech sector.

“Green For All”: Can Environmentalism Include Everyone?

The solar industry is booming. The fight for climate solutions is accelerating. The movement for a greener future is regaining steam. But will this renewed “green wave” lift ALL boats? Or will some places enjoy clean energy, green jobs and organic food, while others fall further behind? How can we avoid “ecological apartheid”? Van Jones has answers. He was the primary advocate for the Green Jobs Act of 2007. He is the founder of Green For All, a national organization working to grow the green economy in communities of color. He wrote the bestseller, The Green-Collar Economy – the definitive book on green jobs. And he was the special advisor on green jobs and innovation to the Obama White House.

Van Jones Videos

The Messy Truth with Van Jones | Busta Rhymes Interview
Van Jones' Keynote at EMA IMPACT 2017
"Programming and Prejudice: Can Computers Be Racist?" | Talks at Google

How do I book Van Jones to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Van Jones for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Van Jones, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Van Jones or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Van Jones for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Van Jones, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Van Jones, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Van Jones speak about?

Van Jones is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Environmental Policy, Personal Growth, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Sustainability, Television & Film, Adventure, Space, Authors, Political, Black Heritage, Economy, Inspirational, Philosophy, Diversity, News & Media, Cybersecurity, Sports Writing, World Affairs, College, Business Ethics, Broadcasting, Innovation, Big Think, Futurism, Social Justice, Literary, Social Activism, Motivational, AIDS / HIV, Culture, Commencement, Green, Leadership, History, Business, Health, Government, Overcoming Adversity, Celebrity, Environmental Activism, Technology, Democratic Party, Civil Rights and Bipartisan.

Where does Van Jones travel from?

Van Jones generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Van Jones?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Van Jones for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Van Jones for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Van Jones or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Van Jones is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Environmental Policy, Personal Growth and Environment. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Van Jones generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daymond John, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Dr. Michio Kaku. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Van Jones for an upcoming event.

Van Jones Speaking Topics

  • Rebuild The Dream: The Next American Economy

    Imagine a new economy, where the founding principle of our country— liberty and justice for all—is deeply rooted in our economic philosophy and design, where businesses can profit alongside flourishing communities. The next American economy must value production over consumption, savings over credit and ecological restoration over ecological destruction. To achieve sustained prosperity, we need to transform our ideas and understanding around ownership and wealth—transcending consumerism, transforming corporations, and revitalizing communities.

  • “Green Jobs Not Jails”: Criminal Justice + Ecology

    The USA has only five percent of the world’s population. Yet we produce: (a) about 25 percent of its greenhouse gasses and (b) about 25 percent of its prisoners. Coincidence? Van Jones doesn’t think so. He sees “mass incarceration” and the “mass extinction” as twin outcomes of the same false ideology: disposability. Industrial society behaves as if we have a throwaway planet – and throwaway people, too. To reverse course, Van says we must shrink the prison system and grow the green economy.

  • “Beyond Prisons”: Don’t Criminalize – Humanize

    Civil rights attorney and TV personality Van Jones seeks peaceful streets through approaches that are smarter, fairer and less costly. His organization, Dream Corps Unlimited, houses the Beyond Prisons campaign. That initiative works to safely and smartly reduce the prison population by at least 50 percent – by promoting proven, bipartisan solutions. Neither Democrats nor Republicans see much sense in locking people away for long periods of time, often for petty offenses, and then denying them a chance to work, vote, rent an apartment or get a student loan for the rest of their lives.

  • #YesWeCode: Race, Gender & The Digital Divide

    Former Obama advisor and CNN personality Van Jones created #YesWeCode to find real solutions. Housed at Dream Corps Unlimited, #YesWeCode is working to help 100,000 young adults of color – both women and men – find employment in the technology sector. Learn from the many insights that Van has gleaned by working directly with dozens of major tech firms, the Obama White House, and the nation’s top accelerated training programs. Hear how cultural barriers – on both sides of the divide – may be the biggest obstacles to an inclusive tech sector.

  • “Green For All”: Can Environmentalism Include Everyone?

    The solar industry is booming. The fight for climate solutions is accelerating. The movement for a greener future is regaining steam. But will this renewed “green wave” lift ALL boats? Or will some places enjoy clean energy, green jobs and organic food, while others fall further behind? How can we avoid “ecological apartheid”? Van Jones has answers. He was the primary advocate for the Green Jobs Act of 2007. He is the founder of Green For All, a national organization working to grow the green economy in communities of color. He wrote the bestseller, The Green-Collar Economy – the definitive book on green jobs. And he was the special advisor on green jobs and innovation to the Obama White House.

Van Jones Videos

The Messy Truth with Van Jones | Busta Rhymes Interview
Van Jones' Keynote at EMA IMPACT 2017
"Programming and Prejudice: Can Computers Be Racist?" | Talks at Google
Van Jones Keynote Speech #LoveArmy #MPAC16

Van Jones Reviews

  • Earlham College - Oct 10 2023

  • What a marvelous choice it was to secure Van Jones as keynote speaker. He had the profound ability to connect with both younger and older members of the audience. His message resonated loudly with all who heard his charge. Perhaps the greatest compliment is that a colleague has already reached out in hopes of potentially securing him to speak for another organization. We are most pleased with the expert coordination from this team.
    Barnes-Jewish Hospital - Jul 28 2021

  • Good experience overall!
    Peninsula Open Space Trust - May 16 2019

  • It is always such a pleasure to work with the team at All American Entertainment. From the initial sign-on, to working out the logistics; everyone is efficient, organized and responsive. Thank you for all the work and I look forward to working with you all again!
    Linux Foundation - Sep 05 2018

  • We had a very good overall experience with All American. I certainly look forward to working with the team at All American again and will be in touch soon to cull your ideas for speakers to engage in 2018. Thank you!
    University of St. Thomas - Apr 18 2017

Van Jones News

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