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By Drew Russell
A pro bono speaker’s bureau in Milwaukee is proving that the best things in life, and the best education for local groups, are still free. Free Speakers Milwaukee is officially celebrating its 10th anniversary running a pro bono speaker’s bureau. Free Speakers MKE provides speakers to Milwaukee area community groups at no cost.
Launched on January 7, 2016, the Milwaukee bureau holds a special place in the organization’s history, because it was the very first expansion city. What began as a local Chicago-only service has now grown into a national network with bureaus in seven cities across the country (Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis).
Since Milwaukee debut a decade ago, the bureau has fulfilled 611 requests for speakers from local community groups in MKE. Today, the Milwaukee bureau features 35 active speakers covering a vast array of topics ranging from history and health to business and personal development.
“Milwaukee was our first expansion city, and the reception over the last decade has been nothing short of incredible,” said Andy Richardson, Milwaukee executive director of FreeSpeakers.org. “We knew the Chicago model worked, but Milwaukee proved that there is a universal hunger for knowledge and community connection. Reaching 611 requests shows just how much local organizations value the experts in their own backyard.”
Requests for speakers come from a diverse range of Milwaukee-area groups, including:
- Public libraries
- Chambers of Commerce
- Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions groups
- Senior and retirement communities
- Church groups
- Women’s and men’s clubs
The bureau is a community service project that is 100 percent free to groups that have limited or no budgets. There is never a charge to the group, not from the speaker, and not from the bureau.
“Our speakers are motivated by a desire to give back,” added Richardson. “They aren’t looking for a paycheck; they are looking to teach, hone their speaking skills, and share a message. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. As we look toward the next ten years, we are excited to continue connecting Milwaukee’s brightest minds with the groups that make this city great.”
History of Free Speakers
The founder of FreeSpeakers.org is Ginny Richardson of Naperville, IL. During her career in journalism and public relations, she accumulated a vast network of experts and program chairpersons. When local groups would call asking for speaker recommendations for their upcoming meetings, Ginny began connecting them with colleagues who had valuable topics to share.
This casual list grew into a formal bureau in 1996. The name “Free” was, and remains, the core mission. No one involved makes money from the exchange. The reward is found in the contacts made and the goodwill generated within the community.
Both new speakers and Milwaukee-area organizations are welcome to visit the website at https://milwaukee.freespeakers.org/. To become a speaker, visit https://milwaukee.freespeakers.org/become-a-speaker/.
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