NCF SPEAKERS' TASK FORCE

What is the Speakers' Task Force?

The Speakers' Task Force was the focus of 
development during a meeting between Lisa Donnelly 
and Mimi Richard.  It came together as a result of 
recognizing a need for the coordination of requests 
for speakers and presenters to respond to up-coming 
speaking engagements.  Slowly over time, the Task 
Force grew.  

Currently, the Task Force stands at 40 volunteers 
who have participated in various events that the 
Task Force has staffed since April 1995.

As part of the vision for the Task Force, it is my 
hope to build upon this group to eventually offer 
information services, such as Help Desk  Live 
sessions, on a regular basis to other areas of 
Ottawa such as Kanata, Nepean, Glouscester, and 
Vanier.  Current negotiations are underway with
Nepean and Hull libraries.

The following suggestions are being considered:

- running day time help desk live sessions
- providing all Speakers' Task Force documentation
in both English and French
- presenting Help Desk Live session in French when
and where the need arises

In addition, it is the intention of this task 
force to continue to look to the future and 
address the needs of the NCF membership.



What is the mission of the Speakers' Task Force?

The mission of the Speakers' Task Force is to meet 
public demands for NCF demonstrations and assist in 
producing NCF information materials.

What types of events does the Speakers' Task Force cover?

The Speakers' Task Force covers a wide variety of 
events.  In particular, it serves not for profit 
organizations, associations and under represented 
groups. 

It is not the objectives of the Speakers' Task 
Force to become a special events or conference 
coordination task force.

History of presentations

The following is a list of events that volunteers have 
covered since the establishment of the Task Force in 
April 1995.

						     Date completed:

Ottawa Public Library - Help Desk Live	December 5
Andre Laurendeau High School - Vanier	November 14-15
Ottawa Public Library - Introduction	November 7
Nepean Public Library - Advanced		October 4
Nepean Public Library -  Introduction	September 25
CASLIS Technofest '95				September 19
Graduate Student's Fair - Carleton U.	September 8
TAG - Technical and Administrative Group September 7
Compu-Fest Shows				August 13
West End Community Ventures			August 2
	ESL (English as a Second Language) 
	(2 classes) Carleton University	July 31
St. Mathew High School			May 25
Pembroke Public Library			May 17
Canadian Public Relations Society 	May 5
	Conference
Association of Translators and 		April 22 and 23
	Interpreters


The history of the Speakers' Task Force has been 
very colored.  Volunteers have spread their 
knowledge across many, many groups and organizations 
and have helped to promote the idea of easy access to 
information.

Request for speaker

When a speaker is required, the coordinator is 
contacted by phone, e-mail, fax or word of mouth.  

At the time of first contact, the  coordinator will 
gather as much information as is available for the 
event.  

The coordinator will then disseminate information to 
all volunteers with a request that each respond
regarding her/his interest and/or availability.
 
Speaker's who volunteer for the event are then provided
with additional information such as the name of the
primary contact and any additional details which may
arise before the event.

The coordinator for the Speakers' Task Force is Mimi
Richard, br184.

There is also a SIG for this Task Force - go speaker -
where one may find a copy of the Pseuto-Offical Speakers'
Task Force Guide to Presentations.

A final accomplishment of this Task Force was to undertake
the restructurization of the 5 Minute Guide - due to formating
restrictions - available in hard copy only.

Mimi Richard