The new membership cycle began August 1! If you haven't yet renewed your annual school membership, this is the last newsletter you will receive. Be sure to do so by the end of September to continue to receive this newsletter. Questions about speech and debate? Email us at info@speechanddebate.org or call us at (920) 748-6206. We're here to help!
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Big Questions Topic Update
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Two options for the 2025-2026 Big Questions debate topic were put up for a national vote, and on August 1, the winning topic was announced: Resolved: Religious belief is a prerequisite for morality. After considering coach feedback, the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee suggested a slight wording change to ensure more robust debate. The updated topic is effective immediately. Tournament hosts who have already scheduled their events may use either version, but all district tournaments and the National Tournament will use the revised wording. The updated 2025-2026 Big Questions topic is, Resolved: Moral systems rooted in theism are preferable to non-theistic moral systems.
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Tomorrow: Last Chance to Apply for a $5,000 Team Grant
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Keith West dedicated his life to coaching and teaching youth in the ways of argumentation and debate. To honor his life and legacy, his family and friends have established the Keith West Memorial School Grant to provide one $5,000 grant, two $2,500 grants, and five $1,000 grants to teams who have strong potential but a significant lack of financial resources. Apply by October 1 for support!
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Onboard New Team Members to All Things NSDA
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Make speech and debate easier for your students! The free Intro to NSDA Student Membership series helps new competitors feel prepared before their first round. Each video averages just six minutes, making them easy to fit into practice or class, and student receive a certificate at the end as proof of completion. The series includes:
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- Explanation of NSDA points and the Honor Society
- Overview of events and why to choose them
- Performance, delivery, and persuasion techniques
- Intro to how tournaments work and what to expect
- Orientation to navigating your NSDA and Tabroom.com accounts
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Tips from experienced competitors
- And more!
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Read the Competition and Rules Committee Minutes
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The Competition and Rules Leadership Committee met on September 16, 2025. The committee discussed rule change proposal priorities, Big Questions topic wording update, interpreter use at the Middle School National Tournament, district pilot qualification methods, and National Tournament security. Review the minutes »
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Streamline Your Instruction with Start Here
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NSDA membership includes access to 14 expertly crafted units through our Start Here series, as well as online textbooks to supplement instruction for various events.
These popular grab-and-go lessons are built to save you time planning and teaching events. Use the lessons in class, pull activities for practices, or share materials with students for peer coaching or independent learning!
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Register for Free Online Scrimmages
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There are seven more free, online practices this semester with judges and ballots as part of our Springboard Series. These are ideal practice sessions for speech and debate students who want to build their confidence in competing while also receiving constructive feedback from judges across the nation. Learn more or register »
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Learn from National Champions
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Learning directly from national champions is a great way for students to think about their events differently or pick up new strategies. Encourage interested students to register to attend our first two Champion Q&A sessions of the year to ask their questions directly, or explore past sessions for their events!
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6600 Westown Parkway Suite 270 | West Des Moines, IA 50266 US
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