One of
the primary goals of the International House Speakers Bureau is to
promote cross-cultural awareness and exploration among students from
kindergarten through high school. Repsonding to requests from teachers
and school adminstrators, Bureau volunteers provide classroom assistance
at many different levels. To enhance their presentations, they often
bring slides, pictures, hand-crafted items, clothing, and other items
representing their home cultures.
The type
and level of presentation prepared by the Speakers Bureau varies depending
upon the needs of a particular class or curriculum. Volunteers may
share personal experiences and interestes, or design a presentation
in response to specific requests from teachers. Before visiting a
school, Speakers Bureau volunteers receive training in how to guide
a classroom discussion and present their topic in a clear, lively
manner.
Speakers
Bureau volunteers occasionally work "one-on-one" with local
students. Their service may involve participation in social and recreational
as well as learning activites. Mentoring provides students with valuable
tutorial assistance in specific subject areas while encouraging their
study efforts and offering positive role models in their quest for
personal integrity and self-definition.
The
I-House Connection
The International/Multicultural
Speakers Bureau is coordinated by the Program Office at International
House Berkeley. Local schools, churches, and community organizations
can arrange with the Program Office to have volunteers come to their
locations. The service is free of charge.
How
to Sign Up
If your
school or organization would like to engage the services of a Speakers
Bureau volunteer, please fill out the request
form and send it to the Program Office at International House.
We will strive to find a speaker or volunteer team that fits your
needs as closely as possible. To do our utmost to fulfill your request, we
must receive form at least one month prior to your proposed speaking date, and earlier is better.
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The
International/Multicultural Speakers Bureau, organized by International
House Berkeley, allows students and scholars from all over the world
to share their knowledge,
experience, and interests with Bay Area residents. As a "resource
bank"
for local civic and educational organizations, the Bureau provides
discussion leaders and speakers representing a broad spectrum of national,
ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.