Pro Bono Speaker's Bureau Celebrates Anniversary In LA / OC

Free Speakers, a pro bono speaker’s bureau in Los Angeles and Orange County, proves there is such a thing as a free lunch. The bureau is celebrating a three-year anniversary since the launch in LA/OC. Today, there are more than 50 topics and there have been more than 200 requests made through the bureau.

“We launched the bureau in 2019 with 20 speakers,” said Andy Richardson, director of FreeSpeakers.org. "It's been tremendous to observe the LA/OC bureau expanding, both with the number of speakers and the local groups and organizations requesting topics.”

Requests for speakers come from area groups such as: chambers of commerce, libraries, Rotary and Kiwanis groups, church groups, retirement communities, women's clubs, men's clubs, etc.

The bureau is a community service project that is 100 percent free to groups that have limited (or no) budgets. There is no charge to any group. Ever. Not from the speaker and not from the bureau. What’s in it for the speakers? They are motivated by the opportunity to teach, hone speaking skills, make contacts, convey a message, give back to the community and frequently, all the above.

Background of the Speaker’s Bureau

The founder of FreeSpeakers.org is Ginny Richardson of Chicago. From her work at a newspaper, she had accumulated a vast network of people including program chairmen from organizations. These folks would call and ask if she knew anyone who gave talks for one of their upcoming meetings. Ginny always recommended friends and/or colleagues who had a good topic.

This very casual list of speakers grew. In the spring of 1996, Ginny sent many a mailer to clubs, chambers, Rotary and Kiwanis groups, churches, etc. Requests began to multiply.

The name “Free” was (and remains) sincere. No one made a dime including Ginny, the speaker, the group – no one. She continued her work on this community service project, because she got a bang out of it.

“Many people don’t understand why we would spend time on a community service project that doesn’t make money,” Ginny Richardson said, “but we are rewarded with loads of contacts, friendships and goodwill. It's more than enough."

Both new speakers and organizations are welcome to visit the website at: https://los-angeles-orange-county.freespeakers.org. To become a speaker, visit: https://los-angeles-orange-county.freespeakers.org/become-a-speaker/.