TEDxFargo 2017 asks,"What Are You For?"
Nothing would have ever come into existence without an idea. Ideas inspire action, and action creates change.
That change has the power to improve the lives of many. TEDxFargo has historically been a day of impactful ideas that challenge our community to take intentional steps – personally, professionally and even globally. Through deep listening and meaningful conversation, the outcomes of the day are massive.
Co-hosts Dr. Faith Ngunjiri, director of the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work and associate professor of ethics and leadership at Concordia College, and Greg Tehven, executive director of Emerging Prairie, welcomed 1,996 Fargo-Moorhead area residents and others who traveled from all over the country to the largest TEDx event Fargo has ever seen.
WHAT ARE YOU FOR?
In a time when people have been polarized based on what they are against, the theme of this year’s TEDxFargo, “For,” strived to build community by focusing instead on what we are for.
Twenty-four national and global thought leaders spoke on a variety of topics but with a common goal of solving challenges and creating possibilities.
Many of the talks addressed stereotypes and ways to combat fear-based discrimination.
Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, first lady of North Dakota, spoke of her long-term recovery from alcoholism (15 years sober!) and the stigmas associated with addiction and urged the community to begin to see and treat addiction as any other disease, such as diabetes.
Sam Reid, a consultant at Ideas2Impact, urged the crowd to help “build more awesome men in the world” by redefining what masculinity looks like in our everyday conversations.
Adelynn Mrosko urged the media to cover more and better-informed transgender topics beyond the fear-driven bathroom debate, and 17-year-old Muslim feminist Nastesho Ulow boldly spoke about the media’s portrayal of Muslim women as oppressed, veiled and homogeneous. “I am not oppressed,” she said. “And I am certainly not caged."
Technology was another key element within the talks, ranging from ways to eliminate innovation deserts and software that reduces infection rates in hospitals to supporting professors to do better research and the future of the tech industry.
Steve Rohr, a ’92 grad of Concordia and show publicist for the Academy Awards, showed how our individual actions matter more than we realize and encouraged everyone to be open to the opportunities that knock on our doors. “Always look for new opportunities and don’t try and force one that isn’t going to work,” he said. “Go through the open doors.”
EXPERIENCES AND ADVENTURES
Along with activating minds through the TED Talks, TEDxFargo offered participants a variety of ways to experience what it means to be a part of the Fargo-Moorhead community. Many participants rose with the sun for early morning activities such as rooftop yoga, group bike rides, cupcake wars and more.
Throughout the day, several dancers and musicians entertained the audience with their unique sounds and moves. Breaks between sessions offered opportunities to grab snacks, learn about local initiatives, and network and discuss the TED talks with others.
For lunch, the crowd gathered on Second Street in downtown Fargo where local growers, caterers and vendors provided thoughtful, hand-crafted lunches that catered to all different needs. Pulled pork sandwiches, vegetarian quinoa bowls, and chicken baguettes fueled the attendees before heading into the afternoon session.
READY TO MAKE CHANGE
“TEDxFargo reminded me just how awesome the F-M community is! It was great to see so many brilliant minds come together to advocate for change and celebrate progress. Fargo is just so cool.” – Bailey Tillman ’18
“TEDxFargo was a great experience! I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of an event that activates forward thinking and positive change.” – Anna Knutson ’19
Mark your calendars for next year’s TEDxFargo event: July 26, 2018.