Commonwealth Speakers:Restrictions


Appalachia's diverse cultural history is discussed by two Commonwealth Speakers: Musician Joseph Dinwiddie and Writer Christine Goldbeck. Credit: Joseph Dinwiddie.

What are the program restrictions?

  • Your organization must be a nonprofit organization and be able to provide documentation of nonprofit status if requested by the PHC.

  • Speakers cannot be requested for:
    • Award ceremonies
    • Business meetings
    • Church services
    • Classroom instruction
    • Fund-raising events
    • Events restricted to members of an organization
    • Filling slots in a course or lecture package

  • Membership-driven groups, such as AAUW, clubs, and ad-hoc groups must co-sponsor their program with a local nonprofit organization, such as a library, and plan to promote the program as a community event. Such groups are restricted from requesting a Commonwealth Speaker who is a member of that group. All club business must take place after and independently of the speaker's program.

  • Colleges and universities are restricted from applying for speakers unless the program is planned for an off-campus event or is part of a larger community program taking place on campus in order to attract a larger and more diverse audience. Colleges and universities are required to pay a cash cost-share of $300 unless the college recruits a nonprofit community organization to co-sponsor the event. Any college or university planning such co-sponsorship must include with its application a letter from the co-sponsoring organization verifying its role in audience recruitment.

  • Colleges and universities cannot request a speaker who is employed by their institution, including branch campuses.

  • Organizations that charge admission or lecture fees must waive such fees unless pre-authorized by the PHC.

  • Presentations may not take place in a setting that is not accessible to the public.

  • Organizations are prohibited from giving any sort of payment or cash gift to Commonwealth Speakers. Organizations are instead encouraged to make a donation to the program by becoming a Friend of the PHC and sending their donation directly to the PHC.

Noncompliance with program requirements may adversely affect future applications for Commonwealth Speakers.

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