Speakers Bureau

It is important for the health of a Rotary Club to have interesting programs at each weekly club meeting.  We want to create an atmosphere that motivates club members to return every week to enjoy the fun and fellowship or Rotary, as well as be entertained, educated or inspired by the weekly program.

It can be a challenge to find a quality program for all your meetings during the year, especially if you are doing this by yourself. The Speakers Bureau is an excellent resource that will allow you to easily find excellent speakers on a wide variety of topics that will be of interest to your club members.

For more information about the Speakers Bureau or to borrow any of the available audio/visual materials contact Carol Bowman.

Program Ideas

1.  Arrange for speakers and programs well in advance

2.  Vary the programs

3.  Ask: “Will this speaker and program be of interest to my Rotarians?”

4.  Include programs for all Avenues of Service

5.  Include programs on Rotary History, Rotary Foundation, District programs, etc.

6.  Follow up your first contact with the speaker with a letter or e-mail:

• Confirm the date, time, site location and name of the program chair who will meet the speaker at the door

• Number of people you expect to be present (for handouts)

• Specific directions for getting to the meeting location

• Ask for any audio/visual needs

• Request a bio for the speaker (see sample letter in the appendix)

7.  A week ahead:

• Inform your bulletin editor of the program and speaker

• Let your publicity chair know if this might be a news opportunity

• Inform the President and Program Chair for the day

8.  A day of two before:

• Call the speaker to confirm, advise of time constraints, and check for questions

• Arrange for any requested audio/visual equipment (including extension cord and screen)

9.   The day of the meeting:

• Be early to greet the speaker – you are the host

• Introduce the day’s program to the speaker

10.  The day after the program, write a thank you note. Include then, or later, any press coverage that follows the program.

11.  When scheduling programs, remember the Rotary year…

12.  Check with your president to schedule the every three month Club Assembly Day

13.  Gave an interesting Rotary video (see Audio Visual Materials) always available for an emergency program.  Examples would be the 13 minute talk by Rick King, Cliff Dochterman or one of the addresses by RI officers.

14.  How to find a variety of programs:

• Ask club members

• Check with area clubs and other organizations

• Check your district directory

• Look for information on the district web site

• Look for interesting, local industries that would host the club for an interesting vocational service club meeting

• Invite…

  • Camp Royal Students

  • GSE Team Members

  • Ambassadorial Scholars

  • INTERACT club members

  • Exchange students

  • City, Fire Department, Police, school speakers

  • Each year, the Mayor and the City Manager should speak