TEDxYouth@SanDiego is meant to be an event and experience designed by kids for kids – a place to spread big ideas and to dream of new possibilities.  Held at the Canyon Crest Academy Proscenium Theater, Village Centre Loop in San Diego, CA, visionary speakers were on stage live this morning at 8:30 am PST.

“We are called to be architects of the future” — Buckminster Fuller

Inspired by this quote from the legendary architect known for his forward-thinking earth-sheltered buildings, the TEDxYouth@SanDiego team themed the 2012 event “Architects of the Future.”

The promoters stated, “we’ll showcase architects of the future from San Diego and across the globe — people pushing the boundaries of their endeavors – science, art, technology, environment, humanity and beyond – those who have imagined something new and taken action to bring it to life.   We look forward to hosting 400 San Diego high school students and sharing this incredible experience to the youth of the world via our event-day live video stream.  Our youth are the true Architects of the Future and we look forward to imagining, dreaming and doing together!”

Many inspiring people shared their ideas today, but I wanted to point out one of our own – the very affable Jim Mumford, CLP, GRP of GreenScaped Buildings and Good Earth Plant Company.  His working title is “Living Architecture – where life on earth’s essential building block, plants, and the future of our cities grow together.”

This is what TEDxYouth@SanDiego has to say about him:

Jim Mumford is a San Diego resident who began his career by founding Good Earth Plant & Flower Company. In March 2009, Mumford launched GreenScaped Buildings specializing in green roofs, living walls, bio-filtration and rainwater harvesting systems. Due to his innovative approach and pioneering efforts in the plantscaping industry, Jim has earned respect from colleagues as a recognized, award-winning industry leader and speaker. A certified landscape professional, accredited contractor and accredited green roof professional, his extensive experience, education and training in the plantscaping industry enable him to share his experience and talent with a diverse local and national client base. As a result of his dedication, he was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year 2007,” San Diego Magazine named him an “Eco-Warrior” in April of 2010 and The San Diego Daily Transcript cites him as one of 2012’s “Top Influentials.” ~ TEDxYouth@SanDiego

Although the live event is over, you can still watch Jim’s talk.  Better yet, if he get can get 15,000 views between the live feed and the video, it gets considered for National TED!  See it below:

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxYouth@SanDiego, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxYouth@SanDiego event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized. Learn more at http://www.ted.com/tedx

Congratulations, Jim, and I hope you get to present your ideas soon on National TED!

Happy greening ~ Linda V.