Speakers Bureau & History Alive Guidelines for New Proposals

NOTE: Next solicitation for new proposals in Spring 2006.

Speakers Bureau

The Speakers Bureau connects Kansans with insights and ideas from the humanities. Almost any topic is welcome, but it must appeal to a general (out-of-school) audience. A balanced, thoughtful approach is expected. Popular topics include the American West, Kansas history, and women's lives.

Speakers should:

• plan on presentations between 25-40 minutes in length
• provide visual aids, when appropriate (slides or maps are helpful)
• follow the presentation with 15 minutes of discussion with the audience
• be available to travel statewide (not required, but preferred)

History Alive

Here's your chance to be someone else -- and get paid for it! History Alive! scholars develop first-person characterizations based on Kansas and American history. Intended to be more than a scripted, one-person play, these presentations promote dialogue between the character and the audience.

History Alive presenters:

• plan on presentations between 30-40 minutes in length
• follow the presentation with a question-and-answer session of up to 30 minutes
• answer questions both as the character and as yourself
• are available to travel statewide (not required, but preferred)

When choosing a character:

• pick someone from America's past that is well-known to the general public
• composite and fictional characters will not be considered
• use primary documents (letters, diaries, speeches) as the basis for the program
• call the KHC staff for suggestions or recommendations

Submitting a Proposal

To apply for Speakers Bureau/History Alive, send to KHC, postmarked no later than May 12, 2003:

1. A cover sheet stating your name, mailing address, work and home phone, email, travel restrictions (if any), and the name of the talk(s) and/or character(s) you are proposing. Include summer contact information if different from above.
2. Your current resume.
3. Names, phone numbers, and email for three references, along with notes on their knowledge of your skills as a presenter.

For Speakers Bureau applications include:

• The title(s) and a two-paragraph summary of proposed talks, including the humanities perspective that you will offer on the topic. Mention plans to use slides or other visuals that will help encourage audience discussion. Speakers Bureau members cannot have more than four topics in the catalog
• A brief discussion of potential audiences for your talk(s), and ways you plan to stimulate audience dialogue.

For History Alive! applications include:

• A biographical essay no more than three pages in length on each proposed character, including why his or her story is significant to out-of-school, adult audiences in Kansas.
• A brief bibliography of the sources for interpretation of your character.
• A 5-8 minute videotape sample of your portrayal. Historical costume is optional. The tape should be VHS format, but need not be of professional quality.

Send all information to:
Kansas Humanities Council
112 SW 6th Ave., Suite 210
Topeka KS 66603-3895
785/357-0359 (v)
785/357-1723 (f)

Questions about KHC, Speakers Bureau, or History Alive?
Contact deborah@kansashumanities.org

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who will be my audience?
Speakers Bureau and History Alive! programs are hosted by libraries, museums, arts councils, women's clubs, conservation districts, senior centers, and other adult community groups. Audiences include business people, retirees, farmers, and homemakers. Participating scholars tell us that they're refreshed and rewarded by the enthusiasm of lifelong learners. Sponsors often tell us these programs help revitalize a sense of community.

2) Who should apply?
Speakers Bureau and History Alive! members are professionals whose main activity is teaching, study, research, and/or writing in one or more of the humanities disciplines. An MA or other advanced degree in one of the humanities fields is required. Affiliation with a college or university is preferred but not required.

3) How much time is involved?
Presenters can anticipate an average of four or five engagements annually; popular topics may receive as many as 12 bookings. You'll have flexibility in scheduling program dates, but should be generally available from August 2003 through July 2004.

4) What compensation is offered?
Speakers Bureau members receive an honorarium that ranges between $125 to $175 depending on the travel distance. There is also an additional $50 for the first presentation of each talk, plus up to $50 for the development of visual aids. Mileage, lodging, and meals are all reimbursed at KHC rates.

History Alive! presenters receive $200 to $300 per presentation depending on the travel distance involved. KHC provides up to $300 toward costuming and research expenses for new characters. Mileage, lodging, and meals are all reimbursed at KHC rates.

[Available Spring 2005 – Download this information in printable PDF format.]

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