As we enter a time where many are reflecting on what they're thankful for, we want you to know that we are thankful for you! District leaders are key to providing students as many opportunities as possible. We always welcome your emails and phone calls but please keep in mind that the NSDA office will be closed November 22 – 24.
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Don't Forget - District Dates Form Due Nov. 30!
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The final deadline for chairs to complete their District Dates Form is November 30. Thank you to the 58 district chairs who have already submitted theirs! This form lets us know a lot of information that helps everyone prepare for your district tournament series. If you need help or guidance completing the form, please first review this email and then check this instruction guide.
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Try This! District Committee Office Hours
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This month’s shared strategy comes to us from the New Jersey District. As a way to connect with their local members, they offer three 30-minute sessions of ‘office hours’ where member coaches can log on and learn a strategy or skill from the District Committee! For this set of office hours, the New Jersey District Committee is providing its coach members tutorials on how to link students in Tabroom.com and SpeechWire. This is a great example of how your District Committee can support and retain new(er) coaches in as little as half an hour!
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Celebrating Excellence: Vanessa Chapa, Gulf Coast District
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During this fall’s District Chair Chats, we asked chairs to share the names of coaches in their district who deserve a little extra recognition for what they’re doing at the local level. This month, we want to highlight the first of many district leaders who are doing excellent work. As the coach of McAllen High School (TX), Vanessa Chapa has a level of “gusto” that deserves “all of the kudos.” Her district chair Noah Recker (Gulf Coast) went on to brag that she is an alum who is going above and beyond to provide opportunities for students in speech and debate, even when it may be difficult!
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Meet the Team: Q&A with Karen Jansen, Business & Finance Assistant
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Please introduce yourself!
I am from the Des Moines area. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my daughter, who is a college student at Drake University majoring in political communications and journalism. I also have a son who keeps me busy. He is a 17-year-old junior who participates in many activities, such as Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and various sports teams.
What does being the Business and Finance Assistant include?
My role in the finance department is to help process payments for membership and other dues, the National Tournament, the NSDA Store, and the NSDA Trophy Shop. I also oversee the scholarship payments that are sent out to students who have won them over the years. In addition, I assist coaches with any questions they may have regarding their invoices or finance issues.
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As someone who wasn’t involved in speech and debate before working at the NSDA, what is something you like about the activity?
In her final years of high school, my daughter was involved in speech and theater. I admire how speech and debate provide opportunities for our youth to express their creativity, enhance their public speaking skills, sharpen their critical thinking, and boost their self-confidence. It was only after I became a part of the NSDA that I realized the vastness of high school speech and debate!
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Practical Professional Development: Belonging and Inclusion Station
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The Belonging and Inclusion Station Info Session recording is now available! Sharing this recording with the coaches in your district is an excellent way to help them learn more about the purpose of the BIS, changes to the BIS structure from last year, and training opportunities for Belonging and Inclusion Advocates. If you haven't already, consider completing the BIA Training Course on NSDA Learn! Even if you aren't serving as a BIA at your district's tournament, this course will provide a full picture of how you can best care for your attendees by providing a welcoming and safe tournament environment.
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6600 Westown Parkway Suite 270 | West Des Moines, IA 50266 US
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