January 2017 | A monthly publication of the National Speech & Debate Association
Dear Student,
Happy New Year! We resolve to put the ideas and tools you need at your fingertips! Check out how we’re kicking off 2017 plus the latest resource updates below.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Vote in the Poster Design Contest » Thank you to everyone who submitted a poster idea to help us celebrate National Speech and Debate Education Day on March 3, 2017! Cast your vote to help select the winners from the six finalists. Voting closes Thursday, January 19 at 4:00 p.m. CT. The two winning designs will be announced the following day. Be sure to follow us on social media and visit www.speechanddebate.org/nsde-day for more ways to get involved and to see the big reveal!
2017-2018 Policy Debate Topic »The NFHS has released the 2017-2018 Policy Debate resolution. Next year, students will debate the topic, Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its funding and/or regulation of elementary and/or secondary education in the United States. Learn more onour topics page!
Score Scholarships » Be sure to take a look at our scholarship listings! Go to www.speechanddebate.org/scholarships for a list of colleges and universities that offer opportunities for speech and debate students to make higher education more affordable.
Educator of the Year »Has your coach enhanced the quality of education in speech and debate? On March 3, 2017, we will recognize our inaugural Educator of the Year award recipient. While nominations cannot be made by students, please share your thoughts with a parent, teacher, or administrator and encourage them to nominate a deserving individual for this national-level award. Click here to learn more.
National Tournament Update » Are you ready for a sneak peek at #Nats17? Check out our website for early details including tentative schedule, site plan, logistics, and more. We look forward to hosting everyone in The Magic City!
UPCOMING WEBINARS
U.S.-China Relations »Extempers, Policy Debaters, Congressional Debaters, and folks interested in current events, join national champion Nathan Leys on Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. CT for a topic webinar on U.S.-China relations. Save your space!
PF Topic Breakdown »Distinguished coach Kip McKee will break down the February Public Forum topic on Tuesday, January 24 at 5:00 p.m. CT. Join us to learn about potential arguments for and against the Cuban embargo.
Public Forum »Log in to check out the newest PF Topic Analysis to get started with the January topic, Resolved: In order to better respond to international conflicts, the United States should significantly increase its military spending. The Advanced Evidence Update for the January topic is also available for Resource Package subscribers.
World Schools »Take a look at the new prepared and impromptu motions plus general info in the latest WSD Motion Overview. Resource Package subscribers can view the Advanced WSD Motion Overview that offers new motions and walks students through the potential opposition and proposition arguments.
Lincoln-Douglas »Members can log in to check out the Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis for the January/February topic, Resolved: Public colleges and universities in the United States ought not restrict any constitutionally protected speech.
Big Questions »Just getting started with Big Questions? Check out our new Intro to Big Questions Video and get started with more than 100 pages of Affirmative and Negative Evidence. Delve further into the topic with the new December and January Topic Updates.
