What is UHC's Public Square?

A resource for organizations and groups looking to host outstanding discussion leaders on a variety of contemporary issues. At a Public Square program, discussion leaders invite conversation and encourage everyone's involvement.

Click here to find a Public Square program happening near you.

What Can I Expect From a Public Square Program?

The discussion leader will start the program with a 20-30 minute presentation. This might be an informal lecture, a slide-show, a film-clip, or a discussion of a short text. Then, citizens will be invited to weigh-in with their questions, comments, responses. The discussion should be rich, sparked by a stimulating catalyst, and, we hope, provide everyone with something to think about.

New Option:  You may now book a 90-minute, more interactive presentation through Public Square, a humanities "workshop" in which participants engage with the speaker and with each other throughout the presentation.  Click here for more information about which Public Square speakers offer workshops. 

Who May Schedule a UHC Public Square Program?

Anyone may schedule a discussion leader for a UPS program, as long as the event is free, is advertised to the public, and involves at least 15 people. You don’t need to be an established organization to schedule a discussion leader; ad hoc groups are fine. We do limit each organization or group to hosting three discussion leaders per year. If you anticipate difficulty guaranteeing an audience of 15, we suggest you consider cohosting the program with another organization to help publicize the event.

How Do I Schedule a Program?

The procedure is simple: At least thirty days before your program, contact the discussion leader via phone or email and set a presentation date. Submit your application for the program to UHC. When we receive the application, we send a confirmation to the discussion leader and pay them directly after the program. Your responsibility is to publicize the event, and send us evaluations from audience members after the program. That’s it! For a program application go to the "Forms" section on this page.