TED Circles is an open community of small groups that engage in conversations about big ideas.
Hosted by volunteers, Circles watch and discuss a TED Talk about the monthly theme. They share takeaways online to consider each other’s perspectives and create a global conversation. That conversation needs everyone so we hope you join as a host or as a guest.
Circles can take place in-person and online so they are helping communities stay connected, especially now. The video illustrates how Circles work and why TED believes in them.
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Anyone can host a TED Circle! Hosts invite guests, select a talk about the monthly theme, and facilitate a productive conversation...it's that simple! Our host resources are available if you want to learn more.
Hosting is an important role and TED wants to help you be a great host! After you register as a host, you receive a welcome email confirming your hostname, granting access to our Circles registration and invitation generator, and inviting you to join our host community group (a special online space for hosts from around the world to connect).
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January | Intergenerational learningJoin an online Circle hosted by TEDWant to change climate change? Host TED Circles about Countdown
Hajer ShariefHow to use family dinner to teach politics?
Conversation starters
- Sharief shares the story of her family’s weekly meetings as an example of commonplace politics. Where in your life do everyday instances of politics — negotiation, compromise, alliance building and decision making — appear?
- Can you think of a time when you felt unfairly excluded from decision-making? What was that instance? How did it make you feel? Brainstorm how you could improve the situation if this occurs in the future.
- Has this talk altered the way you see politics, or your place in it? Why or why not?
- Did your childhood include anything like the Family Democracy Meeting? What do you think it would have been like if it had been in place? Would you adopt it with your own family? Why or why not?
Leah GeorgesHow generational stereotypes hold us back at work
Conversation starters
- How have stereotypes about your own generation affected the way you see yourself and others?
- How do you navigate the multigenerational divide — in and outside of work?
- What is one of the most valuable lessons (advice, practical knowledge, etc.) that you have learned from a generation outside your own?
- What is one of your favorite things from another generation (music, fashion, philosophy, etc.)?
Hindou Oumarou IbrahimIndigenous knowledge meets science to solve climate change
Conversation starters
- Do you have any knowledge passed down from previous generations? Share an example. (Examples can be as serious or silly as you like — for example, knowing when it’s about to rain or your grandmother’s cure for hiccups.)
- How have your communities, households or otherwise married old and new knowledge to solve a problem?
- When have you been corrected or shown a better way by old-school knowledge? If comfortable, share your story.
- What knowledge would you like humanity to pass down to future generations?
Roman KrznaricHow to be a good ancestor
Conversation starters
- Krznaric’s talk includes several examples of people planning well into the future. Can you think of other examples that fit this theme? (Some may be in your community.)
- Is there a destructive legacy from the past that impacts you today that you wish had been prevented? Share it with the group. If there are actions being taken to right those wrongs, share those as well.
- What’s one small habit you could change or practice you could adopt that could have a ripple effect for future generations?
- Do you have what it takes to be a time rebel? In what ways can you take bigger steps to decolonize the future? (For more ideas, see Krznaric’s essay for six ways to think long-term).
Upcoming months
February | Our memoriesJoin an online Circle hosted by TEDWant to change climate change? Host TED Circles about Countdown
TED-EdHow memories form and how we lose them
Conversation starters
- What surprised you most about the process of making memories?
- Which memory-affecting factors (e.g. age, mental/physical health, stress, depression, isolation) are you most susceptible to? What would help you combat these factors?
- How do you currently exercise your brain? What “brain workouts'' might you be willing to try in order to help preserve your memories?
- Erin Sullivan encourages us to “Be intentional - don't lose a beautiful, irreplaceable memory because you were too focused on getting the [photograph].” This video says “memories are encoded most strongly when we’re paying attention”. When does photography help/hinder your attention and thus memory making?
Anne BastingHow to meaningfully reconnect with those who have dementia
Conversation starters
- Basting explains that family members most commonly “evoke a shared past” to connect with each other. When do you rely on memories for connection? What could happen if you invited more shared discovery into your conversations?
- How can “beautiful questions” -- questions that don’t have a right or wrong answer -- invite a partner with dementia to engage their imagination instead of their memory? What shared paths might this open for human connection?
- Before this talk, how did you feel about reconnecting with those who have dementia? How do you feel after watching this talk?
- What memory do you hope outlasts any dementia you or a loved one might experience?
Farish Ahmad-NoorWhy is colonialism (still) romanticized?
Conversation starters
- Are there memories that you remember more positively than they really were? Why do you think that is the case?
- How can bringing diverse perspectives to our history (e.g. psychology, anthropology, arts, media) provide a better representation of what happened during that time?
- Do you feel your current identity is shaped by someone else’s history?
- Ahmad-Noor explains “we carry the history in us, and history carries us along”. If we all take part in writing history, how can we ensure that we better define it to be true to collective experiences?
Aparna PallaviWhat foods did your ancestors love
Conversation starters
- Was it surprising to find out that many foods are disappearing from our plates? Do you see this happening in your own home, city, or country?
- Can you recall any local foods or dishes that you previously ate as a child which are no longer eaten? Why was it that people stopped eating this food/dish? And why do you think cultivated food (e.g. wheat, corn, etc.) is consumed more often than foraged foods (e.g. mushrooms, wild vegetables, etc.)?
- Pallavi explores “shame” as a crucial point for the disappearance of traditional foods. Have you experienced this “shame” around eating a specific food? How have those experiences affected what you eat today?
- Pallavi describes several ways in which we can better connect with our food. What is one way you can start today to better connect with your food?
March | Consumption, what's your function?
Coming Feb 1Previous months
December | Building momentumJoin an online Circle hosted by TEDWant to change climate change? Host TED Circles about Countdown
Matt GoldmanThe search for aha moments
Conversation starters
- Describe the feeling of an aha moment to you. Is there a pattern (a specific time, place, etc.) to when you usually have them?
- How could you better create the conditions for aha moments in your own life?
- Where in society do you think reshaping the environment would have the most beneficial results for creativity and innovation? Suggestions can be as serious (or silly) as you can muster.
- What would be your ideal space (imagined, real, or in-between) for aha moments to flourish?
Rana Abdelhamid3 lessons on starting a movement from a self defense trailblazer
Conversation starters
- Abdelhamid builds momentum by starting with what she knows, Shotokan karate. What skill or talent (big or small) do you have? Would you be willing to teach it to others in your Circle?
- Abdelhamid started with who she knew and shared her skills with others who expanded that reach. What are the strengths (and limitations) of building momentum with this train-the-trainer approach?
- The third lesson was starting with joy. Abdelhamid felt joy from seeing women in her community support one another. What brings you joy? How has it inspired your journey?
- Is there something you’ve been wanting to start? How might these lessons help you launch your idea?
Bunker RoyLearning from a barefoot movement
Conversation starters
- Where have you been most surprised to find your best ideas?
- Was there a time your perspective changed on the definition of a professional? (e.g. a cook in your family, delivery person, neighborhood handyman, etc.)
- Roy’s curriculum includes democracy, citizenship, land measurement, and more. What lessons (from school and life) do you believe help us build momentum for ourselves and our communities?
- How can you create versions of Roy’s Barefoot College in your own life?
Thomas CrowtherThe global movement to restore nature's biodiversity
Conversation starters
- Crowther shares that in his excitement to share his landmark research, he oversimplified his message and put the legacy of the work in jeopardy. Have you had costly moments of miscommunication, big or small? What were they? What lessons have you drawn from them?
- The “Restor” platform adds artificial intelligence to lessons from those working in the field to develop strategies and identify insights to empower the restoration movement worldwide. What other epic pairings of human ingenuity and modern technology can you think of that have (or could) work to improve our lives?
- Restoration, as Crowther explains, is not a silver bullet. It alone cannot solve our climate crisis. What are some of the ways that your community is addressing the problem at the individual, neighborhood, or governmental level?
- What’s your favorite forest, tree, or plant? Why?
November | Truth tellersJoin an online Circle hosted by TEDWant to change climate change? Host TED Circles about Countdown
J. Marshall Shepherd3 kinds of bias that shape your worldview
Conversation starters
- Of the three biases, which do you think people (yourself included) succumb to the most and why?
- Was there a time when you didn’t believe something (big or small) was real when it actually was? What convinced you otherwise?
- Where do you get your science news and information? Why do you trust that forum? Take a moment to share and discover each other’s different sources.
- What influences shape your biases? Reflect then make a list, citing how you can overcome them.
Alex EdmansWhat to trust in a post-truth world
Conversation starters
- Edmans says that “we accept a story uncritically if it confirms what we'd like to be true. And we reject any story that contradicts it. How often do we see this in the stories that we share and ignore?” Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
- Can you recall any recent headlines or viral social media posts that do not pass Edmans’ 4-point test? Where do they fall short? Additional resource: Michael Patrick Lynch's Talk
- It’s easy to accept persuasion in place of expertise. What are the dangers of this, and how can tips from Edman’s talk help prevent you from being falsely influenced in the future?
- If we’re living in a “post-truth” world, what would a pro-truth world look like to you? What can we actively do ourselves (or actively give up doing) to advance it in our own lives?
Deborah LipstadtBehind the lies of Holocaust denial
Conversation starters
- Why do you think people deny the existence of horrible things?
- What are your thoughts on the rise in mashing facts, opinions and lies?
- Have you encountered deniers in your own life? Whether historical or contemporary events, discuss the patterns you’ve noticed (and solutions, if possible).
- Does Lipstadt inspire you to uphold the truth in the face of denial? Explain. Additional resource: Alexander Wagner's Talk
Julia ShawHow to support witnesses of harassment and build healthier workplaces
Conversation starters
- What surprised you most about Shaw’s talk, and why?
- Shaw lists five ways that organizations can better support victims of and witnesses to harrassment and discrimination. Does your workplace have these tools in place? If not, what are they lacking? Can you foresee a way to introduce them? Additional resource: Stephanie Busari's Talk
- Do you think this video has increased your likelihood of reporting incidents of harassment and discrimination that you have witnessed? Why or why not?
- What questions did this talk spark for you, if at all, and where might you find those answers?
October | Everyone's environmentJoin an online Circle hosted by TEDWe can change climate change. #JointheCountdown
Per Espen StoknesHow to transform apocalypse fatigue into action on global warming
Conversation starters
- What type of appeal — emotional, fact-based, story-centered, ethical, etc. — works best to convince you to do something?
- Before this talk, how did you feel about engaging in conversations about climate change — did you fit into one of the five inner defenses? How do you feel after watching this talk?
- Discuss ways to incorporate Stoknes’ strategies into conversations with those in your life who may feel apocalypse fatigue. Propose hypothetical (or real) situations and Stoknes-inspired opportunities to counter them.
- Are there organizations and climate activists you love or admire who are already using Stoknes’ techniques? If yes, share them and what they do. If no, brainstorm ways (such as a social media campaign or a reach out email) to encourage these individuals / groups to incorporate a different angle inspired by Stoknes.
Tom Rivett-CarnacHow to shift your mindset and choose your future
Conversation starters
- Rivett-Carnac describes how sometimes, when we are faced with an enormous challenge that we don't feel we have any control over, we begin to think it’s not an important issue, that maybe it’s not happening how people describe it or that it’s too big a problem so it’s not worth trying. Have you ever found yourself in one of these situations? Will you now approach those situations differently? Why or why not?
- In discussing the climate crisis, Rivett-Carnac says, “we can no longer afford the luxury of feeling powerless.” Why is powerlessness a luxury in this instance?
- Has there been a moment in your life, be it solo or collaborative, at work or at school, or at home or in your community, when stubborn optimism and determined action led to a much-needed change? If so, share with the group. Are there any commonalities among your approaches?
- Once we have rallied behind a cause (with stubborn optimism), what kinds of actions are necessary to see it through? It may be helpful to think of a cause or issue as a group (be it tackling climate change or coordinating a themed TEDx event) and think through a process.
Cheryl HolderThe link between climate change, health, and poverty
Conversation starters
- In Holder’s community, the climate crisis is visible through significant health effects (as noted in the “Heatwave” mnemonic) and gentrification. Is the climate crisis visible in your community or your own life yet? If so, how is it showing up?
- Holder outlines several steps that nurses, doctors, and pharmacists can take to lead a medical response to climate change. What are some actions that your own industry or peer group can do (or are doing) to meet this current challenge? Additional resource: Angela Francis' Talk
- “Our lives are not only vulnerable but are stories of resilience, innovation and survival” says Holder. In a few decades, what is the story that you think will be told about the climate crisis? Will it be one of resilience, innovation, survival or defeat?
- Holders recounts the collective effort to turn the tide on the HIV epidemic, while Rivett-Carnac draws inspiration from Great Britain’s resolve during WWII. What other historic precedents would you compare to our present moment, or use to persuade others that this is a struggle in which we can ultimately be victorious? And how do the themes of Rivett-Carnac’s talk reemerge in Holder’s impassioned presentation?
Kelsey LeonardWhy lakes and rivers should have the same rights as humans
Conversation starters
- How will you feel about water moving forward after watching Leonard’s talk?
- How do you feel about companies having the same rights as people — did it surprise you, anger you, etc.? Do you agree that water should have those same protections?
- Does this idea exist or has it been acted upon where you are? If not, is there a way to contact your representatives or rally organizations to consider it? Use Leonard’s action items at the end to help you brainstorm.
- Beyond bodies of water, what other parts of nature do you believe should have the same legal rights as people? Why?
Suggest other themes and talks here
Find a TED Circle
The Circles listed below are registered by hosts who invite their own guests. If you want to attend a Circle, join one hosted by our team! Also find out what Circles are discussing by visiting our community takeaways.
- Michael Appiah and Pius NukpezahAshongman Estate23 Jan 2021
- TEDxMilpaAltaOnline23 Jan 2021
- Mariam Saeed KhanOnline23 Jan 2021
- TEDxCharoenkrungOnline23 Jan 2021
- Miharu IguchiOnline23 Jan 2021
- Hilary HaoMakati23 Jan 2021
- Robotics Society of KenyaKisii23 Jan 2021
- Annabella Rijksen and Antonis TriantafyllakisOnline23 Jan 2021
- Pushti VoraOnline23 Jan 2021
- Annabella Rijksen and Antonis TriantafyllakisOnline23 Jan 2021
- TEDxUniversitasIndonesiaOnline23 Jan 2021
- Samuel PruittOnline23 Jan 2021
- Rosalyn KomolOnline23 Jan 2021
- TEDxRUPPOnline23 Jan 2021
- Sharanya Narayani International SchoolOnline23 Jan 2021
- Bill WongOnline23 Jan 2021
- Changkun ShenOnline23 Jan 2021
- TEDxHamamatsuHamamatsu23 Jan 2021
- Rasha TiozonOnline23 Jan 2021
- Naveen SamalaOnline23 Jan 2021
- TEDxSheridanHeightsWomenMontgomery23 Jan 2021
- Robotics Society of KenyaKisii23 Jan 2021
- Srinivas EagaOnline23 Jan 2021
- Denis BlidariuBucharest23 Jan 2021
- Sharanya Narayani International SchoolOnline23 Jan 2021
- TILS Education, IndiaBhilwara24 Jan 2021
- TEDxCharoenkrungOnline24 Jan 2021
- Renata MoerbeckOnline24 Jan 2021
- Alan RaginsOnline24 Jan 2021
- Michael Appiah and Pius NukpezahAshongman Estate24 Jan 2021
- Anushka GoelOnline24 Jan 2021
- TEDxUFOnline25 Jan 2021
- Renata MoerbeckOnline25 Jan 2021
- Martín CenturiónFlorianópolis25 Jan 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline25 Jan 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline25 Jan 2021
- Dani MoralesOnline25 Jan 2021
- WiTTOnline25 Jan 2021
- Lead from InsightsOnline25 Jan 2021
- TEDxTangamangaOnline25 Jan 2021
- Beth Socoski, TEDxWestshoreOnline25 Jan 2021
- TEDxBanburyOnline25 Jan 2021
- Darran Wallace and Gary DevenneyColeraine25 Jan 2021
- Queila MoraesNiteroi26 Jan 2021
- Paola GomezOnline26 Jan 2021
- Wall Street EnglishTianjin26 Jan 2021
- Noel MartinezOnline26 Jan 2021
- Christen RexingPhiladelphia26 Jan 2021
- Luis Vicente GarciaOnline26 Jan 2021
- TEDxOronocoBayParkOnline26 Jan 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline26 Jan 2021
- Love University CorpOnline26 Jan 2021
- Cultura de InovaçãoOnline26 Jan 2021
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - The New York Public LibraryOnline26 Jan 2021
- Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical CultureOnline26 Jan 2021
- Prerna FoundationOnline26 Jan 2021
- TEDxMacedoOnline27 Jan 2021
- Pooja MauryaOnline27 Jan 2021
- Victoria Perez ValinoBuenos Aires27 Jan 2021
- Alicia Margono, TEDxVancouverOnline27 Jan 2021
- TEDxParkCityOnline27 Jan 2021
- Joan ChristopherOnline27 Jan 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline27 Jan 2021
- Kennesaw State UniversityMarietta27 Jan 2021
- Yahya AlmarhabiOnline27 Jan 2021
- NORWESCAPOnline27 Jan 2021
- TEDxParkCityOnline27 Jan 2021
- George Panicker & International STEAM Research (ISR)Kolkata28 Jan 2021
- TEDxUDLAPOnline28 Jan 2021
- Glen WheatleyOnline28 Jan 2021
- TEDxGenovaOnline28 Jan 2021
- TEDxRamatAvivOnline28 Jan 2021
- Obhi Chatterjee and Julie GuéganOnline28 Jan 2021
- MiM InstituteOnline28 Jan 2021
- TEDxKobeOnline28 Jan 2021
- Teach For America - California Capital ValleyOnline28 Jan 2021
- Silvia Solana and Fabiola GarcíaOnline28 Jan 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline28 Jan 2021
- MiM InstituteOnline28 Jan 2021
- Johan StuveOnline28 Jan 2021
- Martin O'Kane and Ji-Eun Park and Rachel Su SingletonOnline28 Jan 2021
- TEDxCaseyOnline28 Jan 2021
- TEDxMilanoMilan28 Jan 2021
- Lindy Boeck and Sally CoffmanOnline28 Jan 2021
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationLagos28 Jan 2021
- Don QuinnOnline29 Jan 2021
- Paco BrisenoOnline29 Jan 2021
- TEDxUniversitàIULMOnline29 Jan 2021
- TEDxRochesterOnline29 Jan 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline29 Jan 2021
- On The Road Business CommunicationOnline29 Jan 2021
- Iain ForsythOnline29 Jan 2021
- Paola NadineOnline29 Jan 2021
- Antoinette SarpongOnline29 Jan 2021
- Tracy CurrieOnline29 Jan 2021
- TEDxRochesterOnline29 Jan 2021
- Nilgün Akdogan and Azize SorgucOnline29 Jan 2021
- LeaderlixOnline29 Jan 2021
- Fernando Téllez and Octavio PadillaOnline29 Jan 2021
- CarersTodayLuton30 Jan 2021
- TEDxCharoenkrungOnline30 Jan 2021
- Miharu IguchiOnline30 Jan 2021
- AJ.lifeOnline30 Jan 2021
- Wiputra CendanaOnline30 Jan 2021
- Rasha ShanazOnline30 Jan 2021
- Chikealam Adiele and Franca AyankaOnline30 Jan 2021
- TEDxUdineOnline30 Jan 2021
- VIVA Forum Initiative Hong KongOnline30 Jan 2021
- Chinmayi VaghasiyaOnline30 Jan 2021
- Anousha MohonVacoas30 Jan 2021
- Emerald Technology Group IncOnline30 Jan 2021
- TogetherMUNOnline30 Jan 2021
- TEDxESPEOnline30 Jan 2021
- TogetherMUNOnline30 Jan 2021
- Sandy YehOnline30 Jan 2021
- Sandra Silva | A Casa é SuaOnline30 Jan 2021
- Sandra SilvaBrasília30 Jan 2021
- Maheen Rizwan and Rizwan AhmedKarachi30 Jan 2021
- Kritika RavichandranOnline30 Jan 2021
- Bill WongOnline30 Jan 2021
- TEDxWumaStreetWenzhou30 Jan 2021
- Bushra Noureen and Rabeea WajeehaToronto30 Jan 2021
- Mohammed AbduLogia30 Jan 2021
- YOUNG CEOOnline30 Jan 2021
- Yuliana GaytanOnline30 Jan 2021
- Podar World SchoolVadodara30 Jan 2021
- TEDxESPEOnline30 Jan 2021
- Rakhshinda AkhtarPatna31 Jan 2021
- Marcia PlatilhaNova Lima31 Jan 2021
- Paul Litwin and Jim Little and Scott HensonOnline31 Jan 2021
- Melanie LewisOnline31 Jan 2021
- Leah StewartBiggleswade31 Jan 2021
- Anmol Agnihotri and Kanak AgnihotriOnline31 Jan 2021
- Melanie LewisSydney31 Jan 2021
- Rasha TiozonOnline31 Jan 2021
- IgnitedNeuronsOnline31 Jan 2021
- TEDxCharoenkrungOnline31 Jan 2021
- TEDxNashikOnline31 Jan 2021
- World Tour OperatorGenoa31 Jan 2021
- TEDxMilpaAltaOnline01 Feb 2021
