NSDA Student Newsletter — February 2026
Prepare to Compete with New Resources
|
Start prepping for February rounds with the latest resources included with your NSDA membership. Make sure you're logged in to your account to access.
|
|
|
Shape the Future of Speech and DebateÂ
|
|
|
|
Can you share your speech and debate experience with us? In under 10 minutes, you can help us understand what students like you need to succeed in speech and debate—both now and in the future. Take the survey »
|
|
|
Discuss NSDA Debate TopicsÂ
|
The March/April Lincoln-Douglas Debate topic is, Resolved: The United States military ought to abide by the principle of non-intervention. We're partnering with Schoolhouse.world to connect students from around the world for Zoom conversations about the resolution! The focus is on open-minded conversation, not persuasion. This is a fun way to familiarize yourself with a new topic and examine different viewpoints!
Â
Join us Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. CT to discuss your thoughts on the topic! To participate, create an account and register for the LD session.Â
|
DUE TODAY: Legislation for the National CongressÂ
|
Calling all congressional debaters! 🔈 Let your ideas shine and leave your mark on the 2026 National Tournament when you submit your original legislation for the docket. Any high school or middle school NSDA member student, no matter your national qualification status, can directly submit original legislation for the 2026 National Tournament in Richmond, Virginia. If selected you will receive:
- Recognition in Rostrum
- An award after the tournament
- A $100 scholarship
Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard on a national platform! Submit your legislation by 11:59 p.m. CT today, February 5.Â
|
 Are You a Leader in Speech and Debate? Time is Running Out to Serve!
|
|
|
The Student Leadership Council (SLC) is composed of current high school members of the NSDA who produce content, develop resources, and provide feedback throughout the year to ensure we are meeting students’ needs.
Â
You can help the NSDA support and engage student members next year! Ask your coach to nominate you by Sunday, February 15 to be considered for the 2026-2027 Council.
Â
Want to know more? Meet the current SLC members and learn more about their work.
|
| |
|
Explore Resources from Equality in ForensicsÂ
|
Our friends at Equality in Forensics provide free and accessible resources. Check out a few of their favorite tools:Â Â
- The Red Folder » This news publication is by and for speech and debate students. It offers daily breaking news analysis alongside weekly briefs of current events tailored to speech and debate.
-
Online Lectures » Check out the lecture on Impacting in Congressional Debate!Â
-
Congress Resource Center » This resource offers over 28 chapters of guides for Congressional Debate, complete with corresponding slideshows for team captains to use with their novices and written articles under each topic.Â
|
Learn from an NSDA National Champion
|
|
|
Champion Q&A: Learn from 2022 Humorous Interpretation champion and two-time Original Oratory finalist Mfaz Mohamed Ali as she shares her strategies for succeeding in both events, as well as how she navigates judge feedback while staying true to her unique voice in this new video.
Want to Learn More from Mfaz? Check out her profile in Rostrum!Â
|
| |
|
Student Experts Videos: Visit our Student Experts collection to pick up even more tips from champions and go behind-the-scenes of their final round stage performances.Â
Watch Final Rounds: Learn by watching the best perform in *final round videos.
|
Final round videos from 2024 and earlier are included with membership. The 2025 final rounds are available to schools with the Resource Package. To check if your school has access, ask your coach, or log in to your account and select a 2025 video to check if you can open it.Â
|
|
|
Plan to Celebrate National Speech and Debate Education Day
|
|
|
We will celebrate the transformative power of our activity on Friday, March 6 with National Speech and Debate Education Day! It's a day dedicated to recognizing you, your team, and all you put into speech and debate. Explore ideas for celebrating with your team and resources for spreading the word.Â
|
| |
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemoveâ„¢
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
6600 Westown Parkway Suite 270 | West Des Moines, IA 50266 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| | |
|
|