Program Overview
You don’t need to be a student or live near a college to hear an intriguing talk from a scholar or expert. In communities throughout Washington State, Speakers Bureau presenters give free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy, spiritual traditions, and everything in between.
Our roster of 34 Speakers Bureau presenters is made up of professors, artists, activists, historians, performers, journalists, and others—all chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their ability to inspire discussion with people of all ages and backgrounds. Hundreds of Speakers Bureau events take place each year. Each talk lasts about an hour.
To reach as many Washingtonians as possible, we partner with a wide range of organizations, including libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, retirement homes, community centers, and civic organizations. These organizations host and publicize the events.
Find a Speakers Bureau event near you. We also encourage nonprofit organizations to host a speaker.
Speakers Bureau is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Washington via the Office of the Secretary of State, and the Thomas S. Foley Institute of Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University, and generous contributions from other businesses, foundations, and individuals.
Upcoming Events
From Crime to the Classroom: How Education Changes Lives
According to statistics, Omari Amili’s story should have turned out much differently. His parents suffered from addiction which led to him growing up in poverty and struggling in school. Eventually, he ended up serving prison time—which was no surprise considering the combination of life factors that would suggest a lifetime of struggles with the criminal […]
- When
- 11:30 am, Wednesday
May 22, 2019 - Where
- TCC Student Center
6501 S. 19th Street
Tacoma, Wa 98466 United States
Civil Conversation in an Angry Age
At what point does a conversation become a battle? Why do some opinions inflame our emotions, leading to anger, fights, and even the end of relationships with family and friends? Philosopher David E. Smith takes a deep look at those moments when civility breaks down. By mapping the structure of how we converse, and digging […]
- When
- 5:30 pm, Wednesday
May 29, 2019 - Where
- Washington Corrections Center
2321 W Dayton Airport Rd
Shelton, WA 98584 United States
Are Salmon Doomed? Hatching a Plan to Save a Northwest Icon
An environmental necessity, a vital economic resource, and a cultural symbol, salmon play a fundamental role in the Pacific Northwest—but they are in trouble. With warming oceans, environmental degradation, and lowering genetic variability, wild salmon populations are dwindling. Climatologist Nick Bond explores the past, present, and possible future conditions for salmon in our state, and […]
- When
- 7:00 pm, Thursday
May 30, 2019 - Where
- Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th St
Shoreline, WA 98155 United States
The Poetic Apothecary: Poems for Healing and Comfort
Just as a cup of tea can settle and sooth us, the right poem at the right time can be a powerful sustaining remedy. Poet and performer Judith Adams explores poetry’s restorative powers by reciting and exploring poems that help us understand grief, fear, sadness, loss, and much more. By sharing her love of poetry, […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Saturday
June 1, 2019 - Where
- Issaquah Library
10 W. Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027 United States
Chief Seattle wrote nothing down during his life, yet his words—both real and imagined—are known throughout the world. The result is a man made up of both historical and fictional aspects, from which conflicting messages can be gleaned. David M. Buerge, a biographer and a historian to the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s mother’s people, spent more […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Saturday
June 1, 2019 - Where
- Everett Public Library Auditorium
2702 Hoyt Avenue
Everett, WA 98201 United States
Chief Seattle wrote nothing down during his life, yet his words—both real and imagined—are known throughout the world. The result is a man made up of both historical and fictional aspects, from which conflicting messages can be gleaned. David M. Buerge, a biographer and a historian to the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s mother’s people, spent more […]
- When
- 5:30 pm, Monday
June 3, 2019 - Where
- Port Ludlow Bay Club
120 Spinnaker Place
Port Ludlow, WA 98365 United States
The Poetic Apothecary: Poems for Healing and Comfort
Just as a cup of tea can settle and sooth us, the right poem at the right time can be a powerful sustaining remedy. Poet and performer Judith Adams explores poetry’s restorative powers by reciting and exploring poems that help us understand grief, fear, sadness, loss, and much more. By sharing her love of poetry, […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Tuesday
June 4, 2019 - Where
- Chelan Public Library
216 N. Emerson Street
Chelan, WA 98816 United States
The Poetic Apothecary: Poems for Healing and Comfort
Just as a cup of tea can settle and sooth us, the right poem at the right time can be a powerful sustaining remedy. Poet and performer Judith Adams explores poetry’s restorative powers by reciting and exploring poems that help us understand grief, fear, sadness, loss, and much more. By sharing her love of poetry, […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Wednesday
June 5, 2019 - Where
- Omak Public Library
30 Ash Street S
Omak, WA 98841 United States