Your story, shared on your terms.
The Survivor Speaker Bureau at Peace of Mind Foundation Sexual Violence Resource and Advocacy Center: Karolina’s Place gives survivors of sexual violence the opportunity to share their experiences with schools, community organizations, faith communities and professional audiences across Union County.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Speakers decide what they share, where they speak and how they are identified. Our staff prepare each speaker in advance and provide support before, during and after every engagement.
Our commitments to speakers
- Voluntary participation. Speaking is never expected or required, and it is never a condition of receiving any service.
- Your story remains yours. Speakers choose what to share, may decline any question, and may end an engagement at any time.
- Preparation before every engagement. Our Program Director reviews the audience, format and likely questions with each speaker in advance.
- Support throughout. A staff member is present or available during every engagement, and we follow up with each speaker afterward.
- Control over your identity. Speakers choose whether to use their first name, full name or no name. Nothing is recorded or shared without written consent.
- Freedom to step back. Speakers may pause or leave the Bureau at any time. This never affects access to services.
How it works
- Submit an interest form. The form takes about five minutes and does not commit you to anything.
- Initial conversation. Our Program Director will contact you to talk about your goals and answer your questions.
- Readiness discussion. There is no required waiting period. Together, we consider whether now is the right time, and you may always choose to wait.
- Preparation. We help you decide what you would like to share, what you prefer to keep private, and how to respond to difficult questions.
- Engagements. Requests are shared only with speakers whose preferences are a good fit. You decide which to accept. To protect speaker well-being, each speaker is limited to one engagement per month.
Eligibility
The Speaker Bureau is open to adults 18 and older with lived experience of sexual violence. You don’t have to have received services from Peace of Mind or from the former providers of the sexual violence program. Speakers do not need a background check or the 40-hour advocate training, because this role is separate from volunteer advocacy. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer advocate, please visit our volunteer page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to share my entire story?
No. You decide what to share, and we will help you prepare before any engagement.
May I speak anonymously?
Yes. Speakers may use their first name only or no name at all.
I am currently receiving services. May I participate?
Yes. Your counselor will never coordinate your speaking engagements, so your care and your participation in the Bureau remain separate.
Are speakers compensated?
The Foundation does not pay speakers. Some host organizations offer an honorarium, which is paid directly by the host to the speaker.
What if I change my mind?
You may withdraw at any time, for any reason, without explanation.
Request a speaker for your organization
Hearing directly from a survivor can deepen understanding of sexual violence and its impact. Schools, agencies, faith communities and community organizations are welcome to request a speaker for classes, staff trainings, congregations or events.
- Please submit requests at least four weeks before your event.
- Our Program Director reviews every request and will respond within seven business days.
- Submitting a request does not guarantee a speaker. Speaker well-being always comes first.
- A speaker’s name is shared with the host only after the speaker has agreed to the engagement.
Need support now? Our hotline is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day: 908-233-7273.