This fall the Speakers Bureau welcomed several new community leaders into the program, now with 16 speakers. Our team reaches about 4,000 people every year, with more than 75 speaking events at schools, congregations and civic groups across the Chicago area.
Our team gathered for the annual Speakers Bureau Retreat on August 22. We engaged in team-building activities and enjoyed time together to kick off the new school year.
There have already been several events this school year. We are excited to branch out into more communities and reach more students.
Recently, at an engagement hosted by Resurrection University, an audience member said, “It is so important for us working in healthcare to hear real life experiences from real people. I will never forget these stories as I work in the field of nursing.”
This fall we are engaging with Chicago Public Schools students from Kenwood Academy, Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Harlan Academy and Schurz High School. Our speakers share personal experiences with students who are served by the office of Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), helping them tackle the barriers they face while homeless.
This winter our speakers will participate in a workshop that offers trainings on public speaking skills. We are excited for this upcoming school year!
To schedule a Speakers Bureau engagement, contact us through this link.
– Veronica Cullinan-Burnison, Speakers Bureau VISTA organizer