The Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center’s Speakers Bureau allows students and community groups to hear the experiences of survivors, liberators (Veterans), and continuing generations.  These testimonies allow audiences to link the lessons of the past to current issues such as genocide, hate crimes, anti-Semitism and the marginalizing of a people.  The Speakers Bureau empowers students by teaching them to find their voice and be responsible citizens of our region, our nation and our world.  In the 2007-2008 academic year, speakers brought their stories to audience totaling over 24,500.

The Center strives to fulfill all speaking request.  We now have several speakers who are children of survivors who can tell their parents' stories.  There may be times or locations when we cannot provide a speaker, but we will work with you to find a presentation or a DVD.

Before submitting a request, please look over the following guidlines to ensure that a Speakers Bureau presentation wil meet the goals of your group.

To request a Speaker Visit

Teachers and organizers can submit a request for a Speaker using our Speaker request form.  Teachers--NOT students--must be the contact person for arranging the visit.   All request will be processed by Lauren Bianchi, Speakers Bureau Coordinator.

• Please submit a request at least 3 weeks in advance.
• RRequesters must provide three available dates with start and end time for the visit.
• Speakers usually need at least 75-90 minutes of uninterrupted time to tell their stories and answer questions.
• Speaking engagments are usually not scheduled before 10:00 am--later if the location is at a great distance from Seattle.   
• Speakers will not present multiple times in one day, so we encourage classes to be combined. 
• If you are requesting a particular Speaker, please note the Speaker's name on your online submission form./li>
• As the presentation is emotional for both students and teh Speaker, we ask that the requester/facilitator is present at all time and that groups of listerners do not enter and leave the room.  Interruptions should be kept to a minimum.

After the request is received, the Center will match the Speaker to your group's goals.  The Speaker's story will complement your program, but Speakers should not be expected to be historians or to teach the Holocaust.  

The only fee associated with hosting a speaker is reimbursement for travel expenses.  While the speakers volunteer their time to speak to groups, there is a cost to run this program.  Many schools or groups offer an honorarium to the speaker in addition to travel reimbursement. Speakers frequently donate this money to the Holocaust Center.

The Speakers Bureau Coordinator will contact you within a week of your request.  Please contact the Center at 206-441-5747 or info@wsherc.org if you do not receive a response. 

Before the Visit

When the Speakers Bureau Coordinator confirms a Speaker presentation, you will be provided with the Speaker's biographical and contact information.

• Please review the biography and familiarize yourself with the Speaker's story.
• At least one week before the presentation, please call the Speaker and introduce yourself.  You can explain your educational unit and the audience, and the Speaker can ask any questions about the visit.  
  

Videotaping the presentation must be approved in advance by the Speakers Bureau Coordinator of the Holocaust Center and the Speaker. 

Day of the Visit

Immediately before and during the presentation, please:

• Ensure there is parking available for the Speaker, and that the speaker knows where to park.
• Instruct your audience of respectful etiquette including:
  • Listening
  • Avoiding entering or leaving the room
  • No eating or drinking (unless the presentation is for a luncheon or dinner event)
  • No working on homework or other assignments
• Inform your front desk of the Speaker's arrival and meet the Speaker at this location.
• Provide a glass of water and chair for the Speaker.
• Briefly introduce the Speaker--you can share the Speaker's background, but please do not reveal his or her entire story!
• Stay in the room at all times.
• Provide the speaker with either a lunch or a place where he or she can eat something if the porgam stretches across the lunch hour or if the speaker has to either arrive or depart at lunch-time.
• Walk the Speaker to the front desk or the parking lot after the presentation.

After the Visit

Speakers appreciate feedback on their presentation.  Please fill out the evaluation form.  Speakers also appreciate thanks from the audience after the presentation.  Letters or cards can be sent to:

The Holocaust Center

Attn: [Speaker's Name]

2031 Third Ave

Seattle, WA 98121

Please send travel reimbursement in a separate envelope to the Holocaust Center.  Checks can be made out to the Holocaust Center or WSHERC.

Thank you!