Ideas change everything

From prison to purpose through wildland firefighting

488,115 plays|

Royal Ramey |

TED Fellows Films 2024

• April 2024

When wildfires rage in California, incarcerated people are often on the front lines fighting the flames. TED Fellow Royal Ramey was one of them. He shares the story of how doing public service in prison inspired him to cofound the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated people become wildland firefighters — and find purpose along the way.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

When wildfires rage in California, incarcerated people are often on the front lines fighting the flames. TED Fellow Royal Ramey was one of them. He shares the story of how doing public service in prison inspired him to cofound the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated people become wildland firefighters — and find purpose along the way.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

About the speaker

Wildland firefighter

See speaker profile