Why Isn't America’s Greatest Story Being Told? | Congressman Brian Baird | TEDxPacific Avenue
The spirit of service is fundamental to our national character and essential to our democratic republic, but there are no museums or memorials anywhere dedicated to honoring ALL those who give of themselves to help others through their work, charitable contributions or as volunteers.With our nation deeply divided, a loss of trust in institutions, and an epidemic of loneliness and isolation - honoring and inspiring everyone to serve may be the key to uplifting and unifying our nation and saving democracy itself. Brian Baird Ph.D. is the only clinical neuropsychologist ever to serve in Congress and is the founder of the National Museum and Center for Service. He explains why service is vitally important to the health of individuals and society, then describes how every school, service organization and community in America can publicly and prominently honor ALL forms of service, connecting people from all ages and walks of life with how they can serve and make a difference.Former 6 term Member of Congress Brian Baird is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Museum and Center for Service. The organization is dedicated to honoring and inspiring service in ALL its forms through uplifting exhibitions in every community and school in the nation and a signature space near the National Mall in Washington, DC.A clinical neuropsychologist, author, professor and university president, Baird was known in Congress for his focus on congressional ethics and reform, science policy, fiscal responsibility, bipartisan cooperation, and constituent service. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 5:47Qalbah Sal Qalbi | Rania Badr | Bassam Zaher | Abdulwahab Mohammed | Arafat Al-Abous | TEDxSealineRdWhen the four musical instruments — piano, flute, violin, and guitar — come together, they create a beautiful folk masterpiece from the golden era of the city of Aden.The traditional song "Qalbah Sa’al Qalbi" is performed with a modern arrangement that blends various instruments, evoking a unique feeling and a melody full of nostalgia. The Quartet Band This group of four talented musicians delivered a live performance that embodied harmony and creativity. Blending Eastern and Western instruments, they presented musical pieces that enriched the event with a refined artistic touch, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and musical diversity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:22Comedy raised me, Burlesque freed me | Heather Witherden | TEDxWinnipegCan putting on a character help you reveal your truest self? Heather Witherden—mother of three, comedian, and burlesque emcee—shares her powerful journey from suburban mom to stage persona Your Mom Kathy. Through comedy and glitter, Heather sheds the expectations placed on women, mothers, and aging bodies, reclaiming confidence, voice, and joy in unexpected places.From a keyboard in her basement to the spotlight of a burlesque stage, Heather uses storytelling, satire, and sensuality to challenge societal norms, celebrate identity, and create radical self-acceptance. This talk is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt unseen—and a call to let yourself be fully seen, sparkle and all. Heather Witherden, a mother and burlesque performer, has discovered the power of self-expression through this bold art form. Her talk will explores how burlesque inspires personal revelations and empowerment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:51Cupio Dissolvi: famiglia di 'ndrangheta, stigma e libertà | Anna Sergi | TEDxReggio CalabriaAnna Sergi ci accompagna in un racconto personale e potente. Il suo speech narra la storia di Betta e delle ambiguità di crescere in un contesto familiare segnato dalla ’ndrangheta, sfidando stereotipi e invitandoci a guardare il bene e il male oltre le categorie assolute. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx – www.tedxreggiocalabria.org Criminologa di fama internazionale, è docente e direttrice del Centro di Criminologia presso l’Università dell’Essex (Regno Unito). I suoi studi sulle mafie italiane, e in particolare sulla ’ndrangheta, sono pubblicati dalle più importanti riviste e case editrici. Combina ricerca accademica e testimonianza personale, raccontando con coraggio le ambiguità di un contesto in cui bene e male si intrecciano. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:49Venite, vi farò architetti di realtà | Matteo Flora | TEDxReggio CalabriaMatteo Flora ci guida in un percorso sulla costruzione e manipolazione della realtà nell’era digitale. Il suo speech ci invita a ripensare la lotta alla disinformazione e a usare la tecnologia come strumento per difendere verità e autenticità. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx – www.tedxreggiocalabria.org Imprenditore e docente universitario, si occupa di intelligenza artificiale e comunicazione digitale. Fondatore di The Fool e co-fondatore di 42 Law Firm, è tra le voci più innovative nel campo della narrative governance. Conduce rubriche seguitissime su AI e sicurezza digitale e ha ricevuto riconoscimenti internazionali per la sua capacità di coniugare tecnologia e strategie di reputazione. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:21Emotional Thermodynamics | Josh Kim | TEDxHarry Ainlay School YouthJosh introduces an equation to explain why people react differently in certain situations. Josh Kim is a father, workshop creator, and self-taught system thinker. He’s building a framework called Emotional Thermodynamics—turning stress into equations, and emotions into something we can finally understand. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:04Emigrazione e immigrazione: due verità | Massimo Laganà | TEDxReggio CalabriaLe parole non sono mai neutre: emigrazione e immigrazione descrivono lo stesso fenomeno da prospettive opposte, eppure portano con sé giudizi profondi. Massimo Laganà ci guida in una riflessione sul linguaggio della migrazione e sul doppiopesismo che distingue chi parte dall’Italia in cerca di opportunità da chi arriva in Europa per sopravvivere. Attraverso esperienze personali e riferimenti letterari, ci invita a superare pregiudizi e stereotipi, riconoscendo la complessità di un fenomeno umano universale: lasciare le proprie radici per costruire altrove un futuro migliore. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx – www.tedxreggiocalabria.org Giornalista e scrittore, collabora con il settimanale Oggi e cura un blog molto seguito. Nato a Reggio Calabria e oggi residente a Bergamo, ha intrecciato le sue esperienze personali con riflessioni sulle migrazioni, sul linguaggio e sui pregiudizi che le accompagnano. La sua penna unisce rigore giornalistico e sensibilità narrativa. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx