Calling for speakers
Affect features stories and perspectives on the work, design, and culture of social change. You do not need to have previous experience speaking—we’re particularly interested in boosting multiply marginalized and underrepresented1 voices.
The topic should be 20 minutes long. You can submit multiple proposals, but each person is limited to one speaking slot throughout Affect (meaning: different speakers every year).
Affect 2018 will be held in Portland, OR, with ten spots reserved for submissions.
Need some inspiration?
A non-exhaustive list of topics we’d love to hear about:
- Are you addressing the needs of an underrepresented group (preferably, one that you're a part of)? This might be in the form of a community support group, nonprofit program, or a grassroots project.
- Are there norms within social change that you want to reexamine? What’s the historical context and what might be some alternatives?
- Can you share the behind-the-scenes view of a campaign or movement? Whether it’s design or organizing, we want to hear about the process.
- Can you expand our understanding of a social issue? What is the work being done in this area and how can people help?
We also have transcripts of last year’s talks!
What you’ll get
Speakers receive reimbursement for travel (transportation to and from the conference plus up to three nights of hotel accommodation) and a $150 honorarium.
If reimbursement is a hardship, we can assist with the booking process.
Due to limited resources, we are only able to invite speakers residing within the United States at this time.
Selection guidelines
Proposals will be evaluated through five primary guidelines.
- Social change2 relevance: what are the social issues addressed in the proposal and how current or prevalent are they?
- Feasibility: can the story or topic be covered in approximately 20 minutes?
- Lived experience: how does the speaker’s background and identity relate to what they want to present?
- Narrative originality: what’s unique about this talk and/or speaker?
- Affect: how might this resonate with the audience? What might be the impact? What could this talk be a catalyst for?
Proposal deadline: Apr 14
Our 2018 call for speakers has closed! Check back the week of May 14 for announcements about this year’s schedule.
- Underrepresented/marginalized groups include but aren’t limited to: those affected by race inequality, gender inequality, age inequality, disability/chronic illness, mental illness, neurodiversity, economic inequality, poverty, and/or religious bigotry.
