Sometimes the most important topics can be difficult or even uncomfortable to talk about.

In 2024, Green Building Alliance invites you to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable by exploring topics, experiences, and conversations that will pull us just far enough outside of our comfort zone and challenge our thinking in ways that will catalyze positive change within ourselves – and then provide the tools necessary to carry on those conversations to ignite change within our communities.  

If you have a story you’ve been wanting to tell about a time you were faced with and overcame a difficult conversation in order to provoke change, we want to help you find your audience and are currently accepting applications for speakers/performances.

Unique from most traditional Inspire Speakers Series events, “Storytellers” is not a lecture but rather an assemblage of narratives. On JUNE 20TH, 2024, through mediums such as spoken word, art, music, and more, we invite local voices to take the stage and share their diverse perspectives on how sustainability impacts their lives and supports thriving communities.

Possible themes include (but are not limited to):
- Climate Impact in Communities
- Social/Environmental Justice
- Climate Advocacy & Activism
- Climate Refuge / Asylum
- Environmental Impacts on Health
- Climate Equity
- Civic Engagement
- Pollution Exposure
- Public Spaces & Facilities
- Safe & Sanitary Spaces
- Sustainable Building / Design
- Utility & Food Access
- Clean Energy & Water

We would especially love to hear from the following perspectives:
- Community Members or Civic Leaders
- Business / Private Sector
- School or Youth Oriented
- Construction / Build / Design
- Nonprofit Leaders
- Artists / Performers
- Generational (older adult)
- Generational (grade - high school)

GBA's commitment to Social Equity:
GBA Envisions a future where all buildings and communities are sustainable so that all people can thrive. We work towards this vision in all that we do, making social equity a necessary priority in both our programs and operations. This includes ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel comfortable and welcome at GBA events. By participating in this event you agree to share in this commitment by addressing other presenters and audience members with respect, and to avoid using any derogatory or potentially harmful language.

If selected as a storyteller, you can expect to spend around 5 hours per month between now and the event preparing your story for the stage.

Please email ArielL@GBA.org with any questions.

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1. Name (Required.)

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2. Phone Number (Required.)

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3. Email (Required.)

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4. Neighborhood (Greater Pittsburgh Area) (Required.)

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5. Brief biography (Required.)

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6. Please share a professional headshot if available (if you do not have one, and you are selected as a speaker, GBA will provide a headshot for you)

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7. Briefly describe your proposed story or performance. If you are having trouble deciding between stories, feel free to list a few ideas. (Required.)

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8. Are you willing to attend a storytelling workshop prior to the in-person event to help prepare for and aide in the delivery of your story? (Required.)

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9. Are you available the afternoon and evening of (approximately 2PM - 8PM) June 20th 2024 (Required.)

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10. Are you comfortable performing in front of a large audience (100+ people) (Required.)

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11. Are you comfortable having your story/performance recorded (audio, video, or both) and being used in the future? (Required.)

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12. What is your general availability (for the foreseeable future) for virtual and/or in person discussions or workshops relating to the storytellers event? (Required.)

  Virtual meetings only (Zoom) In-Person meetings only Either In-Person or Virtual meetings are fine I am not available during this time
Monday Mornings / Early Afternoons
Monday Late Afternoons / Evenings
Tuesday Mornings / Early Afternoons
Tuesday Late Afternoons / Evenings
Wednesday Mornings / Early Afternoons
Wednesday Late Afternoons / Evenings
Thursday Mornings / Early Afternoons
Thursday Late Afternoons / Evenings
Friday Mornings / Early Afternoons
Friday Late Afternoons / Evenings

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13. Is transportation to and from workshop(s) (location TBD) and main in-person event (Hazelwood Green) a concern for you? (Required.)

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14. Do you have any questions for us regarding the event, our selection process, or your potential commitment to the event? (Required.)

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