tedxamsterdam (20101105) tedxamsterdam tedxyouth part of the zeitgeist of positivity
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TEDxYouth part of the ‘zeitgeist of positivity’
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When Evelyne Peeters was in high school, shestarted to rebel against the system. Actually, sheimploded and stopped doing homework after she lostinterest. She became a sport fanatic instead, whichbecame her outlet. There was one teacher able toinspire her in his own remarkable way: Evelyne inhindsight describes him as a nutty professor. Sheloved his literature classes from the moment heproposed to act out a classic Dutch text instead ofreading and discussing it. Only now she recognizeshis astounding creativity as the source of her beliefsabout education, inspiration and youth potential. Thisis one of Evelyne’s small anecdotes…I spent threehours absorbed in many more.
Be The Change is an action based school projectEvelyne started a few years ago, to supportyoungsters realizing their dreams, ideas and ideals.Sometimes it takes some pushing and digging: “We
un-learn to trust our inner creativity. I feel an affinity to Ken Robinson’s vision for another type ofeducating our future generation. I am also gnawing at the Dutch educational system”, Evelyneexplains. The project volunteers ask children about their motivation and drives and what theywant to change, be it something small around them or something bigger ‘out there’. After peelingoff the first layer of politeness the free minds pop out with fantastic ideas. “It comes down toasking youngsters one ultimate question again and again: “What do you really want?”.” Withpassion written all over her, Evelyne tells me about the successes this program has already had.This year Be The Change evolves into the first worldwide TEDxYouth event connecting threedifferent time zones.
Visiting the first TEDxAmsterdam last year inspired Evelyne to do the very same this year – butwith people under 18. Great minds think alike and the TED headquarters officially launchedTEDxYouth as a brand. Although several local events have been organized since then, theTEDxYouth@Amsterdam edition will be one of the most global ones, Evelyne tells meenthusiastically. “This edition is only the beginning. We are going to thrust a missile packed withinspiration into the Netherlands, you won’t believe! Two hundred enthusiastic young peoplerealizing their dreams… I will personally ensure a follow up event before TEDxYouth 2011. Weshould spread all this in the world, it’s extremely inspiring!”
One life lesson Evelyne has learned from working with children is that we need to treat them asequals. “We can learn so many important lessons from our children and the way they view theworld. It’s two-directional!” In her worldview there can never be a senior to junior relationship.With a big smile she enlightens me on the details of a happiness project involving teenagersteaching the elderly how to be happy. The youngsters literally organized lectures in retirementhomes on the steps to happiness. In return, the elderly residents shared their valuable lifeexperiences with the new generation. Every participant in the project is said to have learnedfrom this exchange both mentally and spiritually.
Asking Evelyne why initiatives such as TED and its spin-offs like TEDxYouth are happening now,she thinks it’s because of the zeitgeist of positivity. People all over the world feel a need tochange our systems radically, unleashing an unseen force of energy. She started Be TheChange and it matches similar movements. That’s why she collaborates with TEDx, War Childand dance4life: “The concepts just fit.”
The main message Evelyne wants to convey to the youngsters is that anything you want in lifereally is possible. One just needs to take effort! As the founder of this inspiring event she servesas an ideal example. I have never seen the right woman in the right place more than Evelynegiving her all for TEDxYouth@Amsterdam.
TEDxYouth Theme SongThe TEDxYouth Amsterdam team has created a theme song and accompanying video forTEDxYouthDay — the song is titled “We will change everything” and gives a voice to the younggeneration. The lyrics are based on quotes from kids who share their dreams and what theywould change if they ruled the world. The chorus is a creative interpretation of the TEDTalk byAdora Svitak (adults created all these problems, isn’t it time to listen to kids for the solution?). Inthe words of the song: ”The mess may be yours, but we’ll get us out”. TEDxYouth delegatesworld wide are asked to assist in completing the video clip with their own sounds and images!Read the instructions and contribute to the the pilot clip below!
TEDxYouth Amsterdam takes place on November 20 in Nemo. Visit the TEDxYouthAmsterdam website for more information (in Dutch). The TEDxYouth program is in Dutch(morning) and English (afternoon), and includes lectures and workshops. TEDxYouth has aspecial program for schools.
Are you younger than 18 and would you like to attend? Let us know you are interestedvia the registration formPhoto by Jan-Jaap Heine.
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POSTED BY OLIVER DE LEEUW ON NOV 05, 2010
Amsterdam youth: step on stage and participate
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The officialmagazine forTEDxAmsterdam2010 is availablenow. Featuringinterviews withspeakers, guestsand some behind-the-scenes footage.Order online beforeNovember 8th.
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@DiamonDie Hi Maija - we replied butseems it wasn't received. The entry wasexcluded as there were no clear results,orchanges/improvements 1 day agoIt's time to vote on the TEDxAmsterdamChallenges! Click on your favouritechallenge & rate it. Voting open until 9/11http://bit.ly/dxL4X0 1 day agoTEDxYouth is part of a 'zeitgeist ofpositivity,' says organizer Evelyne Peeters.Check out the story here: http://bit.ly/9Xhl8c2 days agoMore updates...Powered by Twitter Tools
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-11-07TEDxYouth part of the ‘zeitgeist of positivity’Muthoni the Drummer Queen wins ThreeTimes a Lady competitionTEDxAmsterdam Thought Leaders #1:Robbert DijkgraafCoebergh PR,
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