Become A Florida Humanities Speaker
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.
Deadlines to Become a Florida Humanities Speaker
April 10: 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
Watch Informational Webinar
In this webinar, learn how to apply to become a Florida Humanities speaker!
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
Steps to Apply
Application Questions:
April Myerscough
[email protected]
727-873-2001