Read their four world-changing ideas below -- and hit the link at the bottom of the page for even more great ideas from contest entrants!
TEDTalk Contest Winners
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Heather HalsteadNew York, NY
I founded and run the organization 'Reach the World'. My two great passions are education & travel; I wanted to find a way to combine these to benefit at-risk youth who have few opportunities to interact in the global community. RTW builds long-term relationships between young students and world travelers. We’ve created a new way of learning geography called GeoGames. My talk would focus on the power of personal connections to help build 'mental maps' of the world and become empowered global citizens.
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Isabelle DustonLynchburg, VA
In the developing world illiteracy rates are extremely high due to lack of resources, yet the access to mobile phones is increasing rapidly. I plan to bridge the digital gap between the western and developing world by developing m-learning applications that teach children how to read. These applications, which will be available free in the developing world and for a small cost in the western world, will be created in numerous languages so that children can learn to read in their native tongue.
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Joanne TawfilisOceanside, CA
Art Miles Mural Project has evolved from the first mural painted on a bullet riddled bed sheet in Bosnia to the creation of more than 4,000 murals painted on canvas by over 1/2 million people from 125 countries. My TED Talk would demonstrate how this 100% volunteer "movement" has created cultural and educational awareness, and inspired actions that address major social issues resulting in the most unique collection of global art during this century. A global multi media tour will follow.
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Liz FriedmanNorthampton, MA
Eight years ago I had severe postpartum depression. 1 in 5 mothers experiences PPD and yet help is scarce. One of the most effective treatments is support groups. I have created the MotherWoman Postpartum Support Group Model. It is replicable and is having great success. We are launching our model nationally and are committed to a Support Group for every 2000 births. I WILL do this because ALL mothers deserve support to know that we can recover and be our full selves as mothers and women.