11/3 update! · From Dream to Speaker Stage

11/3 update!

Hey Folks,

I wanted to share some updates and invite you to get more involved as we continue building this growing network of speakers, storytellers, and doers.

Volunteer Opportunities

We’ve opened the volunteer sign-up for those who want to play a hands-on role in what we’re building. There are opportunities to help with event production, speaker coordination, logistics, creative storytelling, communications, and on-site experience for our upcoming TEDx events.

If you’d like to contribute your time and skills while getting a virtual/in-person behind-the-scenes view of things, sign up here: https://forms.gle/MGBPKxFfwZvooty6A

Speaker Notifications

All speaker emails have been sent. Please check your inbox and your spam folder to see whether you were selected for this round. Every speaker also received a personal call.

Even if you weren’t selected for this cycle, stay close. We’re already planning the April event rollout and there will be more opportunities to take the stage in 2025.

What’s Next

While the speaker lineup for the January 10 TEDxThirdWard event in Houston is set, planning has already started for the April cycle. Next year, there will be four total TEDxThirdWard events: one full-scale event and three smaller Salon events built around specific themes.

This community will continue to be our home base, not just for TEDxThirdWard but for the larger speaker ecosystem we’re building together. The Dream to Speaker Stage community is where you can learn, connect, and collaborate with others who share your passion for communication, storytelling, and impact.

A Second, Curated Space

In addition to this public-facing space, we’re developing a second, curated community for those who want to go deeper. It will include TEDx speakers, curators, and organizers from around the world. The goal is to strengthen your speaker muscle, sharpen your delivery, and connect you with opportunities to grow through collaboration and mentorship.

Weekly Calls

We’ll continue to meet every Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern. These calls are already on the calendar here on the Skool and serve as our weekly space to connect, share updates, and build together.

Personal Update

On a personal note, I’ll be giving a TEDx Talk myself in just two weeks. My first application, to TEDxGreenhouseRoad, was accepted, and I’ll be speaking on November 15.

The title of my talk is “Why You Should Probably Break Up With Most of Your Current Friends.”

It’s a topic I’ve been passionate about for years, and I’m excited to finally share it on a TEDx stage.

Moving Forward

Whether you are here as a volunteer, a future speaker, or someone working on your voice and message, you are part of something much bigger. We’re creating a connected ecosystem that helps people grow, share their story, and use their voice to make an impact.

I’m proud of where we are and even more excited about what’s ahead. I’ll see you Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern.

Durrel K. DouglasFounder, Dream to Speaker Stage

Licensee & Curator, TEDxThirdWard

Founder, The Outreach Collective

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