What can I expect from a Generations Speaker’s presentation?
- Most, if not all, of the Generations Speakers utilize technology (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.) so having basic technology on site and made available to them (wifi access, a screen on which they can connect to project their presentation, access to a laptop/ desktop computer) is preferred. If you don’t have any of this available, though, some of the speakers are happy to adjust and only give a spoken presentation.
- Presentations can range from about 30 minutes to 60+ minutes. Most of the speakers can adjust their talks to work with whatever time frame you have available, though.
- The Generations Speakers tell stories covering a wide range of topics and experiences during the Holocaust. Depending on which Speaker fulfills your request, you may hear a presentation with a focus on topics including: Kristallnacht, the refugee experience, hidden children/ living under false identities, surviving the camps/ death marches, and/ or immigration and rebuilding their lives in America. If you would like to have a Speaker cover a specific area of Holocaust history you are studying in class, please let us know, and we will try our hardest to find an appropriate Speaker to fulfill your request!
- The Generations Speakers are always happy to take questions from the audience! If you would like your students to come prepared, please let us know when requesting your speaker, and we can give you some background information on your speaker’s story and/ or some supplemental information relating to their presentation in advance of their talk, for your students to review in advance.
- The Generations Speakers are thrilled to speak to groups in person! However, sometimes it is preferable or necessary for them to give their presentations virtually – if a request comes in from a location outside of our usual local area, in the event of inclement weather, etc. If you would prefer to have a speaker present virtually, we can certainly make this happen! Please be sure to specifically ask, when requesting a speaker.
Is there a fee or honorarium for a talk given by a Generations Speaker?
- We are happy to make the Generations Speakers Bureau talks free to all K-12 schools and degree-seeking university classes requesting a speaker! However, if you or your school feels moved to make a donation in any amount, we would be grateful to accept whatever you can give. If you would like to provide an honorarium or donation, please contact Christina Sahovey at csahovey@hcpgh.org.
- For for-profit businesses requesting a speaker, we request an honorarium in the amount of $250-$500 to acknowledge the speaker’s time, and to help with the Holocaust Center’s mission of education outreach. We are happy to invoice you (please contact Christina Sahovey: csahovey@hcpgh.org with any questions) or make your gift online: Holocaust Center Donation Page - Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh (hcofpgh.org)
- Non-degree-seeking university classes and other groups may be asked for an honorarium, too, on a case-by-case basis.
I am a child/ grandchild of Holocaust survivors, or I know someone who is, and may be interested in telling my family member’s story – or at least learning more about the Generations Speakers Bureau. What should I do next?
- We are ALWAYS looking for more Generations Speakers to get involved with the Speakers Bureau, and would be thrilled to have you join us! Please email Christina Sahovey, our Operations Manager who oversees the Generations Speakers Bureau, at: csahovey@hcpgh.org.
How can I request a Generations Speaker?
- We’re glad you asked! Please complete the form below, and someone will follow up with you shortly.