Technology Is

The Dalai Lama has said, “The future of the world lies in the hands of the Western woman.” It is my sincere hope and belief that someday people will look back and say, “It got bad… it got really bad. And then, right after the turn of the century, something extraordinary happened – the girls and women of the United States of America woke up and everything changed.” Being at the Texas Conference for Women was a great testimony as to how that vision is going to come true.

I truly think that a major part of this massive reawakening is largely attributed to technology and how it has shaped new forms of social media. We are able to reach people in a more direct way than has ever before been possible. A single person can tweet directly to senior levels of government, editors of newspapers and heads of television networks and corporations. This kind of access and communication is unprecedented. Even our personal messages reach further and faster – we all experienced hearing women speak one minute at the conference and seeing the audience tweet their comments seconds after. One woman tweeted something I said and it got picked up all over. How extraordinary that we are all able to share our ideas and voices with each other in moments.

I think it is very interesting to consider the following statement: Technology is. It isn’t going anywhere; in fact it is growing exponentially every moment. It can be overwhelming to harness the best possible technological path for ourselves and our families. This is why I created ChangeMyWorldNow.com – to give kids and their caregivers a safe, values-aligned, socially conscious, social network and community where they can feel that they belong and know that their voices are heard.

I think that it is also interesting to consider that technology of itself is neutral. Humans decide whether to use it for good or for bad. We are in such a critical moment in history, and I believe that this is our moment as women to anchor technology as a tool to help change the world for the better.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with and met all the wonderful people at the Texas Conference for Women. What an inspiration you all are to me! I look forward to changing the world with you.

An award-winning author, international speaker, producer, social entrepreneur and children’s advocate, 2011 Texas Conference for Women speaker Gina Otto is currently pioneering a movement to inspire individuals with her global Change My World Now Initiative. Founder of Gina’s Ink and author of the award-winning children’s book, “Cassandra’s Angel,” Otto’s ongoing mission is to engage, educate and empower children to live their greatest lives and achieve their full potential.