Host a Speaker, Show a Film

Looking for something to do for your Day of Action? Give your message a powerful kick with a keynote speaker, film showing--or both!

I. Set a Date
For a speaker, call first to see when he/she is available. Some good options might be your district superintendent, school principal, state senator or assembly person. To show a film, get the equipment together, the film ready, and choose a date that works with the school or community. Pick movies about education-related topics like Dangerous Minds, Freedom Writers, Stand and Deliver, Walkout, Chalk or Two Million Minutes.

II. Get the Goods
With a large group, for a speaker you'll need:

• a podium
• a microphone
• possibly a stage with seating
• a table, chair, cup, and pitcher of cold water
• any props or other things the speaker may request-be sure to ask!

For smaller groups, you may not need any of these things. If your speaker is of the musical variety, be sure to get a list of other equipment he or she may require.


For a film you'll need:

• LCD projector (you should be able to borrow this from school)
• Screen (a sheet hung from the ceiling often works)
• DVD player (or a laptop computer with a DVD drive)
• DVD cables to connect everything together

For a smaller audience, use a television and VCR or DVD player. It's also possible to use multiple televisions, but it can be tricky in making sure that they all play the film at the same time.

III. Make It Public
Spread the word to make it a success. Before doing so, make sure to have the topic, place, and time, and that the speaker has confirmed or that the film is ready.

Publicize by:

• Posting and handing out flyers.
• Using the school paper, radio, announcements, news programs, or any other media.
• Using local media - radio stations, public broadcasting, and newspapers. They may require having it written out first-the radio would be about twenty seconds, most likely-so be prepared!
• Sidewalk chalking it in neighborhoods.
• Posting up posters in local businesses (ask first!).
• E-mailing and calling everyone you know!

 

IV. Keep It Running
A few days before the event:

• Confirm with the speaker, and make sure to know how he/she would like to be introduced.
• Test out all of the equipment to be sure it's working, and confirm reservations for the place of the event.

The day of the event:

• Be there at least an hour early to set up, get equipment ready, and get any handouts or presentations ready.
• Greet guests as they arrive warmly.
• Give out literature if you have it, or take names for sign-ups for future events or petitions.
• Introduce the speaker, remembering to thank him/her. After she/he speaks, be sure to thank him/her again, and lead the audience in applause on both accounts. If you have a film, be sure to introduce it briefly, and afterwards, you may want to open the floor for a discussion.
• Thank everyone for coming and invite them to act somehow-through a website, a petition, joining your group, etc. If you had a speaker, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note.