Speakers Wanted

Our speakers infuse assemblies with learning and wonder. If you're interested in giving a talk, check out these guidelines, and sign up below:

Is 15 minutes on a topic in which you're an expert
Is the spot in the program where we “wonder more”
Teaches the assembly something factual and new in an engaging way
Is practical, scientific, historical, or otherwise informative
Should be positive or neutral and family-friendly
Cannot promote a product, business or political candidate
Should not be about atheism or religion (exceptions apply, but these talks must be carefully curated)
Visual aids, like a slide show, are encouraged (16:9 Powerpoint preferred; submit at least 7 days before Assembly)
Please be prepared to submit an outline, transcript or video before acceptance

The TED talk guidelines are an excellent reference for this.

Please also use the TED talk guidelines on maintaining scientific credibility when building a talk for Sunday Assembly LA.

Musicians Wanted

As a musician at Sunday Assembly, your first job will be to energize the attendees: get them on their feet, and get them singing (or at least clapping)! This means playing some songs that everyone knows, that have energy, and are positive (or at least not negative).

Songs 1 + 2: Upbeat power-songs back-to-back is the way to go

Song 3: Happens just after an inspiring talk by the guest speaker, so a more reflective song can be appropriate. It doesn't have to be a sing-along, although those are always welcome! And if you like, this section is probably your best bet for showcasing your original music.

Song 4: The final song occurs at the end, and should be another upbeat song that people can sing along to.

If that sounds like something you'd like to do …

To ensure that "Sunday Assembly" actually means something, we have to be clear on that meaning. Please check out our Charter at sundayassembly.org for an overview. Or talk to one of the organizers--we're always happy to help.

Trying My Best

"Trying My Best" is a short segment (usually 3–5 minutes) during which one of our Assemblers shares a personal story. It doesn't have to be a story about winning or knowing the answers or even trying the hardest. It's just about reminding each other that we're all trying the best we can.

This tradition actually started in London as "Pippa is Doing Her Best," during which Sunday Assembly Co-Founder Pippa Evans would tell stories about how she tried to do something kind or well, and (usually) it backfired.

We'd love to hear about what caused you to be inspired, challenged, uplifted, grateful--or anything else that helped you to Live Better, Help Often or Wonder More.

Requirements:

Time frame: 3-5 minutes.
Most good stories involve a conflict or challenge. When was a time you felt challenged, overwhelmed or confused? What did you do (successful or not) to address that challenge? How did that experience teach or change you?
Keep it personal ... please share something about yourself, or something that happened to you directly.
Have one overall message or key point. Keep in mind how you want others to feel at the end of the story. Inspired? Grateful? Amused? ... something else?
Shouldn't require any visual aids (i.e., shouldn't need the projector).