Some of the TED Prize winners in years past. Could you be the next?

Chances are, you’ve heard Ghandi’s famous words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Now, you have an opportunity to bring the famous adage to life. The TED Prize is a $1 million grant, awarded annually to a bold leader with an idea for a large-scale, high-impact project that will inspire global change.

Nominations for the TED Prize are open on a rolling basis. So there’s lots of time to nominate yourself and share your wish for the world. If a little nagging voice inside your head is trying to discourage you, here are 5 reasons to nominate yourself for the TED Prize.

1. Because if not you, then who? Ask yourself: What if the world is waiting for a bright idea that only you can offer? You’re the best storyteller about your own experiences. While being recommended by someone else is an honor and carries the same weight as self-nomination, nominating yourself gives you an opportunity to share your unique, authentic and nuanced perspective.
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2. To build awareness for the issue you’re most passionate about. Do you ever wish that the issue you care about filled more headlines? If you apply for the Prize and win, the story of change you want the world to hear will be heard — on stage at the annual TED conference and online at TED.com. Winning the TED Prize will allow you to be even more of a cultural force, capable of moving hearts and minds across the globe to make your wish come true.
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3. Because you’d get to inspire a collaborative action. How amazing would it be if your wish ended up inspiring folks in the TEDx community and beyond to commit their time and support toward making your brainchild a reality? If your bid for the TED Prize is successful, you’ll be able to leverage the community’s resources and potentially mobilize thousands of TEDx organizers and catalysts.
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4. Because the prize will enable you to dream bigger. The prospect of getting $1 million to bring your idea into fruition provides you with a chance to consider how to take your existing vision to greater heights. Look at your current goals and inspirations and think about what you’d create with the help of significant seed funding plus strategic support. You will be able to expand your view about what’s possible.
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5. To diversify the landscape: Think about it — are voices like yours being adequately recognized for what you’re doing in your community or globally? If you ever feel like an unsung hero whose ideas and leadership have yet to receive the right platform to make the biggest impact, share your powerful idea for the world. What’s more, if you win, your audacity and ambition will serve as an inspiring model to future nominees.

Convinced? It’s time to own your expertise and consider the impact your unique ideas could have worldwide. Nominate yourself for the TED Prize »

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Note: This post originally ran in June of 2013. It was updated on December 15, 2015.