The diversity of staff and clients at the Emma Goldman Clinic is reflected in the topics for speaking engagements that the Speakers Bureau receives. We have a long history of educating and informing a variety of community groups. Whether in an institutional setting with large groups, or intimate gatherings in residential areas, we are delighted to offer the latest information on reproductive health care. This may include facts and figures, as well as a political and social framework that empowers the audience to take charge of their bodies and achieve an optimum level of control over their health. Offering a holistic view of health in a context as narrow as reproductive health is often a challenge. It is one common area in which we invest thought and action in our individual lives.

            Active education as a mission inspires and encourages audience participation in our meetings with community members. The ease of conversation is imperative in discussing sexual well-being. Whether attendees are middle school, high school, college students, professionals, or the community at large, we strive to provide a comfortable and safe learning environment. This lends itself to amusing, poignant, dramatic, and occasionally confrontational discussion. Sometimes this is all at the same engagement. As a facilitator, responding to these variations is a rewarding challenge. Sensitivity is a must, and leaving with the knowledge that the conversations will continue with enthusiasm is a goal.

            The Emma Goldman Clinic has recently finished training new speakers that are just getting out on their own.  We have done more  community outreach to let groups know that we can come and speak with them. We have also had some requests since the Iowa City Family Planning Clinic closed this winter, because they did a lot of community education. This spring some of our new speakers went into sorority and fraternity houses and we hope that word of mouth will get around.

            “I am always so nervous when I walk into a room to speak. I have to hold myself back not to talk too fast. But after a little bit they start asking questions, and that makes it all feel a lot better. It’s just a lot easier when the class is as interested as you are” said Elaina, the Community Programs Assistant at the clinic and a newly trained speaker. “My favorite was when I went to speak at a fraternity in May. They had asked me to be there for twenty minutes, but they had so many questions I was there for over an hour! It was great that they were so interested in learning, and we all had a lot of fun.”

            If you have a group you would like a representative from the Emma Goldman Clinic Speakers Bureau to come speak to, call the clinic at 319-337-2112 and ask for Elaina. You can also learn more about the speakers bureau by visiting the Emma Goldman Clinic website. No group is too small to be educated. ~Gretchen, Staff