What do you love to do so much that you would do it for free?

The idea for TEDxTacoma was cultivated by a group of University of Puget Sound students with a common experience as members of a community of learners discovering their deepest passions who support each other in overcoming the obstacles we perceive so our education may inform our lives in a more direct and meaningful way. The experiences have proven to be a transformative exploration for many and have given rise to self-awareness, independent thinking, great friendships, strong communities and changed lives.

TEDxTacoma hopes to expand the conversation of passionate living to the larger campus and surrounding communities by presenting a series of innovative and passionate leaders all of whom will give “The talk of a life time”. Many of you may have noticed that the most influential people in your life are very passionate about something; it seems as if that passion runs through them and animates them toward a type of living that is influential, vibrant, and free. If you haven’t yet met those people, TEDxTacoma will be a great opportunity.

In the vein of Sir Ken Robinson (Celebrated TED Speaker), TEDxTacoma is based on the premise that the world would be a better place if people were able to find their element and work for positive change from a place of deep love for what they do. This is passion based leadership.

Our theme encourages TEDxTacoma participants to wonder not what life should look like, but rather allow ourselves to connect on a deeper level and wonder what life should feel like. Once we have found our passion we must learn how to live it, this often takes support and guidance. Anyone courageous enough to live as their unique best self, and support others on their journey, is a passion based leader. We hope to simultaneously encourage individual diversity as well as create a unified community of open-minded and passionate people, so that we may ask new questions, share new ideas, and create positive change in the world.

Imagine if you had 18 minutes to share one idea with the world, what would you say?

There is a leader inside all of us, and she is surrounded by passion. Where is yours?