If you are applying to speak at TEDxThirdWard Salon on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at MATCH Theater in Houston, this is where you introduce yourself. In the comments below, please share: • Your name • Where you’re from • Your big idea in one or two sentences This is how we begin building community beyond the application. We want to know who you are and what you hope to bring to the stage! Drop your intro below.

TEDxThirdWard Open House Tonight Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming June 14, 2026 TEDxThirdWard 2026 experience. Whether you’re interested in applying to speak, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply learning more, this virtual open house is your chance to connect directly with the team and hear what’s ahead for this year’s event. We’ll walk through key dates, what makes a strong TEDx talk, and how to get involved in shaping one of Houston’s most dynamic idea platforms. Open to past applicants, first-timers, and anyone curious about what it really takes to bring a TEDx event to life. Spots are limited. RSVP to secure your place and receive the Zoom link: https://www.mobilize.us/hia/event/890894/ ALSO: 5-Day Speaker Bootcamp Designed to help you clarify one powerful idea and prepare it for a TEDx stage anywhere. What’s included: • 4 Live sessions • Small-group labs • Hands-on feedback and coaching Starts: Monday, February 9th at 6:00 PM CST Cost: $197 LINK: https://www.skool.com/big-idea-speaker-bootcamp More details and registration will be shared during the open house.

💬 A clear vision backed by purpose gives direction to your steps and meaning to your journey. 👁️ Vision isn’t just about seeing the future, it’s about creating it. 📖 Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision gives life, direction, and momentum to your purpose. 🪶 Habakkuk 2:2-3 reminds us to “Write the vision and make it plain,” because clarity fuels action and persistence. 🕰 Even if the vision feels delayed, it’s for an appointed time, don’t lose faith in the process. 🧭 My mentor used to tell me, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re not going to like where you end up.” ✍️ Three months before the Covid lockdown, I wrote down my life’s mission statement and the core of it revolved around making an impact on people. 🔥 That act of writing it down gave me purpose, direction, and peace, even when the world shut down. 💡 I’ve learned that when your vision aligns with service, everything else begins to fall into place. Comment below 👇🏻with what you think this means to you. 👏 Share your vision

This episode brings the TEDxThirdWard family together for a powerful group conversation. Hosted by event director Durrel Douglas, the roundtable includes: • Emem Washington – our speaker coach • Chris Wright – TEDxThirdWard speaker • Tiffany Yvonne – TEDxThirdWard speaker • Dr. Amber Gunner – TEDxThirdWard speaker Together, we unpack the real journey of stepping onto the TEDx stage: • The pros and cons of the process • Why a TEDx talk isn’t an Easter speech or commencement address • The transformation that happens behind the scenes • How this experience became both a challenge and a reunion This candid, fun, and wisdom-filled conversation is packed with nuggets for anyone curious about the TEDx process — or dreaming of giving a talk themselves. What stood out to you in this discussion? What questions do you have about the process?