Tips On How To Fund A Youth Speaker

Share the speaker with another school in your area on the same day. The speaker's fee is cut nearly in HALF for your school if you share them with another school. They can speak at your school in the morning and a neighboring school in the afternoon. The speaker speaks to more students, and you save money. Check with your school administration for funding from the Associated Student Body fund. For teacher in-service programs, ask about Staff Development. Plan to integrate and highlight the speaker into a major theme such as cultural awareness week, peace programs, etc... Depending on your theme, federal grant money might be available. For example, Agencies might approve a funding request for a speaker who addresses alcohol and drug prevention, sexual abstinence, tobacco use, teen pregnancy, gangs, crime and violence prevention. Check with your school district or federal government office to find out who has available funds in your state. Request an application form. Apply for other grant monies from your state by contacting your State Department of Human Services and State Department of Education. They can direct you to the correct office. Contact other local agencies in your county that already have grant monies from state agencies. For example, the Criminal Justice Department or Department of Public Safety might have distributed funds into mental health agencies or programs for mentoring youth. Contact your school's PTO or PTA. Share your plans with them. They are more likely to contribute funds for a well thought out plan. Have student leaders contact local business organizations: Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Elks, Chamber of Commerce. Present your plan and request their sponsorship. Contact several of your larger local businesses, especially those related to services for teens and their families. Ask for the owner, CEO or Community Services Department. If they are willing to help sponsor the speaker, you can exchange the favor by announcing their support to your students and parents.