What will America’s next 250 years look like and how do individuals come together to shape this future? With the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the rearview mirror, Indiana Humanities is looking to continue to engage Indiana residents in conversations about American history, civics, and democracy as we look forward to the next 250. We hope to encourage conversations about America’s founding principles, the history of American democracy, how Americans play a role in our system of government, and how citizens relate to one another to build the communities that form the civic fabric of our nation.
We work with humanities scholars, experts, elders, and culture-bearers to shape and lead our programs. Humanities scholars bring deep expertise and provide valuable context, and they’re also often skilled at sharing information and unlocking conversation around a big idea or shared text. Further, scholars are good at helping people become comfortable with tension and gray area, with the idea that answers are rarely “yes” or “no” but often more complex than we ever realized.
About the Speakers Bureau
Apply to host a speaker
Applications are now open to host speakers from the 2026-2027 Civics and Democracy Speakers Bureau. Interested organizations can review the catalog and offer their top three choices for speakers to invite to their communities to give a talk. In this application, we also ask that interested organizations offer some preliminary programming and promotional information to ensure a meaningful engagement for the speaker and for the local community.
If awarded, Indiana Humanities will pay a $400 stipend to the speaker directly. We ask that host sites cover mileage reimbursement, accommodations, and fees beyond the $400 if requested by the speaker. The catalog details costs to host sites, so please review carefully and contact us with questions.
Applications to host speakers are due November 13, 2026 for engagements happening in 2027. You will be notified of your awarded speaker in early December.
2027 Civics and Democracy Speakers Bureau
You can now view the updated catalog of speakers available to give talks on topics related to civics and democracy.
Host Site Requirements
In order to be awarded a speakers bureau engagement, Indiana Humanities asks that the host organization:
- Be an Indiana not-for-profit (e.g. library, school, museum, civic/cultural center, retirement community, college/university), though some exceptions are made for civic groups that are not incorporated non-profits.
- Host the talk for free at a venue that is open to the public and broadly accessible. Exceptions are made for K-12 school audiences.
- Communicate event details to Indiana Humanities via an event notification form, and respond to emails from Indiana Humanities and the assigned speaker in a timely manner.
- Promote the event to your local community and work with partners to achieve the best event attendance possible.
- Provide travel and lodging reimbursement, as well as any additional fees beyond the $400 provided to the speaker by Indiana Humanities (see individual talk descriptions for details).
- Complete a final report form with attendance numbers and participant feedback.
Resources for Host Sites
Awarded host sites will receive marketing materials, speaker bios and photos, and a guide with tips for hosting successful speakers bureau engagements. These materials will come with notice of your awarded speaker in early December.
Contact Us!
Contact Megan Telligman, director of programs, at mtelligman@indianahumanities.org | 317.616.9409.