The Positive Speakers' Bureau offers schools and colleges the opportunity to hear first hand the personal experiences of people living with HIV. Our speakers include those who identify as gay/lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual men and women, intravenous drug users, transgender, youth and persons of multicultural background.
Why use the Positive Speakers' Bureau?
- Our speakers are trained to present this material, they are skilled at putting groups at ease.
- We make it easier for you to present a challenging subject. Many presenters have thanked us for helping them with material that can be difficult for them to teach.
- Our presentations are very real for the audience, this is not just a lecture or a video, but a person with whom students can interact. This aspect of our work draws the greatest comment.
- We can tailor our presentation for the age group, subject and focus of your group.
- Our presentation often highlights what people don't know, and can lead to further learning.
Schools we have spoken to include:
Newtown School of the Performing Arts, Strathfield Girls High School, East Hills Boys High School, Fort Street High School, Erskine Park High School, Killara High School, All Saints Catholic Senior College, Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls High Schools, Ingleburn High School, Homebush Boys High School, Windsor High School, Kingswood High School, Mosman High School, Hornsby Girls High School, Queenswood School for Girls, University Of NSW, University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney, Nirimba TAFE, Randwick TAFE, Miller TAFE.
How the Presentation is organised:
Upon receiving a written briefing from the Project Officer after consultation with the school, the presentation of a speaking engagement is usually left up to the individual speaker representing the Positive Speakers' Bureau. It is usual for the speaker to contact the organising person before a presentation to make themselves known as well to inform or be informed of any special requirements.
Depending on the number of participants involved, some organisations prefer to split the audience into smaller groups. This essentially benefits both the audience and speaker as it makes the groups more manageable and intimate. Therefore, making the participents more comfortable when it comes to asking questions.
Speakers will generally be allowed about an hour for their engagement. They will, depending on their own particular story, allow enough time for the story and questions by the participants.
Speaking engagements will be invoiced by mail by the Positive Speakers' Bureau. Payment is not made directly to the speaker by the organisation/community group on the day of the engagement.
What teachers have said:
- The speaker pitched at the right level for our group, making it clear and easy to understand.
- Over the past few days I have had many students report to me how important and relevant they thought the topic was.
- This is extremely difficult for staff to tackle, especially with teenagers.
- Students were still talking about the issues and speakers for days after...
- Your use of humour helped diffuse any potential discomfort for the students.
- Students were engrossed.
- The kids were really interested. It showed me how little they actually know. I will now evaluate our programs to ensure they catch up.
- Everyone appreciated how honest, candid and open you were...I haven't heard such positive feedback from students in a long time.
For complete booking details go to PSB Booking Information