The Arctic Visiting Speakers Series (AVS), managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) with funding from the National Science Foundation Division of Arctic Sciences, is accepting applications from individuals, institutions, or organizations interested in hosting an arctic visiting speaker. AVS provides travel grants for speakers to present on arctic topics to a variety of audiences.

Visiting speakers can include scientists and researchers, indigenous peoples, or any other person with expertise relevant to the Arctic. Speaking tours can focus on many types of audiences, but must include a significant K-12 activity. Speakers can be selected from the online Speakers Bureau (http://www.arcus.org/arctic_speaker/bureau.html), or a speaker not yet listed in the Bureau can be added with approval from ARCUS.

Successful host applications will provide a schedule of events that includes a wide variety of speaking engagements, including outreach to local communities and K-12 audiences. Rural and underserved areas are especially encouraged to apply.

The grants are capped at $2000.00 for domestic (U.S.) tours and $2500.00 for international tours. Grants can include, but are not limited to, funding for transportation, lodging, per diem, and a speaker stipend. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the expected event dates. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

For further information about the program, please go to: http://www.arcus.org/arctic_speaker/index.html.
The AVS program expectations are available at: http://www.arcus.org/arctic_speaker/expectations.html.
Organizations and communities interested in hosting a speaker will find information and the application here: http://www.arcus.org/arctic_speaker/host.html.
See examples of past tours here: http://www.arcus.org/arctic_speaker/2011_tours.html.