Quick Start Guidelines

Delivering an Impactful Community Matters Talk

At Diversity Wine Club (DWC), we are a vibrant community where LGBTQ+ individuals and their friends forge deep connections. While we gather to socialize, we also believe in growth. Learn is the fourth pillar of our mission, and your Community Matters talk is how we bring that pillar to life.

These sessions are brief, 15-minute insights from local leaders designed to inform our community. This is not a pitch or a plea for money—it is a moment of shared wisdom.

How to Be a Great Speaker

Speak From the Heart: This is an informal gathering, not a boardroom. Please leave the PowerPoint at home and skip the formal lecture. Share your authentic self and speak directly to the people in the room.

Prioritize Education Over Promotion: Choose a topic that offers genuine value to the LGBTQ+ community. You have incredible flexibility in your subject matter, provided it remains respectful. While we often support local charities, this specific time slot is strictly for non-fundraising purposes.

Respect the Clock: Our events follow a specific flow to keep the energy high.

  • The Start: One hour into the event, we will gather the guests and introduce you to the room.

  • The Window: You have 15 minutes total.

  • The Cue: At the 13-minute mark, the DWC Event Manager will stand and move toward you. This is your signal to begin your closing remarks so we can return to socializing.

Know Your Audience: You are speaking to a dedicated, exclusive group of LGBTQ+ individuals and friends who value diversity and inclusion. Generally, our members are politically left-leaning and are eager to support the community.

Know Diversity Wine Club: Our mission statement is five words long.

https://diversitywine.club/mission-statement 

New Topics to Consider for Your Talk

To make your presentation even more impactful, consider these additional tips:

  • The "Why," Not the "What": Instead of listing what your organization does, share a story about why it matters right now. Personal anecdotes resonate more than statistics in a casual home setting.

  • One Actionable Takeaway: What is one thing attendees can do or think about differently starting tomorrow? Give them a "nugget" of wisdom they can discuss over their next glass of wine.

  • Engage, Don't Just Tell: Since there is no PowerPoint, use the physical space. Ask a show-of-hands question or invite a quick 2-minute Q&A as part of your 15 minutes to keep the energy interactive.

  • The After-Talk Connection: Mention that you’ll be sticking around after the talk. This encourages members who were moved by your words to approach you for a deeper, one-on-one conversation during the rest of the party.

A Legacy of Leadership

You are joining a distinguished list of "Who’s Who" in our community. Regular speakers at our events include:

  • Alan Witchey, CEO, Damien Center

  • Chris Paulsen, CEO, IYG

  • Emma Vosicky, Executive Director, GenderNexus

  • Jenni White, Executive Director, Trinity Haven

  • Meagan Johnson, Artistic Director, Indianapolis Women’s Chorus

At the end of the day, our mission is about building a vibrant community where everyone feels welcome. Your insights provide the intellectual spark that enriches our gatherings, but the conversations you start often continue long after you put down the microphone.

We are honored to have you share your voice with the Diversity Wine Club, and we look forward to a night of learning, laughter, and lasting connections.