EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

The mission of our Educational Services/Speakers' Bureau is to facilitate a dialogue on issues relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

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Why request a Speakers' panel?

Madison is a more friendly place to live if you identify as LGBT. However, there are still many people who are unaware or lack knowledge about what it really means to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer.

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An OutReach Speaker’s Bureau panel consists of trained volunteers who are willing to speak about their lives and experiences to expand LGBT awareness. The panel will share accurate information about the experiences of LGBT people, decrease oppression, and increase empowerment. A panel usually consists of 3-5 speakers representing as much diversity from the LGBT communities as possible.

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What happens during a Speakers' Bureau event?

A typical speaking event begins with the speaker’s telling their stories (personal coming-out stories and/or life experiences as an LGBT person). After each panel participant speaks, the discussion topic is discussed, and the panel opens up for a question and answer session. Panel participants reserve the right to decline any question(s) deemed inappropriate.

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Examples of topics panels may cover

• How can I make my agency, business, school, etc more friendly to LGBT people?

• LGBT 101 discussion

• Transgender 101 discussion

• How can I prevent bullying?

• How can I be a better Ally?

• How can I increase my knowledge of what it means to identify as LGBT?

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What audience members have said:

“It is always an honor and privilege to hear the stories of individuals identifying as LGBTQ & the much needed information that we require in order to be more competent therapists.”

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“I found it very valuable to hear about coming out stories and to learn about the changes they’ve implemented in the community. I appreciated everyone’s openness and honesty (THANK YOU FOR THAT).”

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“I feel that it was great to be able to speak with all of them. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun connecting with real members of the LGBTQ community and real people.”

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Costs for a Educational Services/Speakers' Bureau event:
An honorarium will depend on the length of speaking event, time traveled, and thoroughness of presentation. If cost is an issue, please contact us to discuss other options

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Suggested Honoraria for Small Non-Profit & Businesses*

One hour = $125

Two hours = $250

Half-day (4-hours) = $400

Full-day (8-hours) = $750

Suggested Honoraria for Large Non-Profit & Businesses*

One hour = $350

Two hours = $500

Half-day (4-hours) = $750

Full-day (8-hours) = $1,000

Parking

OutReach requests any parking costs incurred be covered or reimbursed.

Travel

OutReach does request mileage reimbursement for any travel outside of Madison and Dane County. Mileage rates are determined by the IRS Standard Mileage Rates. For engagements outside of Dane County a flat rate of $25/hour is requested to cover travel and time costs.

*For establishing honoraria, we consider small non-profits or businesses to be those with an annual budget under $500,000 and large non-profits or businesses to those with an annual budget over $500,000.

To request a Speakers panel for your group, company, or organization,
contact Program Director, AJ at 608-255-8582 or email them at ajh@lgbtoutreach.org.