In developing communities, TEDx events are a
catalyst for learning and inspiration. Yet despite great
enthusiasm, shortfalls in resources and infrastructure pose
a challenge. To help these events succeed, we've launched
TEDx in a Box.
The idea for TEDx in a Box came from TEDxKibera, a TEDx event held in the slums of Nairobi. Despite a lack of quality local resources, the event was a resounding success. With TEDx in a Box, individuals in developing communities are delivered all the resources they need in order to organize a TEDx event, packaged in a portable box.
What's in the box?
Designed by consultants at IDEO, TEDx in a Box contains everything needed to host a TEDx event: a projector, subtitled TED talks, a sound system, microphones and a how-to guide.
1. The projector is the smallest, brightest we could find, with very low power consumption.
2. The inverter attaches the projector to the battery.
3. The battery allows an organizer to play TED talks for 2 hours.
4. The DVD player allows organizers to show local leaders videos on the value of TEDx. The player attaches the projector and the PA system.
5. The PA system comes with a wireless mic, which can be used by speakers. For audiences who are unable to read, TEDx organizers can use the mic to read TED talks’ subtitles.
6. The tripod and 2 camcorders allow the organizer to get a range of shots when they film their local speakers.
7. The powerstrip helps organize all the chargers provided with the devices.
8. The box.
TEDx in a Box Around the World
The pins below indicate where we currently have boxes deployed. If you are located in one of these communities and you are interested in borrowing one of these boxes, please email tedx@ted.com. If you would like to donate a box to a new country not represented on the map, read more below.
Get involved
There are 3 ways to get involved with the TEDx-in-Box Program:
1. Apply to borrow a box, and host a series of TEDx events
Boxes are allocated on an as-needed basis to events that demonstrate a lack of the resources needed to host TEDx events. TEDx in a Box can be sent to a shantytown in Africa, or to an underserved school in the United States.
To run a TEDx in a Box event, you’ll need a license. Please make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Applicants should be an existing TEDx licensee, having held at least one TEDx event in the past.
- For said event(s), you must have completed all the post-event requirements and have gotten ample positive feedback.
- You should be able to clearly explain your need for a box: e.g. you don't have a projector, you are have trouble downloading TEDTalks due to bandwidth restrictions in your country, or you don't have recording equipment readily available.
Receiving a TEDx in a Box is a big commitment. Your responsibilities as a TEDx in a Box licensee include:
- Committing to maintaining communication with the TED team on the status of the box.
- Committing to hosting 4 events per year over a 2-year period, or hosting 4 events in one year and finding a successor for the box.
- Completing all post-event requirements, including writing one blog post per event held.
- Committing to maintaining open communication with the TEDx community that commissioned your box.
If you would like to host a TEDx in a Box event, apply for your TEDx in a Box license. (Select "TEDx-in-a-Box" from the list of event types). Please email us at TEDx@ted.com if you need more information about applying for a box.
2. Sponsor a box for an event in the developing world
Sponsoring a TEDx in a Box is a great way to spread ideas that matter and foster conversations in every corner of the world. Each TEDx in a Box sponsorship costs US$2,000, including shipping.*
- To complete payment, you will need a PayPal account.
- A receipt will be emailed to you through PayPal once you have completed the donation.
3. Sponsor a box and mentor an event in the developing world (for TEDx organizers)
As mentioned above, each TEDx in a Box sponsorship costs US$2,000, including shipping.* If you are an official TEDx organizer, we'll ask that in addition to your donation, you volunteer your time by:
- Mentoring the TEDx event organizer who receives your box for a 2-year period.
- Being available via email and/or Skype (or other voice service) to answer TEDx-related questions from the organizer.
- Ensuring that the TEDx organizer is fulfilling their commitment to host 4 events per year.
- Assisting the TEDx organizer in writing their blog posts in English.
As you're completing your payment, please indicating which TEDx event you help organize in the "Notes to TEDx team" section.
If you have any questions about sponsoring a box please email us at TEDx@ted.com.
- * TED Conferences is a single member LLC, and disregarded entity under Treasury Regulation 301.7701-2c2i of The Sapling Foundation, a private foundation exempt under IRC section 501c3. No goods or services will be received in exchange for this contribution. Please consult your tax advisor as to the tax deductibility of your contribution and your personal tax circumstances.
Previous events
So far, we've distributed boxes to TEDx organizers in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Kenya, South Africa and counting. Below, some stories from those who have received them.
Su's story:
The Eburru Secondary school is located on the edge of the Mau forest in Kenya. The school is housed in one of the first farmhouses built by the original white settlers, and was given to the community upon the demise of the last owner. It started out as a day school, providing access to education for children who would commute 20 kilometers each way every day! Over the last six years, well-wishers and sponsors have worked with the administration to turn it into a boarding school.
When approached about having a TEDx event at the school, the headmaster was very excited and promptly invited us to do so, recognizing it as a great opportunity to expose the students to the greater world. Keeping in mind the surrounding environment, we asked a speaker to demonstrate biogas, an alternative fuel and a possible solution to saving the depleting forest belt in the area.
TEDxEburru was held on Jan. 8, 2011, and had 65 attendees, ages 16-19, along with school teachers and administrators. The event went incredibly well and the students sat back in awe the entire time. After the event, one of the well-wishers promised the school a biogas digester, which was purchased and activated a month later.
The headmaster has vowed to encourage the community to adopt the same biogas technology for sustainability of the fragile environment in which they coexist.The event mattered greatly, broadening the horizons of both the students and their community.
Kelo's story:
We hosted our first TEDxKliptown on the Feb. 19, 2011. Our theme for the event was "Something out of Nothing". The event was held in a small local coffee shop/museum, and about 20 people -- mainly youth -- attended.
Kliptown is one of the least developed areas in Soweto. The area where we hosted the event does not have any formal housing, running water or electricity. The young people who live in Kliptown have to travel long distances for school. TEDx in a Box was a perfect platform to use for the community as most of them have cell-phones and can relate to the technology. It was also convenient as we did not need constant supply of electricity and Internet.
If you have questions about the "TEDx in a Box" initiative, email tedx@ted.com.
