idealist.org

TED: Ideas Worth Spreading

How can we help the one billion people who are living in poverty? Where does creativity hide? How can a good design transform consumer interactions with products into meaningful cultural experiences?


photo by jurvetson TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) explores answers to these questions and more, through thought-provoking discussion of "ideas worth spreading." With the aim of fostering global community, the association boasts an impressive roster of leaders and innovators, from former United States President Bill Clinton to William Kamkwamba, a Malawian adolescent who built an electricity-generated windmill from spare parts.

Though membership may be hard to come by (to apply costs upwards of $6,000), access to the minds of TED is not. The website features a series of talks from the TED Conference, an annual convergence of some of the world's most original thinkers and doers. From open source architecture to ways mushrooms can save the world to how to nurture the next Einstein in Africa, the 18-minute talks offer plenty of food for thought. Afterwards, if you're sitting there scratching your head or feeling inspired, you can engage in dialogue with others.

Have a good idea but don't know where to start? There are plenty of ways to get your idea out there. Start by creating your own Idealist Group, or check out the nearly 800 existing groups in 92 countries that are making the world a better place.