At TEDxVail Youth, students address issues and share ideas

TEDxVail Youth returns this weekend and the topics range from women in leadership roles, fast fashion and climate change, being mentally resilient (the talk will be given by an original band member from O.A.R.), how AI is shaping our future and being mindful digital citizens and more.

The event showcases what’s on the minds of local youth in the typical TED talk format. TED talks are hosted all over the world and have been a conversation starter in the Vail Valley since 2010 and have involved area youth since 2017. The theme of this year’s TEDxVail Youth is “Rise Above the Noise.” Between speaker sessions, participants will enjoy interactive social spaces with community partners such as SpeakUp ReachOut, Mountain Youth, Your Hope Center, Mountain Pride and more.

In honor of the fast fashion and climate change topic, you can clean out your closet and get something new at the clothing swap. Additionally, free food will be available from various local businesses such as Sundae Ice Cream, Blue Moose Pizza, Coloradough, Kirby Cosmo’s, Moe’s Original BBQ and more.

Even though this is a youth-focused event, it is open to the public. Doors will open at Battle Mountain High School in Edwards at 1:30 p.m. and the program runs from 2-5 p.m. with intermission. Pre-register for a discount; students are free and adults $10.

All audience members will get a free swag bag that has a value over $1,500, including discounts at Vail Valley Wellness, exclusive access to “Brainstorming the Right Way,” a 90-minute online class for solving complex problems, Magnata Sounds sound baths, frisbees, stickers and more. Check out TEDxVail.com for additional details and to see the lineup of speakers.