By Monica Brigham/reporter

TCC will host its own version of a TED Talk titled TEDxTCCD March 5 on NE campus. TEDx events focus on a local community approach and community voices through a short, yet powerful speech delivered in 18 minutes or less.

“TED tells you not to seek out speakers but to seek out ideas,” said Connie Stein, NE psychology instructor and TEDx lead organizer. “You must have ideas in mind when you apply for a license. Some of the ideas were the flying taxis that will be tested in Dallas in 2020, supersonic space travel and philanthropy from the perspective of a Rwandan refugee.”

Ten speakers and performers from TCC and the surrounding community will assemble to present diverse and compelling topics ranging from human trafficking to building a community through movement and dance.

“These speakers had unique experiences and ideas,” Stein said. “They make you think from different perspectives.”

Although the event is independently licensed by TED, the goal of TEDxTCCD is to maintain the spirit of TED through the sharing of ideas, performances and live speakers.

“The idea is that the TEDx event will rotate to campuses every year,” Stein said.

TED which stands for technology, entertainment and design aims to spread ideas and spark conversations throughout the community.

For the inaugural TEDxTCCD, topics will include Tragedy to Triumph by Rebekah Charleston, an advocate for victims of human trafficking, Tapping the Invisible Workforce presented by NE speech instructor Amber Meyers and Life Lessons Learned from a Homeless Ex-Con Named Suicide by Ron Hall. A speed painting performance by Gabino Martinez will round out the TEDxTCCD event.

“These are extraordinary people who do and have had the ability to change the world,” Stein said.

All tickets to the live session have been sold but live-stream sessions are available on each campus the day of the event.

TEDxTCCD
6-9 p.m. March 5
NFAB theater