Shared Effort

When Mike Signer ’95 released his environmental plan a few weeks ago in his bid for Lt. Governor of Virginia, his proposals were not new. He had been thinking about sustainability and efficiency, two trademarks of the plan, since his time at Princeton. While on campus, Mike had plenty of opportunities to serve the public interest, from his involvement with the Student Volunteers Council to the alternative spring break trip to Miami he led after Hurricane Andrew.

More than just a volunteer opportunity, though, was his PP55 internship at the Resource Renewal Institute (RRI). Over the summer of 1994, Mike was exposed to ideas about the intersection of our society and the environment, ideas which have informed his thinking ever since. “I was exposed to ideas about the interconnectedness of …growth, economic development and the broader goal of sustainability,” says Mike. Beyond only learning about new ideas, Mike was given significant responsibility during his summer when he designed and produced RRI’s newsletter, “pretty much from scratch.”

At Resource Renewal Institute, Mike also learned the role politics can play in serving the common good. While attending a conference in Holland “as a 20 year-old, I spent all this time talking to political and policy leaders about the environment…it was really eye-opening for me.”

After Princeton, Mike retained his commitment to the public interest, though not through traditional avenues. He interned with the Democratic National Committee, was involved in local politics, went to law school, and eventually received a Ph.D. in political science. All along the way, he remained engaged in his community, working on issues ranging from the environment to racial reconciliation. A commitment to the public interest “can start in the nonprofit sector” he said, and “it can happily coexist with a for-profit life. Get involved volunteering, serving on boards, be involved in politics…these are all important ways to be in the nation’s service.”

Now, as Mike launches his political career, he sees it as a new way to support the causes he has worked for throughout his life. Having been both an activist and policy researcher, he is looking forward to applying the skills and passion that have taken him this far in a new context. While reflecting on our shared responsibility to improve society, Mike said “with all the desperate problems we see around the world today…Princeton graduates need to be fully committed to public service and be unembarrassed in the desire to make a difference.”

Public service, then, is about much more than simply working for a nonprofit or volunteering. Instead, it is a continual commitment to improving our communities, nation and world. Mike has certainly worked to fulfill this ethos, and makes a challenge to those who follow him. “To those much is given, much is expected; Princeton graduates have a special burden to serve the nation.” For all of our new fellows this year, Mike also offered some advice. “Think broadly, and never, ever give up!”

With the opportunities PP55 provides to alumni across generations to serve the public interest, and all the passion and excitement for service our alumni have expressed and given over the years; stories like Mike’s are a trademark of PP55. As we celebrate our 20^th Anniversary, please send us your stories of service!