Speakers Bureau Application Form

Overview

Thank you for your interest in the CFLS Speakers Bureau! This initiative is an opportunity for you to learn to speak publicly about your lived experiences. As a Speakers Bureau member, 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. In addition, 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 support team 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.     

 

October 23, 2021                     First Public Speaking Training 10:00am-3:00pm 

 

 

To be considered, you must complete the following parts below, the application, submission of your resume, and a recommendation letter. Please answer the following questions in the suggested amount of words. The thoroughness and the specificity of your answers will have a strong impact on your score.

 

Please direct all application questions to  MacKenzie McSwain at mlmcswain@cflsdc.org.