Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the VOICES Contemporary Lectures?

In 1993, Francine Read founded VOICES, INC. creating the VOICES Contemporary Lectures in Portland, Oregon, a multi-evening series filled with insight, inspiration and intelligent talk.  Over the years the series has featured the world’s most interesting women and many of the hottest women speakers on the circuit today. It is not a woman’s issues forum but a series that addresses a wonderful array of issues as seen from women’s perspectives. Both women and men are welcome to participate. 

What remarkable women have spoken for the VOICES Lectures in Portland?

In order of appearance:Linda Ellerbee • Sarah Brady • Geri Jewell • Cicely Tyson • Jehan Sadat • Dr. Helen Fisher • Faye Wattleton • Molly Ivins • Ellen Goodman • Leslie Abramson • Honorable Ann Richards • Kathy Buckley • Lesley Stahl • Geraldine Ferraro • Cathy Rigby • Liz Carpenter • Patricia Schroeder • Terry Gross • Isabel Allende • Lynn Sherr • Beverly Sills • Liz Curtis Higgs • Jane Alexander • Gloria Steinem • Susan Stamberg • Gail Sheehy • Eleanor Clift with Bay Buchanan • Anna Quindlen • Linda Wertheimer • Joan Rivers • Dr. Sylvia Earle • Doris Kearns Goodwin • Katherine Martin • Sister Helen Prejean • Lucie Arnaz • Sue Kirby • Ann Curry • Stephen Engelberg • Diana Jordan • Helen Thomas • Janet Reno • Susan Faludi • Lalita Tademy • Sherron Watkins • Sarah Weddington • Nadine Strossen • Erin Brockovich • Mavis Leno • Susan Orlean • Catherine Crier • Anna Deavere Smith • Arianna Huffington • Michele Norris and Marlee Matlin.

How do I subscribe to the VOICES Contemporary Lectures?

Subscribers may order by:

Can I purchase individual tickets?

The series is sold as a series unless there are tickets remaining about one month before opening night. Individual ticket prices vary according to each event. The Early-Bird Promotion is available through June 1 which offers discounts for early series subscriptions without handling fees.

What categories of tickets are available for the VOICES Contemporary Lectures?

3 categories of tickets are available:

  • General Admission Series: open seating in the balcony and limited main floor

  • Patron Series which includes reserved seating (by row and pew) and catered reception by Popp and Company Catering and Events immediately following the lectures from about 9 pm-9:45 pm at the Fellowship Hall at the First Congregational Church. Patron Seating Map           

  • Group Sales: For groups of 8 or more people, VOICES offers reserved seating. Please contact the VOICES office for availability. Early subscriptions are advised.

How do I get on the mailing list?

Please call the Ticket Hotline @ 503-243-3440, email @ Francine@voicesinc.com or call the VOICES office @ 503-631-7477. 

What is the location and format for the VOICES Contemporary Lectures?

VOICES is at the historic First Congregational Church in Portland, Oregon, 1126 SW Park Ave, Portland, Oregon. The Church holds about 1000 people.  It is a very intimate environment; the pews of the church are in a semi-round with about 600 on the main floor and 400 in the balcony.  Doors open at 6:30 pm. The program is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm with about one hour for the speaker program followed by a question and answer session with the audience for about 20 minutes. Q&A is done with additional microphones so the audience can directly address the speaker.  After the Q&A is a patron reception for about 40 minutes at the Church’s reception hall for our patrons. Borders Books is on site for book sales and signing. 

Who attends the VOICES Contemporary Lectures?

Speakers tell us our audiences are the best; warm, educated and eager to participate-a great group of women and men. 

What makes the VOICES Contemporary Lectures Unique?

VOICES is about community. The intimate setting of the Church fosters the audience to participate directly with the remarkable women. VOICES experiences a loyal subscriber base with a majority of the audience returning annually. Subscribers enjoy the intimate environment and the face-to-face experience with many of the world’s most influential women of our time. VOICES features diverse lineups of speakers who are award-winning writers, business women, politically savvy leaders, celebrities and journalists. The lives and experiences of these powerful women motivate and inspire audiences to continue the discussions long after the programs are over.

How Do I Become a Sponsor or Advertise in the VOICES Program?

VOICES is an effective way to reach smart, educated women and men with your products and services. Our advertising rates are extremely affordable. For rates and ad dimensions, please go to AdSpecs for detailed information. For our complete Sponsorship packet contact Francine Read @503-631-7477 or email Francine Read.