Super Power: Social Entrepreneurs And Every Day Hero's | Ramona Wright | TEDxYouth@AICS

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker encourages individuals to embrace their potential as social entrepreneurs and everyday heroes, using their skills and resources to address social issues. Drawing parallels between superheroes and social entrepreneurs, the speaker highlights the power of kindness, community, and small sacrifices to create meaningful change. By sharing stories of young people, like Austin Perrine, and their efforts to combat homelessness, the speaker demonstrates that anyone, regardless of age or background, can make a difference. The message is clear: you don't need superpowers to make the world a better place.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social entrepreneurs are everyday heroes who have the power to change the world by solving social problems, even without superpowers.
• 😀 Many of us have imagined having a superpower, like flying or time traveling, but social entrepreneurs use their real-world abilities to create positive change.
• 😀 You don’t need superpowers to make a difference in the world; you can help others by using your existing skills and resources.
• 😀 Social issues such as homelessness, cancer, and hunger are problems that social entrepreneurs aim to address through innovative solutions.
• 😀 It’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life right now; you can explore different options like jobs, travel, education, or even social entrepreneurship.
• 😀 Social entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for individuals to create meaningful change and impact, beyond traditional jobs or business ventures.
• 😀 Social entrepreneurs, like superheroes, often start solving problems within their own communities, creating a ripple effect that extends to larger issues.
• 😀 Even everyday people can support social entrepreneurs by becoming 'everyday heroes,' offering help and resources without needing to start a business themselves.
• 😀 Small acts of kindness, like showing love, volunteering, or using your phone to spread positivity, can have a huge impact on others and the world.
• 😀 Austin Perrine, a 4-year-old social entrepreneur, shows that even with limited resources, you can make a difference in someone’s life, like feeding the homeless with his allowance.
• 😀 Social media and technology can be powerful tools for positive social change if used intentionally, like using apps or platforms to connect people and solve problems.
• 😀 You don’t have to be a superhero to make a difference—anyone can be an everyday hero and contribute to making the world a better place.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the speaker's message?

The speaker emphasizes that everyone has the potential to be an everyday hero through social entrepreneurship, using their resources, skills, and passions to make a positive impact on the world.

How does the speaker relate superpowers to social entrepreneurship?

The speaker uses the idea of superpowers to engage the audience by asking them to imagine having powers like mind-reading, flying, or teleporting. This metaphor is used to highlight how, even without literal superpowers, people can use their abilities and resources to address social problems and help others.

What does the speaker mean by 'everyday heroes'?

'Everyday heroes' refers to ordinary people who take small actions to make a difference in their communities or the world. They do not have to be famous or wealthy but can contribute through simple acts like kindness, volunteering, or supporting social causes.

How does Austin Perrine exemplify an everyday hero?

Austin Perrine, a 4-year-old from Alabama, exemplifies an everyday hero by using his allowance to buy sandwiches and feed homeless people. His actions demonstrate how even a child can take meaningful steps to help others and make a difference.

What sacrifice did Austin Perrine make in his mission to help the homeless?

Austin Perrine sacrificed his allowance money, which he would usually spend on toys, to buy food for the homeless. This shows how even small personal sacrifices can have a big impact on others.

How does the speaker suggest social media can be used for good?

The speaker suggests that social media can be used to spread kindness, offer compliments, and support causes that benefit others. In a world where cyberbullying is prevalent, social media can be a platform for positivity and social change.

What is the WeUp app and how does it relate to social entrepreneurship?

The WeUp app, created by the speaker and her brother, is a tool for social entrepreneurship that helps people achieve their personal goals and address social issues. It leverages social media and technology to connect people and drive social change.

Why does the speaker emphasize the power of choice in consumer behavior?

The speaker emphasizes that consumers have the power to make ethical choices, such as avoiding products made in sweatshops. By being mindful of where products come from, individuals can use their purchasing power to support more sustainable and socially responsible businesses.

What is the connection between past, current, and future 'natures' mentioned in the speech?

The speaker refers to 'past nature' as a time when communities were tightly connected, and people cared for one another. In 'current nature,' technology has connected us in new ways but has also led to social isolation. The 'next nature' represents the future, where social media and technology can be used to foster deeper connections and prevent negative consequences like depression and isolation.

What role do young people play in the future of social entrepreneurship?

Young people play a crucial role in the future of social entrepreneurship by using their creativity, technology, and social media platforms to address pressing issues such as isolation, depression, and social injustice. They are encouraged to use their voices and resources to create positive change.