Notable Quotable: Jane Fonda To USC Graduates

On May 16, 2025, Jane Fonda, delivered the commencement address to USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Class of 2025.

Jane Fonda is an actress, activist, producer, and author. Among her many recognitions, she is also the recipient of two Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Life Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild.

Below, please watch the full commencement speech. Her words are wise, thoughtful, and above all, kind. What she says to the graduating class also applies to us all. It's why we've posted her entire speech.

Each one of us has the power to shape society. But it's difficult when you try to go it alone. Instead, we must connect with each other since there's more strength, energy, and durability in numbers. 

As we stand at the brink of a colossal shift in American life, we must all decide if we're okay with what that future looks like—and if not, take opposing action wherever we can collectively.

Warning her young audience of the perils headed our way, Fonda urges them to ignite the activist within and follow a simple antidote:

"Grow yourself a deep, solid community of people who share your values, have each others backs, check in on each other regularly, and be intentional about this. In these uncertain times, we need to strengthen our ties to community, to our colleagues, our friends and family, because more and more we're going to need this support for safety, for love, for help, for fun—let's not forget fun—and for survival."

— Jane Fonda

If you don't know where to start building your community, your safety net, your tribe, you can start here by joining Youtropolis and following our prompts.