A program for survivors to take back their voice.
Heartly House’s Survivor Speakers Bureau is a program that aims to equip survivors with storytelling, creative writing, public speaking, and self-care skills they can utilize in their speaking efforts and beyond, while also providing awareness, education, and prevention of power-based violence in the Frederick community.
The goals of the Survivor Speakers Bureau are to:
- Empower survivors
- Provide skill-building workshops
- Compensate survivors financially
- Expand community awareness and education
How it Works:
- Submit an interest form.
- Virtual meeting with Heartly House staff.
- Attend 6 workshops; topics include creative writing, public speaking, self-care and more.
- Graduation from the program.
- Opportunities to speak; occasions include annual Heartly House events, donor and community gatherings, and educational trainings.
Summer Timeline
June
We ask that each prospective Survivor Speaker complete a short 15-minute survey to gauge their interest in speaking for a Heartly House.
July
A Heartly House representative will virtually meet with each prospective Survivor Speaker to further gauge interest and answer any questions.
Aug. – Oct.
Prospective Survivor Speakers will engage in six workshops over the course of a couple months. The workshops will equip survivors with storytelling, creative writing, public speaking, and self-care skills they can utilize in their speaking efforts and beyond.
October
Prospective Survivor Speakers who’ve attended all workshops will graduate to official members and will be eligible to speak at Heartly House events!
Summer Session Training Dates
Aug 1, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Workshop 1: SSB Orientation
Aug 15, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Workshop 2: Intro to Storytelling
Aug 29, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Workshop 3: Creative Writing
Sep 12, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Workshop 4: Story Editing & Public Speaking, Pt. 1
Sep 26, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Workshop 5: Public Speaking, Pt. 2
Oct 10, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Workshop 6: Self-Care & Graduation
Winter Timeline
December
We ask that each prospective Survivor Speaker complete a short 15-minute survey to gauge their interest in speaking for a Heartly House.
January
A Heartly House representative will virtually meet with each prospective Survivor Speaker to further gauge interest and answer any questions.
Feb. – April
Prospective Survivor Speakers will engage in six workshops over the course of a couple months. The workshops will equip survivors with storytelling, creative writing, public speaking, and self-care skills they can utilize in their speaking efforts and beyond.
April
Prospective Survivor Speakers who’ve attended all workshops will graduate to official members and will be eligible to speak at Heartly House events!
Disclaimer: Survivors do not need to be former clients of Heartly House to engage in the program; however, it is encouraged that each survivor has gone through a professional form of healing.
Learn by Listening – Request a Speaker
Is your organization or group looking to learn more about power-based violence? Heartly House knows every survivor’s experience is different, and every survivor can add to our understanding of the problem of power-based violence. Heartly House’s Survivor Speaker Bureau members are available to speak at your event for your group or organization. Please fill out the survey to gather more information about your event.
Educational Programs & Events
When I went to the hospital for a forensic exam, a medical accompaniment advocate responded. After, I was able to stay in the shelter and work with the legal team to obtain a Peace Order. The abuser was arrested and served the Peace Order while incarcerated. I’m moving to a new home soon and will be completing the Address Confidentiality Program application to ensure he will not be able to find me, giving me security and peace of mind.
— CRISIS & LEGAL CLIENT