This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Today, violence and bullying is scarily prevalent in schools and
communities. To solve this, Rachel Lau promotes volunteerism to unite
young people under a common goal -- bettering their local and global
communities. Her experience volunteering with Free the Children
provides proof that volunteerism can change the world.

Rachel Lau, a freshman at Lakeside School, loves writing, debating, playing piano and violin, and volunteering. She has been recognized for her persuasive writing with two honorable mentions and a Gold Key for poetry in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Her play, Ugly Sweaters, was one of the six Washington State finalists in Young Playwrights for Change. In addition to writing, Rachel loves volunteering in Bellevue Youth Link’s Youth Court where she has served as a juror, bailiff, and clerk. However, she is most proud of her work with Free the Children. Last year, Rachel founded and led a Free the Children Club at her former middle school (Open Window School). She raised $2,800 to build a school in Kenya, won a scholarship for and attended a Take Action Camp in Arizona, spoke at a We Day fund raising conference, and was recognized on stage at We Day Seattle 2014. She was the recipient of her former middle school’s (Open Window School) highest honor, the Horizon Award 2014, and was titled as the Outstanding Middle School Student in Bellevue City’s Community Leadership Awards. She passionately believes that education is a fundamental privilege for all children, and that volunteerism is indispensable.

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)