Responsibilities & Restrictions

Speaker Bill Grimmette

Speakers Bureau programs must attract an audience of at least 25 people. Host organizations are strongly encouraged to build a larger audience by partnering with additional groups.

Speakers Bureau programs must be free and open to the public.  Public programs for which there is a $300 fee may charge an admission fee of up to $5. School programs must be free.

Programs must take place in a handicapped accessible facility, and the program publicity must say that sign language interpretation is available with advance notice. MHC will provide for interpretation, if there is two-week notice.

Host organizations must:

• Make arrangements with speaker regarding video and sound equipment, set-up needs, program format, description of expected audience, driving directions, and procedures in the event of cancellation.
• If planning to videotape or audiotape the presentation, obtain written permission directly from the speaker.
• Actively publicize the program to the general public in addition to your organization's constituency. Host organizations are encouraged to co-sponsor the event with another organization to attract greater public attendance.
• Acknowledge Maryland Humanities Council support in all publicity, use the MHC logo, acknowledge MHC sponsorship in introductory remarks at the event, and display the MHC poster during the event.
• Distribute and collect audience survey forms provided by MHC.
• Submit final report forms to MHC – event review, cost share report, cards for gift certificate drawing and copies of attendee survey forms – within five days of the program’s conclusion.  Forms and instructions for these reports will be provided to host organizations along with a letter of confirmation.

Host organizations may not:

• Use the speakers as advocates for a cause promoting an organization's agenda.
• Request speakers to give presentations for events limited to an organization's membership, fundraising events, business meetings, luncheon or dinner meetings, awards ceremonies, religious services.
• Exclude any person from attending or participating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or age.
• Be debarred or suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs in violation of regulations implementing Executive Order 12546, "Debarment and Suspension."