- Lindsey MosierOnline01 Feb 2021
- ATÖLYEIstanbul01 Feb 2021
- Harshita BhikhanOnline01 Feb 2021
- Korhan KurtOnline01 Feb 2021
- G SivalingamSan Francisco01 Feb 2021
- May LiDallas01 Feb 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline02 Feb 2021
- TED ConferencesOnline02 Feb 2021
- Lindy BoeckOnline02 Feb 2021
- Vanessa NorthDubai03 Feb 2021
- Jogesh JainMumbai03 Feb 2021
- Arab Youth Climate Movement QatarOnline03 Feb 2021
- Sana ZitouniMareth03 Feb 2021
- Bora Yiğit ŞentürkIstanbul03 Feb 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline03 Feb 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline04 Feb 2021
- WorkHere - Hereford Coworking SpaceOnline04 Feb 2021
- HumanitechMelbourne04 Feb 2021
- Hannah Jeanne ChoaeOnline04 Feb 2021
- Lorna Prescott, CoLab DudleyOnline04 Feb 2021
- TED ConferencesOnline05 Feb 2021
- Christopher LewisSunnyvale05 Feb 2021
- Hamed MajidzadehManchester05 Feb 2021
- Fredrik Andrén-SandbergLund05 Feb 2021
- TED ConferencesOnline05 Feb 2021
- TED ConferencesOnline05 Feb 2021
- TEDxEdisonHighSchoolOnline05 Feb 2021
- Genti BehramajAntwerp06 Feb 2021
- Ireremena Felix-OtuorimuoOnline06 Feb 2021
- Sibgha HafeezLahore06 Feb 2021
- Bill WongOnline06 Feb 2021
- CarersTodayLuton06 Feb 2021
- Bright TenbilAccra06 Feb 2021
- Vani AryaOnline07 Feb 2021
- Ankush NagpalOnline07 Feb 2021
- Township Library of Lower SouthamptonOnline08 Feb 2021
- Fu MinghaoYan Cheng08 Feb 2021
- Bob SimpsonOnline09 Feb 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline10 Feb 2021
- PUC MinasOnline10 Feb 2021
- Bronagh HealeyOnline11 Feb 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline11 Feb 2021
- Paola NadineOnline12 Feb 2021
- Centro Medico Docente La TrinidadOnline12 Feb 2021
- Peter HallPortland12 Feb 2021
- Finwell Inc.Online12 Feb 2021
- Domenica EscatelOnline12 Feb 2021
- Ozay OzaydinIstanbul13 Feb 2021
- Activate Mental HealthPerth13 Feb 2021
- Bill WongOnline13 Feb 2021
- Bryant GonzalesOnline13 Feb 2021
- TEDxFrankfurtOnline14 Feb 2021
- Oluwagbenga OyebanjiLagos14 Feb 2021
- Joy Kay and Esther BentleyLondon14 Feb 2021
- Katy O'LearyOnline15 Feb 2021
- María José RamírezOnline15 Feb 2021
- Denis MaziniOnline16 Feb 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline16 Feb 2021
- Idea SparringOnline17 Feb 2021
- Tina BrunetOnline17 Feb 2021
- Ajani CharlesOnline17 Feb 2021
- TEDxMidAtlanticOnline17 Feb 2021
- The New York Public Library - West New Brighton BranchOnline18 Feb 2021
- Susan Hailey, Entrepreneur & AuthorOnline18 Feb 2021
- TEDxWolverhamptonOnline18 Feb 2021
- Sheryl GuarnieroGreenville18 Feb 2021
- Tone LanzilloDuluth18 Feb 2021
- Sarah PhangLausanne19 Feb 2021
- Naveen SamalaOnline20 Feb 2021
- RADIANTISMOnline20 Feb 2021
- Bill WongOnline20 Feb 2021
- Paola NadineAguascalientes20 Feb 2021
- Bronagh HealeyOnline20 Feb 2021
- Chakilam Vasavi SandhyaOnline21 Feb 2021
- Rajib RoychoudhuryOnline21 Feb 2021
- Bannari Amman Institute of TechnologyPerambalur22 Feb 2021
- Ninety ConsultingOnline23 Feb 2021
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - The New York Public LibraryOnline23 Feb 2021
- Francisco ValleSan Diego23 Feb 2021
- The South Shore Literacy CouncilOnline23 Feb 2021
- TEDxFrankfurtOnline24 Feb 2021
- TEDxMacedoOnline24 Feb 2021
- XR BanburyOnline24 Feb 2021
- TEDxAscoliPicenoOnline24 Feb 2021
- Sylvia Henderson, MindTeam Solutions Inc.Online25 Feb 2021
- Yvette Angelique Hyater-Adams and John Warren and Rita ManyetteJacksonville25 Feb 2021
- TED Circles teamOnline25 Feb 2021
