SPEAKERS BUREAU
WHO ARE THE LWR SPEAKERS BUREAU?
LWR Speakers Bureau members are volunteers and staff who interpret the vision and mission of Lutheran World Relief. Bureau members have a range of experiences and knowledge of LWR projects. Some have personally visited overseas project sites. Some are former or current board members. Some are staff. Some organize ingatherings of quilts, kits and clothing. Some are clergy. Some are lay. Some are polished presenters. Some are just discovering their storytelling gifts.While bureau members’ styles are as wide as the reach of LWR – the commitment to LWR’s vision of justice, dignity and peace provide their common ground.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT?
Please contact the bureau member directly to make arrangements. A listing of members can be obtained by calling 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 (800-597-5972). Bureau members are volunteers, so your assistance in covering related expenses, i.e. travel and lodging, is greatly appreciated.
If you are looking for a special speaker for a large gathering of, say, 500 or more, please contact Terri Speirs at LWR, tspeirs@lwr.org, tel. 651-523-1630.
WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND A SPEAKER NEAR MY COMMUNITY?
Consider hosting a video discussion. LWR has a collection of videos with easy-to-follow discussion guides. Some titles include:
Banish Hunger
Braving AIDS: Senegal’s Way
Grounds for Hope: The LWR Coffee Project
Angola’s Peacemakers:The Quilt
Yudit’s Choice (Peru)
For a complete listing of brochures and videos or to arrange a free video rental, call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 (800-597-5972) or visit LWR's Resource Pages.
WHAT ARE SOME POINTS TO DISCUSS WITH A SPEAKERS BUREAU MEMBER, WHEN MAKING AN INVITATION?
1. AVAILABILITY
Contact bureau members one to two months ahead of your desired booking date. Bureau members are typically active retired people, are clergy, have families, and/or work full time. They need time to make arrangements.
2. EXPERIENCE
Ask the bureau member about their specific experience with LWR, so you know ahead of time how the presentation will be framed. It may focus on:
- Work in a specific country
- Parish Projects
- HIV/AIDS in Africa
- LWR Coffee Project
- LWR Vision and Values
- Advocacy
- Survey of LWR’s ministry
- Other topics
3. FORMAT
Be clear about expectations, which may include:
- Speak during worship
- Adult forum presentation
- Youth presentation
- Quilt dedication
- Women’s presentation
- Setting up a display
- Community Group forum
