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Celebrate the Leading Chapters

Each year, the top high school chapter in accumulated members and degrees in each district receives the Leading Chapter Award. The winning school's total returns to zero and it begins a new record. Leading Chapter Awards will be shipped to district chairs to be awarded as part of the district tournament series and the coaches and administrators at winning schools will receive a letter of recognition. Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Leading Chapters!

Prose and Poetry Resources

Get students interested in new events using our Prose and Poetry starter kits, Interpretation textbook, and final rounds! 

Upcoming Coaches' Network Meetings

The groups in the Coaches' Network aim to promote a sense of community and inclusion for coaches facing specific barriers tied to identity or school type. Groups are meeting this fall! 

Coaches' Caucuses

• Hispanic/Latine - October 15
• Women - October 27
• Asian/Pacific Islander - October 30 
• Abilities United - November 6

• LGBTQ+ - November 11

• Black/African American - November 14 

Interest Groups

• Rural Coaches - October 21
• Independent (Non-Public) Schools - October 28

• Small School Coaches - November 18

Pitching Sponsorship to Businesses

As you consider funding sources for this school year, consider offering team sponsorship packages in exchange for special promotional opportunities. Local businesses in your area may be looking for more exposure in the community through supporting a great cause like speech and debate. When you're ready to reach out, use this template letter from a student to connect!

Encourage Legislation Submissions for the National Congress

Any high school or middle school NSDA member student, regardless of their national qualification status, may submit legislation to be considered for the 2025 National Tournament Docket! Students may submit multiple pieces of legislation for consideration.

If their legislation is selected to be part of the Nationals Docket, they will be recognized in Rostrum, receive a trophy after the tournament, and be awarded a $100 scholarship. This is a great way to boost students’ resumes and be recognized for their research and writing skills! The online form closes February 5, 2025.

Meet the 2023-2024 Speaking and Service Award Winners

Speech and debate is about more than competition. The Honor Society also celebrates students using their skills to better the world around them. The Speaking and Service Award annually recognizes students who go above and beyond in their service to their teams, schools, and communities. Students receive this award when they earn 200 service points in a given year, the maximum number possible in a school year in our Honor Society. Congratulations to the 2023-2024 recipients! 

Check the Rankings

If your team is motivated by stats, peruse student and school rankings nationally or by state or district.  

Recruit Students for Your Team

Check out our student recruitment guide for tips for building your team!

Share Your Story as We Celebrate 100 Years of the NSDA

We're turning 100! As part of the celebration, we're collecting memories from our past. Share your information via the Centennial Stories form to be displayed in our Speech and Debate Stories map and explore more ways to celebrate. 

Questions? We're here to help! Email info@speechanddebate.org or call (920) 748-6206.

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