Commonwealth Speakers:Restrictions


John Coltrane and other jazz musicians are featured in Commonwealth Cool: Pennsylvania Jazz History and Tradition. Graphic courtesy of Paolo Stefan.

Are There Restrictions on the Use of Speakers?

Commonwealth Speaker programs are designed to be special educational events open to the general public. We do not accept applications for: members only events, classroom instruction, fundraising events or for any event for which you charge a fee, require a donation or demand any other monetary contribution from your audience (except for regular admission fees). Therefore, presentations cannot be awarded to the following types of events

  • Award ceremonies
  • Breakfasts, luncheons or dinners of any kind
  • Business meetings
  • Church services
  • Classroom instruction
  • Club meetings
  • Events organized primarily for the benefit of members (not the general public)
  • Festivals, celebrations or lecture series featuring a number of events and presenters
  • Fund-raising events
  • Presentations outside of Pennsylvania
  • Regularly scheduled lecture series

Are There Special Restrictions for College and Universities

College and Universities:

  • Colleges and universities are welcome to apply if the program is planned for an off-campus event or is part of a community program taking place on campus intended to attract an audience from both inside and outside the institution.

  • Please keep in mind, colleges and universities cannot request a Speaker who is employed by their institution, including branch campuses. Speakers cannot supplement regularly scheduled lecture series or be used in classroom instruction.

Do Other Restrictions Apply?

Membership-driven or restricted membership groups, such as AAUW, DAR, clubs:

  • Must co-host the program with another local nonprofit organization to be eligible. At the time of application, a letter must be submitted from the co-host stating that they have partnered to offer this event, and detailing how both organizations together will promote the program as a community event.

  • May not request a Commonwealth Speaker who also is a member of that group.
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