BUDDING young environmental activists are being encouraged to have their say in a bid to wake up big business and politicians to the climate crisis.

Organisers of the next Shaftesbury TEDx event, which is set to take place in March, are on the lookout for young people aged between 13 and 18 to speak at the event.

Selected speakers will take to the stage at Shaftesbury Arts Centre during the second TEDx event to come to the area.

Under the theme ‘courageous advocacy’, would-be speakers have three weeks to send in their online applications to address a live audience with a 12-minute talk on one of the following three subjects: innovative thinking around sustainability; diversity, equality & inclusion; and education, learning & innovation.

Applications opened on Monday (October 30) and close on November 20.

Shortlisted speakers will be invited to submit a short video of their proposed talk with the offer to selected speakers to join a coaching programme in the lead-up to the main event in March.

The final selections are expected in December.

Alex More, assistant head at Shaftesbury School, speaking on behalf of the event team, said: “We’re looking for young speakers to take the stage at our TEDx Shaftesbury Youth 2024 on March 9.

“The team believes passionately in the power of student voices and is looking for untold stories and original ideas.”

He added: “Courageous advocacy is at the heart of the TEDx ethos.

“We’re looking for young people who can express their thoughts and feelings through strong narratives and distinct ideas.”

TED – Technology, Education and Design – is a global, American-based foundation that organises pioneering talks events throughout the world.

The first TEDx conference for young people was held in 1984 and the event has now become a major stage for aspiring young leaders to share their message with the world, often leading to global recognition and promising new careers.

TEDx Shaftesbury Youth 2024 is being sponsored by GF Piping Solutions, Voice 21, and Shaftesbury Rotary,

“There’s no limit on how outspoken the talk is,” Alex said. “The important thing is that speakers not only have something powerful to say but that they can say it clearly, coherently, and persuasively.”

He said young people wanting to take part can apply by returning the application form live on the event website at www.tedxshaftesbury.com.