TEDx Talks And People Listen

TEDx, where x = an independently organized TED event, is what brought together 20 or so local Clinton folks recently from all walks of life to peek inside great minds, sharing great ideas, on great topics.

TEDx Talks are an online series of speeches of significance shared free around the world, each approximately ten minutes in length. The speakers bring to the table an enlightened “think outside the box” theory of making the world a better place.

Many speakers are invited to present at three annual conferences: two in California and one in Europe. As of late, TEDx provides independently organized events as forums in-and-of themselves, to tap into brilliance throughout the nation as well as the world. Online at www.TED.com you will find over 900 video speeches on just about as many topics of interest and concern.

David Boudinot, programming librarian, has worked at the Henry Carter Hull Library for four years now. He earned his Masters Degree in Librarian Information Studies and Archival Studies from the University of British Columbia.

Why TEDx talks?

“They are short and effective, current and relevant, informative and entertaining,” shares Boudinot.

This is the second TEDx talk presentation he has coordinated at the HCH Library. Inspirational at the very least, these talks and topics make one think about one's place in the world and the impact people can make when they take a stand.

The clips assembled for a recent presentation included an internet activist, an economic consultant, a business magnate and a doctor and a lawyer in Somalia. They included an author on negotiations who walked the path of Abraham, an 11 year old home-schooled student, and the winner of the 2011 TEDx Prize, artist J.R. from France who ended the program with a challenge to his viewers.

“I chose these segments because they are not mainstream, they are first person accounts that encourage the theme of community,” says Boudinot.

Overall, Boudinot wants to “provide a variety of programs to spur self education and unite aspects of the community.”

He “likes to introduce programs that capture people's imagination and encourage doing good.”

What makes TEDx Talks inspirational is that many times they feature the unknown, unsung and leave us, the viewer/listener, a bit wiser and a bit more informed.

The objective is to attract those in town who would not normally come to the Library. TEDx's tag line is “Ideas Worth Spreading.”

Within the last year, two groups have been generated independent from the library, but as a direct result of these library programs.

A presentation in early 2009 on biodiesel fuel sparked a group of citizens to research and integrate resources and form the Clinton Biofuel Initiative. As a result, the library, The Morgan School, and school buses have begun to use biofuel - a benefit to the community as well.

Resident Deb Lundgren asked Boudinot to look into a speaker on bicycling. He found Steven Mitchell from Simsbury who is instrumental in the Connecticut East Coast Greenery Project which created a safe bike route Maine to Florida. At the end of this speaking engagement last June, the Bicycle Pedestrian Alliance of Clinton was formed. Those in attendance exchanged contact information and began the group which has already coordinated a Walk to School event, and on Sunday, May 1 will host a Bike Fest right here in Clinton.

His favorite so far? A photographer from Norway, “that was a real surprise hit” that had the audience captivated.

Upcoming programs that Boudinot is excited about include Tom Lee with a bonsai tree demonstration on April 20 and the three author events on June 6, 14 and 29. He feels “the good in Clinton is just beginning,” and “the passion and spirit of the projects are refreshing.” 

Visit www.hchlibrary.org for more information on the programs.

Will they host another TEDx Talks?

“Absolutely,” says Boudinot.

His hope is to build a following of many ages and eventually host a follow up dialog on what can be done right here in Clinton to incorporate some of these unique strategies.