2023 Conference Call for Speakers!

2023 Embracing Change – Transforming Philanthropy: Call for Speakers

Since 2020, there have been unprecedented challenges in every aspect of philanthropy. Philanthropy has had to pivot in response to the global pandemic, racial reckoning throughout the country, wildfires in the west and economic uncertainty.

This year, Grantmakers of Oregon and SW Washington is seeking presenters for its biennial conference, Embracing Change – Transforming Philanthropy to discuss, unpack, celebrate and interrogate elements of change – what it is, how it has made an impact and how might philanthropy incorporate change in a transformative way.

Where possible, topics should address equity, power, breaking down barriers to funding, creating partnerships/collaborations (especially in rural communities) and other topics that you feel help create understanding around change and how change can inform the future.

We are looking for speakers who are dynamic and engaging, interactive with the audience and provide specific practical tools or stimulating provocative thoughts that they can take away from the experience.

We may be able to offer a small travel stipend and free registration to the three-day event.

While there aren’t the traditional “tracks.” We are looking for workshop sessions that explore change in general, how change shows-up, how organizations and individuals manage change, and how change is, or can be, a transformative force that compels us forward.

The Conference will be at the Wildhorse Convention Center located in Pendleton, OR from May 10-12, 2023.

If you are interested or would like to recommend someone, please respond to questions outlined in the Presenters Application below and send your answers to Mark McCrary at mmccrary@gosw.org on or before December 16, 2022.

Speakers Application

Please respond to the following questions:

Your Name. Please also include your pronouns.
Contact Information. This should include phone number, email and mailing address.
Speaker Bio (limit of 200 words or attach a biography). If there will be others presenting with you, please include their information as well.
Session Type. Do you see this as being a general session, keynote or a 90-minute workshop?
Title. Catchy titles are great, especially if they speak to the theme.
Description (Approximately 250 words). We will use this in the brochure but may edit if too long.
Session Objectives. Please address how the audience will engage with you and what do you feel are the key elements that they will take away. You might finish the statement “Attendees will leave this session with…”

Additional Questions:

What is the audience experience level for your session? Who is it designed for (beginner, intermediate or advanced)? Does the intended audience need specialized experience to keep up?
Why do you feel this topic is important to philanthropy?
How will you tie your presentation to our theme of Embracing Change?
What are your A/V requirements? (Powerpoint, microphone, comfort screen, etc?)
If you have done other presentations, please provide a sample list (topic, audience and location)