- Joanne Law, TEDxCaseyOnline26 Feb 2021
- Studio City Branch LibraryOnline26 Feb 2021
- LeaderlixOnline26 Feb 2021
- Claudio Martins and Erich Germano and Quintino MartinsRio de Janeiro26 Feb 2021
- Lice v lice (Face to face) street paperSkopje26 Feb 2021
- Yuliana GaytanOnline27 Feb 2021
- Bill WongOnline27 Feb 2021
- Kris de GuzmanSan Juan City27 Feb 2021
- Rajalakshmi PrithvirajOnline27 Feb 2021
- Shivam Soni and Aasim Akhtar and Bushra KhanBhopal27 Feb 2021
- IgnitedNeuronsOnline28 Feb 2021
- Judit MihalikOnline28 Feb 2021
- Segun SolomonOsogbo28 Feb 2021
- Leah StewartBiggleswade28 Feb 2021
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos28 Feb 2021
- Kayla Waggoner and April Aultman BeckerAlpine01 Mar 2021
- WorkHere - Hereford Coworking SpaceHereford04 Mar 2021
- Bright TenbilAccra06 Mar 2021
- Önder SitAnkara06 Mar 2021
- TEDxPerugiaPerugia06 Mar 2021
- Bronagh HealeyOnline06 Mar 2021
- TEDxFrankfurtOnline08 Mar 2021
- PUC MinasOnline10 Mar 2021
- Terry SidfordOnline11 Mar 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline11 Mar 2021
- Mihika TewariBrooklyn15 Mar 2021
- OvalhoPorto18 Mar 2021
- TechIP Talent and Legal ConsultingBengaluru18 Mar 2021
- RADIANTISMOnline20 Mar 2021
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - The New York Public LibraryOnline23 Mar 2021
- Buddies SpaceOnline26 Mar 2021
- Leah StewartBiggleswade28 Mar 2021
- April Benjamin and Dawn CommunicationLagos28 Mar 2021
- Bronagh HealeyOnline31 Mar 2021
- HumanitechMelbourne01 Apr 2021
- TEDxLeveranoLeverano03 Apr 2021
- Anuj Manoj KumarPune04 Apr 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline08 Apr 2021
- PUC MinasOnline14 Apr 2021
- Zachary SolieNew Berlin16 Apr 2021
- RADIANTISMOnline17 Apr 2021
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library - The New York Public LibraryOnline27 Apr 2021
- Peggy LuBrooklyn01 May 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline13 May 2021
- RADIANTISMOnline22 May 2021
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos25 May 2021
- PUC MinasOnline09 Jun 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline10 Jun 2021
- Lili AbdiArdebil15 Jun 2021
- Fred KagameKigali20 Jun 2021
- Romanian Academy of Medical ScienceOnline20 Jun 2021
- Rob AuerMelbourne25 Jun 2021
- Praise EmmanuelPort Harcourt04 Jul 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline08 Jul 2021
- PUC MinasOnline14 Jul 2021
- Uri NgozichukwukaLagos26 Jul 2021
- PUC MinasOnline11 Aug 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline12 Aug 2021
- PUC MinasOnline08 Sep 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline09 Sep 2021
- Charles Shasky and Jessica KehererOnline23 Sep 2021
- Environment and Sustainable Development OfficeJeddah07 Oct 2021
- PUC MinasOnline13 Oct 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline14 Oct 2021
- PUC MinasOnline10 Nov 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline11 Nov 2021
- PUC MinasOnline08 Dec 2021
- Julie Wilson and Alyssa HamptonOnline09 Dec 2021
- PUC MinasOnline12 Jan 2022
About TED Circles
TED Circles is a global community of small groups who discuss big ideas together. We believe in the power of ideas and frequent, face-to-face conversations to positively impact ourselves, our communities, and our world. Through TED Circles, a host can invite their friends, neighbors, strangers, or a mix - many who have not attended TED or TEDx events - into their home, school, office, and more to discuss a variety of interesting topics. TED provides monthly themes, recommended talks, and specific conversation starters so the host can focus on engaging everyone in constructive conversations. Here’s a summary of what TED Circles are and are not:
