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What Does It Mean to Be a Florida Humanities Speaker?

Our Florida Humanities Speakers’ Bureau has been a staple of our public programming for many years. Speakers offer thought-provoking, engaging, and compelling humanities-focused programs. They provide expertise, valuable context, and help audiences navigate the gray areas of Florida’s history, heritage, and culture.

New Florida Humanities speakers will join a distinguished bureau of more than 30 scholars, authors, content-area experts, and storytellers. Speakers provide presentations in-person and virtually to audiences across Florida year-round in partnership with cultural and non-profit organizations.

We anticipate your application! A team of evaluators will consider each application and may reach out to learn more about your programs and schedule an audition. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until April 10, 2024.

Florida Humanities is accepting a very limited number of new speakers in 2024. Please read all the information below thoroughly, including the deadline, guidelines, and focus topics before applying.

Questions? Contact:

April Myerscough
Grants Coordinator
amyerscough@flahum.org
727-873-2001

Deadlines to Become a Florida Humanities Speaker

April 30: Applications Close
May 2024: Speaker Notification
July 2024: New Programming Begins

Guidelines

Due to limited space on the bureau for new speakers in 2024, Florida Humanities is focusing on programs on the following topics. Programs outside these topics will be considered but will not receive high priority. Programs adhering to these topics will not automatically be included. Each applicant may submit up to three programs for consideration. A speaker may be selected with one, some, or all of their proposed programs. To review our current programs on the Florida Humanities Speakers Bureau, click here.

Priority Topics:

  • Florida’s Black and African American History
  • Florida’s Early History and Archaeology
  • Florida’s Indigenous People, Culture, and History
  • Florida’s Environment and Its Changes

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What are We Looking For?

The ideal presenter:

  • Shares Florida Humanities’ desire for open-ended, enlightening, and thought-provoking discussions about our state and its storied history
  • Is enthusiastic and excited to share their expertise and knowledge about the humanities with Floridians of all backgrounds
  • Is open to tackling challenging topics and helping audiences discuss hard questions
  • Can independently navigate digital presentation platforms such as PowerPoint and Zoom
  • Can adjust the tone of the presentation based on the audience and avoids complicated jargon
  • Has advanced training, expertise, or education in a humanities field or related area. Higher education degrees are encouraged but not required.

The ideal program includes:

  • A Compelling Idea: Great presentations are built around one riveting topic, thought, or piece of information that expands the scope to the entire state and includes open-ended questions.
  • Contemporary Connections: The topic of the presentation is contemporary and connects to general, non-specialist audiences.
  • Statewide Relevance: The presentation has connections and relevance to communities across the state and is not limited to one individual’s history, community, point of view, or experience.

Ineligible Programs:

Programs must be non-partisan, rooted in humanities research, and appropriate for a general adult audience. Programs that include the following activities will not be considered for inclusion in the bureau.

  • Promotion of a particular political, religious, or ideological point of view
  • Advocacy of a particular social or political action
  • Support or opposition of specific public policies or legislation

Programs used as fund-raising vehicles for businesses and nonprofit organizations; whose goal is to be motivational, inspirational, instructional, or provide self-help or advice will also not be considered.

Contract Requirements

If chosen as a Florida Humanities speaker, you are required to:

  • Reside in Florida the majority of the year
  • Host programs virtually and in-person and travel statewide. Travel costs are arranged and provided by the host cultural and nonprofit organizations.
  • Accept a non-negotiable honorarium of $300 per program paid directly by Florida Humanities
  • Submit all required forms and reports to Florida Humanities by the designated deadline
  • Participate in Florida Humanities’ and host organizations’ marketing efforts, including interviews, photos, and videos for digital and print outreach to the best of your ability
  • Attend a mandatory Speaker Orientation hosted by Florida Humanities on Zoom
  • Provide a one- to two-minute video about your professional background and programs for host organizations
  • Communicate promptly with Florida Humanities and partner organizations over email and phone

“We have many here, both visitors and Floridians, who don’t know about this history. Our stories explain where we come from, where we are and where we hope to go. Our histories not only reflect facts but also speak about our values and our traditions. I believe that stories are one of the best means we have of connecting people and bridging varying experiences.”

— Carrie Sue Ayvar,
Florida Humanities Speakers Bureau member

Carrie Ayvar Florida Talks Quote

Steps to Apply

1

Read the Guidelines

Thinking of applying? We strongly encourage you to review the guidelines, priority topics, and contract requirements before starting an application. Please be advised that Florida Humanities is accepting a very limited number of speakers in 2024.

Read the Guidelines

2

Create an Individual Account

Follow the instructions to create an individual account in our Online Application Portal. If you created an account for a previous funding opportunity or speaker application cycle, you may use the same login and password.

Download Instructions

3

Preview Application

Download a preview of the Florida Humanities Speaker application. This document is intended for reference purposes only.

Download Instructions

4

Seek Help

We are happy to provide guidance on completing an application and troubleshooting technical difficulties. Please contact staff well in advance of the deadline to ensure a prompt reply.

Application Questions:
April Myerscough
amyerscough@flahum.org
727-873-2001

5

Apply

Complete a Florida Humanities Speaker application by April 10, 2024 at Noon (EST) to be considered for the bureau beginning July 2024. Speakers will be notified in May 2024.

Download Instructions