Speakers' Bureau
Overview
One of the most important programs at the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is the Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau. Comprised of people who are or have been homeless, the Speakers' Bureau works to educate the public about homelessness and what can be done to end it. This approach is a unique and necessary tool because it establishes a significant platform for those whom homelessness affects directly to talk personally about their experiences.
The Speakers' Bureau is both an accurate and dynamic tool to teach and challenge tomorrow's leaders as well as to empower those who have experienced homelessness first-hand. By fostering an environment of self-worth, respect, and understanding for all people, the Speakers' Bureau challenges us to believe that we can and should end homelessness. In 2006 the NCH Speakers' Bureau spoke to 242 religious, school, college, community and youth groups in 43 states nationwide; a total audience of 16,300 people.
The Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless (PCCH) is establishing a permanent Speakers' Bureaus in Pinellas County similar to this national model. The PCCH has entered into an agreement with the Corporation for National and Community Service, in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), to host an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer for one year, beginning June 27, 2008. As a part of that agreement, HLN member Gregory W. “GW” Rolle will serve as the AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, assigned to PCCH to work as our Community Education Coordinator. His responsibilities will include:
- Recruit and train homeless/formerly homeless individuals to speak as members of the Speakers' Bureau;
- Promote the Speakers' Bureau to organizations and media outlets across Pinellas County;
- Schedule and moderate Speakers' Bureau panel events; and
- Fundraise to increase the capacity of the Speakers' Bureau in Pinellas County.
It is hoped that as a result of this program thousands of youths and adults will be: 1) educated about the changing face of homelessness in Pinellas County, 2) encouraged to become vigilant activists for the cessation of violence against street homeless people, and 3) empowered to help raise homelessness awareness & funds to support coordinated efforts to address the homelessness issue in Pinellas County.
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Community Events
This community education program is an essential part of the Coalition’s mission, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with the various segments of our community – homeless and social services providers, civic and community organizations, faith-based organizations and congregations, fraternities and sororities, schools and colleges, youth organizations and others – to create and schedule speaking opportunities for our volunteers.
The “Faces of Homelessness” Speakers’ Bureau is a cadre of 12 people who have or are experiencing homelessness and who have volunteered to speak about their experiences to groups throughout Pinellas County. These are real people, each with their own unique story. Through these presentations we hope to raise awareness about the true nature of homelessness and stimulate your group’s involvement in the fight to end homelessness.
We have several ways to reach your audience, and we can customize our presentation format to meet your event needs. You may choose from among several options including speakers, a panel, a video presentation and more. Whichever format you choose, we will center the presentation on real statistics and real stories.
You are urged to support the people participating in our Speakers’ Bureau. Each speaker will receive a suggested $35 honorarium for each time they speak. Honorariums must be paid in cash to the speakers at the time of the event or paid by check to the Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless prior to the date of the event. Payment arrangements must be approved prior to confirmation of the Speakers Bureau’s participation in your event.
Our speakers will primarily use public transportation or taxi cab as transportation to your event. Please be prepared to reimburse this cost at the time of the event.
To schedule one of our speakers to participate in your upcoming event, please complete a Speaker Request Form (below) or contact G.W. Rolle at (727) 424-1088 or gw@pinellashomeless.org.
Speaker Request Form
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Volunteers
Do you have a story to tell? Are you tired of being misunderstood? Do you want people to know the real truth about homelessness? Then, you are invited to join the “Faces of Homelessness” Speakers’ Bureau. You could become a voice for compassion and change in our community. To join the Speakers’ Bureau you must be:
- A person who is experiencing homelessness or has experienced homelessness
- Someone who is dependable, articulate and passionate
- Willing to travel throughout Pinellas County to address audiences of various sizes and types.
As a volunteer in our “Faces of Homelessness” Speakers’ Bureau, you will participate in a community education program that is designed to:
- Put a “face” on homelessness
- Dispel myths and stereotypes about homelessness
- Educate people and raise their awareness about homeless issues through your story
- Inspire students, religious and civic organizations, business leaders, neighborhood residents and others to get involved in the fight to end homelessness!
We are looking for committed persons to participate in our Speakers' Bureau. Speakers will receive a stipend of $35 or more (plus transportation costs) for each speaking engagement. Prospective speakers must first click here to complete a Volunteer Information Profile Form. Then, you will be directed to complete the Speaker Application Form. For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact: G. W. Rolle at: (727) 528-5763 or 424-1088 or gw@pinellashomeless.org.
Speaker Application Form