- They are volunteer-hosted, small, face-to-face (in-person, online) gatherings where topics are safely discussed.
- They are not a TED event, they are not a club or a one-off gathering, and they do not sell things or raise money.
FAQs
TED Circles are purposefully easy to adopt so they occur regularly plus they are easy to adapt so they reflect hosts’ and guests' style. With many possibilities come many questions:
Who can host a TED Circle?
Anyone! Register to host TED Circles.
Who can participate in a TED Circle?
Hosts invite guests to participate in their Circle.
What is discussed during a TED Circle?
TED provides monthly themes with aligned talks and questions to support, not limit hosts. Hosts are welcome to select any content that relates to the monthly theme. Further, hosts may suggest guests watch the content independently beforehand or together at the beginning of the TED Circle.
Where do TED Circles take place?
Taking place in-person and online, locations for TED Circles include yet are not limited to: homes, parks, cafes, schools, workplaces, libraries, and video calls.
When do TED Circles take place?
Scheduling can be set by the host or collaboratively agreed with guests. TED Circles are intended to occur monthly and last 1-2 hours.
If you have additional questions, please email tedcircles@ted.com
Rules of engagement
TED Circles is an open community which welcomes everyone who believes in TED's values and wishes to engage in constructive conversations about ideas. A volunteer-powered platform calls for some ground rules.
Each Circle is independent but all TED Circles are connected virtually and through a shared brand. Hosts and Circles that do not adhere to the spirit and rules of the program or harm the community in any way will be removed from the program and must discontinue the use of the TED Circles brand. If you notice non-compliance, please email tedcircles@ted.com.
Tell the world about your Circle
Every TED Circles host is required to annually register as a host and register each TED Circles event they host. This does not mean that the Circle is open to the public - hosts decide if the Circle is closed (by invitation only) or open (accepting new participants) - but it provides official designation as a TED Circle.
Show off your TED Circles affiliation
When a TED Circle is registered and active, the host may present themselves as a TED Circles host and use TED-provided TED Circles logo and designs. Always be clear that TED Circles are volunteer-hosted gatherings, not TED events produced by TED staff, and accordingly use the TED Circles logo, not the TED logo.
Be cool
Hosting is a big opportunity and responsibility. Each TED Circles host must ensure the safety and comfort of their guests.
Do it for public good
TED Circles is a volunteer endeavor and free to attend. Hosts may ask for in-kind contributions (such as food and meeting space). Hosts and guests may not use TED Circles to gain revenue sponsorship, make money, raise funds, or organize crowdfunding.
Focus on ideas
TED Circles uphold the spirit of TED, focusing on the power of ideas. Welcoming a wide range of perspectives, TED Circles encourage equal participation within a safe environment that promotes curiosity, inclusion, debate, and impact. Agendas and self-promotion have no place in these conversations.