September 2017 | A monthly publication of the National Speech & Debate Association

This month, we’re putting a spotlight on district communications and bringing you excerpts of great emails from other leaders, as well as a few best practices of our own, to help inspire your local efforts. Dive in below!

Season Kickoff

Start your season off right by reminding district members of all the benefits at their disposal. Check out how the Chesapeake District email highlighted the NSDA points process and the awards coaches and students can earn with a local spin!

Extend a Hand

Start early! Simple tips and an offer to be a resource can go a long way in convincing schools to renew before your district tournament. Follow the lead of Chesapeake's Charles Donovan below.

Chesapeake District Sample Newsletter

There are a number of schools in our district that have participated in the past, but have not yet registered for this year. There are others that participate in other leagues but not NSDA. If you would like a district committee member to contact you about enrolling or re-enrolling, please reply to this message. We believe strongly in the value of this activity and would like to do what we can to answer your questions and encourage you to offer this opportunity to your students.

Monthly Messages

We're amazed by the look and feel of the New Mexico district's newsletters! All signs point to a fabulous National Tournament in 2020 when we join them in Albuquerque. Take a look at how they communicate upcoming events and deadlines, tournament highlights, and ways to share input in an easily digestible format.

Sweat the Small Stuff

Celebrate local coach and student achievement in your newsletter. Everyone likes to see their accomplishments recognized! Check out this great example from New Mexico's Trey Smith.

New Mexico District Sample Newsletter

The New Mexico District of the National Speech & Debate Association saw 40 students compete at the world's largest academic competition, the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Birmingham, AL from June 18-24. The New Mexico district had its most number of schools represented ever at the tournament: 14!

Our World Schools Teams had a great showing, with the team of Will McCumber, Donald Poston, Sarah Shipley, and Andy Shen of Los Alamos winning four preliminary rounds. They were ranked 45th out of 173 entries. Will McCumber also qualified to Round 5 of Extemp Commentary.

Making Connections

Martha Benham, chair of the Colorado District, has a knack for celebrating local successes, both big and small. We applaud how Marti is building community in her district outside of tournaments. It's no wonder she won the Best District Communications Award at the 2017 District Leader Luncheon! Skim through Marti's end of year email and steal a tip or two.

Colorado District Sample Newsletter

Hello!

A few more bits of info and an invitation for fun!

Congratulations to Alec Greven of Castle View for being selected as our District Student of the Year!

I will be following up later this week or early next week to finalize dates for our tournaments next year. AND NOW… the fun!

Please join us on Friday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m. or whenever you can at the DTC Tavern.

We want to celebrate the year!

Next Steps

For more like this, as well as templates to get you started, visit our Building Community Toolkit. Happy emailing!

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