I have just taken over as leader of our TOPS group and I would like a few ideas for guest speakers.......has anyone had any success with a guest speaker? Any information will be appreciated. Thanks

dietians, area gyms, cooking teachers,

We have had a Diabetic counselor, and a dietician twice, (they have a lot of different things to talk about). Also, your state royalty make interesting speakers. We have had a former king twice. He was a good speaker. Next week, we are having someone from the memory disorder clinic. And the local health and fitness sent someone to teach us chair exercises.
Hope this helps.

Nita

Do you pay these speakers, and how do you determine how much to pay them? mary ann

Maryann,

We have had a woman that owns a gym come talk to us and did a cooking class on lowfat cooking. It was great. She had a lot of info also and the women got motivated also. I think we should have her come back again when I get back I will talk to the leader about it.

Also we had a dietician come talk to us. For the first one we only had to pay for the food she cooked. The second one I think it was $15.00 not sure. I can't remember how much it was.

Usually they will tell you if they need to be paid. Just let them know you are a nfp group and maybe they will give you a reduced price or do it for free.

I hope this helps you. Good luck.

Sherri

Mary Ann....
The ones that the local hospital sends out, (diabetes counselor, dietician, exercise) doesn't cost anything. The hospital has a program to provide free speakers to groups. However, when the TOPS king came to speak, we paid him $25.00. It is in our By-laws that we pay not less than $5 nor more than $25 to anyone from TOPS coming to the chapter to present a program.
Our area captain also came and spoke at our chapter last year.

Nita

Thanks gals, I really appreciate the information. I will contact our local hospital today and see what I can come up with. Our chapter, being so small, has become too informal, and I think having speakers will help, not only to educate and motivate, but help the members realize this is a serious goal, and not just a social time. Will let you know what I come up with. Mary ann