TEDxYouth@SanAntonio is seeking presenters for “Made in the Future,” a unique community event that aims to feature speakers and entertainers from multiple backgrounds exploring topics that are relevant to San Antonio’s youth.
Applicants can be of all ages and backgrounds, talents and visions. As a youth-based event, students in grades 8-12 are encouraged to apply. The deadline is Monday, Oct. 5.
Interested speakers can apply here.
The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at The DoSeum, San Antonio’s museum for kids.
TEDxYouth@SanAntonio is unique in the TEDx model as far as who is calling the shots. The event is completely led by students, with the support of business professionals acting as liaisons for the students.
The idea stemmed from a viewing party of the national TED event, where about 100 students attended. Willing to build upon this success, The San Antonio Youth Commission got together with SAY Sí and TEDxSanAntonio to organize the first student-led TEDxYouth event.
“We recruited driven students from different parts of the city who participate in different organizations such as Girls Inc., Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, SAY Sí, Artpace, and the San Antonio Youth Commission,” said Tony Bryden, board member of TEDxSanAntonio. “We are the bumper lane to the bowling alley, steering them to success.”
Students produce ideas in small groups and committees are in charge of different tasks.
“We really want the youth to be at the forefront of this,” said Adam Tutor, facilitator for TEDxYouth@SanAntonio and youth coordinator for the San Antonio Youth Commission.
17 year-old Carlos Moreno will organize the interactive activities and exhibitions that will be available throughout the event. He accepts the leadership role confidently. “Often we teens have our voices neglected, this opportunity is allowing our voices to be heard,” he said.
This one-day event will focus on the theme of the future. It will explore issues that are important for young people and the possible solutions. It aims to create a dialogue among students.
Moreno and Camelia Juarez are excited to explore topics such as standardized testing, social movements, racial inequality, equal pay, and sustainability through technology and the arts.
“We are the future. I think it’s good we have an outlet for things that we stand for,” said Juarez, who heard of the opportunity through Girls Inc.
The event will be free for middle school and high school students. Registration will be available soon via Eventbrite.
Adults interested in attending the event can purchase tickets, which will go on sale soon.
*Top image: Student organizers at SAY Sí sharing ideas for TEDxYouth@SanAntonio. Photo by Stephen Guzman.
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