Speaker’s bureau serves Milwaukee groups for a decade – Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

A pro bono speaker’s bureau in Milwaukee is proving that the best things in life, and the best education for local groups, are still free. Free Speakers Milwaukee is officially celebrating its 10th anniversary running a pro bono speaker’s bureau. Free Speakers MKE provides speakers to Milwaukee area community groups at no cost.

Launched on January 7, 2016, the Milwaukee bureau holds a special place in the organization’s history, because it was the very first expansion city. What began as a local Chicago-only service has now grown into a national network with bureaus in seven cities across the country (Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis).

Since Milwaukee debut a decade ago, the bureau has fulfilled 611 requests for speakers from local community groups in MKE. Today, the Milwaukee bureau features 35 active speakers covering a vast array of topics ranging from history and health to business and personal development.

“Milwaukee was our first expansion city, and the reception over the last decade has been nothing short of incredible,” said Andy Richardson, Milwaukee executive director of FreeSpeakers.org. “We knew the Chicago model worked, but Milwaukee proved that there is a universal hunger for knowledge and community connection. Reaching 611 requests shows just how much local organizations value the experts in their own backyard.” Read More >>

By Drew Russell
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service – March 2, 2026