TEDx was created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. TEDxColumbiaSIPA is a locally-organized, student-led event designed to spark authentic, impassioned, and open-minded dialogue in our community.  It is organized by students from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).

Last year SIPA put together its first TEDx to stimulate dialogue around the common mission most dear to SIPA:  how to make a difference around the world.  The 2013 theme centered on “A Better World”; this year’s theme is: Think Smaller.

Instead of focusing on the big picture, we want to celebrate the small: individual success stories, micro-enterprises, local neighborhoods that we are a part of and the worlds we cannot see with the naked eye.

TEDxColumbiaSIPA 2014 is taking place on Thursday, May 8 at Miller Theater.  For more information about the upcoming event (which is still in the planning stages) and about ticket sales, click here.