This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Anyone who has struggled with the essence of a volunteer workforce will benefit from what Brett Powell describes as the four barriers. Understanding what prevents us from jumping into the volunteer pool may just help us be a better volunteer.

Brett M. Powell earned a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and works as a marketing consultant at Howell Liberatore & Associates in Elmira, New York. He enjoys thinking big, being creative, teaching at Corning Community College, volunteering on the Five Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America executive board, playing drums in the Ithaca band Not From Wisconsin, and being outdoors as an Eagle Scout in his native Finger Lakes Region. Personally, Brett’s favorite accomplishment was brokering Superball IX, a three-day music festival.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)