Planning Team member, Maxim Williams, who is also the Lead Curator for our monthly salons, writes about the last salon of the season and about inclusion, the predominant theme behind these salons. He is also Director for Community Relationship Building at Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. An important bit of information that you may not be aware of is that Maxim was one of the presenters at the very first TEDxGreenville in 2010.
TEDxGreenvilleSalons are a series of monthly TEDxGreenville events that allow the growing TEDxGreenville “tribe” to continue sharing Ideas Worth Spreading after each annual TEDxGreenville main event. At each TEDxGreenvilleSalon you can expect to enjoy one or more TED (or TEDx) videos and a presentation or performance organized around a specific theme or topic- and there will always be ample time for discussion afterwards. It’s all about spreading great ideas, sharing perspectives, and helping surface amazing stories and talent from right here in Greenville.
The Salons are all about Inclusion. See, in order for diversity to really work and matter, people have to feel like they belong. That their ideas belong. That their talents and gifts belong and can contribute to the broader context and community of Greenville. People have to feel a sense of belonging and freedom to express who they are in order to feel a part of something. This allows for new relationships, new insights, and new ways of doing things to emerge that can only enrich our City. Otherwise, we will lose talented people to other more inclusive parts of the country that figured out how Inclusion enhances relationships, culture, and economics.
For me personally and professionally, diversity and inclusion must stretch beyond the 9 to 5 work day. I grew up in a multicultural and international environment and I carry those experiences and that global mindset into whatever I’m involved in. I feel I am a more conscientious and compassionate person as a result and I hope that the Greenville community, through the Salons and TEDx Greenville continues to form new relationships across our differences to discover that we in fact, aren’t so different after all.
Our Salons have touched on everything from sustainability and community garden concerts; to the healing power of mushrooms; the wisdom of our young people; and the sage advice from our senior community; to entrepreneurs from all walks of life; and showing the power of being differently abled. Our final Salon’s theme is “Luv Schmuv.” It will be held at 3715 E North St Greenville, at Label Nightlife (formerly Studio 54) on February 7th at 6pm. A diversity of performers from vocalists, slam poets, and salsa dancers will share their artistic interpretation on love and relationships.
As with each Salon, you will get to meet and interact with the presenters as well as with your fellow audience members. Falling in “luv” is not required, but I do hope you form new bonds, new relationships, and feel a more colorful sense of community! Stay tuned for the 2013/2014 season! If you’re interested in joining the Salon Squad, feel free to contact me! See you there!
