This initiative is an opportunity for you to learn to speak publicly about your lived experiences. As a member of the Speakers Bureau, you will have opportunities to educate the community on your areas of expertise, advocate for the issues closest to you, and effect change in policies and practices. Through your stories, you will promote awareness and empower other women who are struggling alone or in silence. Our Speakers Bureau members have served as panelists and presenters for events held by The Atlantic; Convergence Center for Policy Resolution; Vera Institute; Maryland Department of Health; and more.

Those accepted into the program will be required to attend seven classes in total. You will be paid $25.00 per hour for 25 hours of training, which will be divided into two payments.  The first session and the last session are unpaid. You will accrue payments for classes 2-6. So that we can build the cohort experience, participation in the program will require you to attend all classes, meetings and engagements. Payments will not be made if you do not complete all 35 hours of the program. Once you have completed the training, you will be expected to complete one unpaid practice engagement. You then will be eligible to receive paid speaking contracts. Failing to complete all program requirements will leave you ineligible for paid opportunities.

Additionally, if selected, you will receive 5 hours of individualized coaching, therapy or mentorship, which you will select as part of your team of Speakers Bureau supports. These interactions are designed to create clarity and hone your public speaking skills. Your team of supports will help accelerate your progress by providing greater focus and awareness of where you want to be in the future. At the end of the program, you will be asked to participate in a focus group, interviews, and surveys designed to capture your experience so that we can continually improve the program. As a participant you will also sharpen your literacy and presentation skills, all competencies that will serve you in your personal and professional life.

Since participation in the full 35 hours is required for payment and graduation, we have attached a timeline for your consideration.

Name: _____________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________

Email:______________________________________________

Phone Number: ______________________________________

To be considered for the Speakers Bureau, you must submit the following to Mackenzie McSwain at mlmcswain@cflsdc.org. 

• Answer all application questions below.
• Attach a copy of your resume
• Recommendation form: Invite your recommender to fill out our online form at www.cflsdc.org/speakers-bureau-application

Please answer the following questions in the suggested amount of words. The thoroughness and specificity of your answers will have a strong impact on your score.

• Please tell us about yourself by describing what has led you to this place in your life today. Please detail any experiences you would like to speak on as a Speakers Bureau member. (less than 500 words) 

• When you reflect back on your life, what advice would you tell your younger self? (less than 250 words)

• Why are you interested in being a Speakers Bureau member, and what do you hope to accomplish once you are in the bureau? (less than 250 words)

• What causes do you care about, and why do you feel passionately about them? Include examples, if any, of how you have worked to bring attention to or advocate on the issues you care about, as well as any previous public speaking experience. (less than 200 words)

• Please share how you are involved in your community or why you think it is important to get involved. (less than 200 words)

• Discuss your long-term (next five years) goals you would like to achieve professionally, personally, and as a Speakers Bureau member. (less than 250 words)

Please submit this application and your resume, and the recommendation form to Mackenzie McSwain no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, January 29th. You may also go to our website and download the application: www.cflsdc.org/speakers-bureau-application. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

By submitting this application, you affirm that you can attend all 7 training sessions.

CFLS Speakers Bureau Timeline

Acceptance in the program requires attendance and participation in ALL 7 classes

April 10, 2020 First Public Speaking Training 10:00am-3:00pm

April 17, 2020 Second Public Speaking Training 10:00-3:00pm

April 24, 2020 Third Public Speaking Training 10:00-3:00pm

May 1, 2020 Fourth Public Speaking Training 10:00-3:00pm

May 8, 2020 Fifth Public Speaking Training 10:00-3:00pm

May 15, 2020 Sixth Public Speaking Training 10:00-3:00pm

May 22, 2020 Seventh Public Speaking Training and Closing Ceremony 10:00-3:00pm