PROPOSALS
We welcome new voices to be part of the conversation. To be considered as a speaker for a future Minns Lecture, submit a proposal and writing sample using the form below.
Submit a proposal
We encourage people from all walks of life to participate in Minns Lectures—and you could be our next speaker. Whether you're an emerging voice or an established speaker, there is a place for you in our community.
To be considered for the upcoming Spring Series, the deadline for submissions is August 31st. However, Minns welcomes proposals at any time and will consider them for future years.
All entries must include a proposal (2000 words maximum) and curriculum vitae. Download our complete, detailed proposal guidelines here.
Learn more about Minns Lectures
General
The Minns Lectures Committee invites proposals for challenging, innovative lectures of depth and appeal to Unitarian Universalist audiences and the larger community. According to Susan Minns' will, the lectures are to be "upon religion or religious subjects, to be given by [Unitarian Universalist] Ministers of good standing." The Committee is interested in a wide variety of topics, with an emphasis on original thought.
Format
In general, a Lecture Series consists of three to six lectures on a given topic, but the Committee welcomes creative proposals. The intent is to engage diverse audiences in an evolving dialogue and provide opportunities for personal insight and depth of mutual discovery.
Venue
Minns Lectures are typically held in Boston, at King’s Chapel and First Church Boston. Lectures may also take place at another location if it has special significance to the topic and/or the lecturer. Minns Lectures pointedly transcend any place while remaining grounded in congregational life.
Deadline
Lectures are generally given in the spring, and proposals must be submitted by August 31st to be considered for the following Spring Series. However, the Committee welcomes proposals at any time and encourages prospective lecturers to apply for a future year if the August 31st deadline has passed.
Publication
Lectures given under the auspices of the Minns Lectures Committee will be published on this website, and the lecturer is expected to supply the Committee with the full text. We ask that speakers consult with the Committee before publishing a Lecture elsewhere.
Remuneration
We deeply value our speakers and their efforts. Lecturers receive meaningful remuneration, plus expenses.