What is Survivors Speak?
Survivors Speak is a program originally developed by the Holocaust Council of MetroWest for The Morris Museum as part of their outreach to schools.
The program consists of a speaker who was an eyewitness to the Holocaust (survivors, liberators, POWs) and a moderator. The speakers are chosen for the diversity of their experiences during the Holocaust as the intent is to make listeners aware that the Holocaust was not only Auschwitz but a vast array of experiences. The moderator introduces the speaker, provides historical context, keeps the speaker to their allotted time, and moderates the ‘Question and Answer’ session that follows the talk. Survivors Speak helps students meet STAJE Standards.
Survivors Speak works well even in very large auditoriums. Most often, audiences are 5th grade, middle and high school students but this program is effective for all age groups. The program is an hour in length but we suggest you allow extra time as many students want to meet, shake hands with the survivor and even get their autographs.
Our requirements are:
- A table and 2 chairs
- At least one microphone (two are preferable)
- Some water for the speakers
We provide “Teachers Kits” for educators as well as copies of the booklet, “A Brief Introduction to the Holocaust” for students.
For more information or to book a program, call (973) 929-3194 or email at holocaustcouncil@jfedgmw.org or jcarus@jfedgmw.org.
Survivors Speak Frequently Asked Questions
Holocaust Council of MetroWest Speakers Bureau
What do you require?
If possible, we’d like a table, two chairs, a microphone (or mics) and some water.
To whom should the check be written?
The check is to the Holocaust Council of MetroWest. If your school requires a voucher for payment or a tax I.D. number, please let us know and we will send it.
We request an honorarium of $350 per engagement; $500 for schools that are located outside MetroWest (Essex, Sussex, Morris and northern Union counties.) This is a request, not an absolute requirement. Let us know if you have trouble meeting the request.
What else do I need to know?
It helps if the students have had had a prior introduction to the Holocaust.
After the presentation, we ask that students do some form of response to the survivors, e.g. letters, poems, artwork. It’s an excellent way for the students to process what they’ve heard. The responses can be mailed to us in one envelope and we’ll forward them to the survivors. You cannot imagine how the survivors treasure these.
Our questions for you:
-How many students will be at each session?
-How many teachers? (We need to know how many booklets and teachers kits to bring along.)
-What is being done to prepare the students?
-Have parents been invited?