This from Esther Dyson, one of the movers and shakers in the new digital world:

"People now want to spread their presence around the world." 

This points to the first half of what A Bigger Voice is about.  The second half is about using that presence to trigger a conversation, one that will shift and enhance a system.

A friend pointed me to a www.ted.com, which is all about engaging a community for bettering some condition in the world. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED has been holding a conference for thought leaders with a proclivity for action for over a decade. (Invitation only, limited to 1,000 people, $6K conference fee, it’s sold out months in advance.)

As described in O magazine, the TED Prize—$100K to three individuals each year–was born from TED’s founder wondering "what would happen if he could harness the brainpower, commitment, and connections of the audience and focus them on a just a few projects–the kind that could change the world."  TED members are asked to make a pledge of support to the winners. 

Chris Anderson (NOT of Long Tail fame) explains the TED prize:

"The prize is not about one individual’s worth. It’s about who can best inspire the TED community, and the rest of the world to do something extraordinary."

This is the second half of A Bigger Voice. Creating a vibrant community of kindred spirits, capable of stunning results.