It’s time to tap into our youth – and their refreshing, inspired ideas for addressing the challenges facing our communities. This second annual TEDxYouth@TheBeltLine amasses teens and young adults who will share their personal journeys that have led them to discover their “Idea Worth Doing.” TEDxYouthDay is a series of TEDx events happening all around the world coinciding with Universal Children’s Day from November 17-20, 2012. These events are designed to empower and inspire young people. Locally planned and organized by youth and adults who care about them, these events will vary in scope, format and theme, but they will share a common vision: inspiring curiosity, igniting new ideas, and empowering young leaders. More than 100 TEDxYouthDay events in nearly 50 countries are organized for this year.
Since August, a team of a dozen young people from across metro Atlanta has diligently worked to develop the theme “Unleash Our Power.” Guided by the Higher Ground Initiative, this group is wholly responsible for planning this landmark event. TEDxYouth@TheBeltLine aims to host a TEDxYouth event every year on the Atlanta BeltLine as an inspiration to the generation that will grow up seeing this project transform Atlanta.
A sampling of this year’s speakers includes:
- Jordan Schwartz, a teen that created a theater company that overcame language barriers for over 5,000 students in schools across metro Atlanta.
- Anand Srinivasan, a high school junior and Google Science Competition Finalist.
- William Legate, a high school junior and app developer.
- SkaterAid, an annual event in Decatur, Georgia that has raised over $100,000 for childhood brain cancer research.
- A Future. Not a Past. will share its campaign to end child sex trafficking in Georgia.
- Performance by a Hard Rock Cafe’s Global Rock Band finalist Kick the Robot, and many more.
TEDxYouth@TheBeltline will take place on Monday, November 19, 2012 from 4 – 8 p.m. in Zoo Atlanta’s Conservation Action Resource Center. This event is free thanks to sponsorships from Georgia Pacific, Turner Broadcasting, Zoo Atlanta, and support from The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and many more. People of all ages can register online to attend and are encouraged to join in. Seats are limited, so please register early. This event will be filmed by Grady High School’s video production class and it will also be live streamed on UStream. Viewing parties at schools, homes, and afterschool programs are encouraged!
Register now for TEDxYouth@TheBeltLine 2012 now.
This independently produced event, operated under a license from TED, was organized by community volunteers and is aimed at creating dialogue as well as giving metor Atlanta’s young people a forum to share their experiences, ideas and passions. You can find more about TED and the TEDx program at www.ted.com and www.tedx.com.
