Check out what's new, Coach!

Host a Screening of SPEAK. as a Team Fundraiser

SPEAK. is a documentary that follows five high school orators as they prepare for the National Tournament. Along the way, the film reveals how speech and debate builds confidence, civic engagement, and empathy in ways that resonate well beyond competition. 

Now the power of SPEAK. can power your team! You can acquire the rights to screen the film as a fundraiser. This guide takes you through the process of planning the event, including: 

• Ways to leverage a crew of students and parents to help facilitate the event
• Multiple venue options, including movie theaters, school auditoriums, and virtual screenings
• A realistic planning timeline that can be as short as one month
• Examples from teams who've hosted events 
• Ticket pricing and donation strategies
• Zero-cost promotion ideas driven by students and school networks
• Night-of fundraising options like concessions, merchandise tables, digital giving stations, and “sponsor a student” opportunities
• Follow-up strategies that turn a single event into long-term advocacy

 Make your next fundraiser one to remember! 

Last Chance: Run for the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee

In April 2026, four new members of the Competition and Rules Leadership Committee (CRLC) will be elected from these regions:

• Texas Region (all TX)
• Southeast Region (FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, VA)
• Mountain/Southwest Region (AZ, CO, HI, NM, NV, UT)
• Southern Midwest Region (AL, AR, LA, MO, MS, OK, TN)

Coaches from these regions are encouraged to apply or nominate a candidate for this election! Candidates must be a member coach of record at an active member school and have at least five years of coaching experience. Serving on the CRLC is a great way to impact the rules and strategic direction of Association work related to interscholastic programming. Learn more and apply by January 23.

Change to Charter Awards 

Earning a charter award as an NSDA member school is a point of pride for many high schools that represents hard work by coaches and students who contributed to the school’s status through the degrees they earned. Based on coach feedback and a continued effort to simplify systems for members, charter awards have changed from: 

• A status renewed every three years that requires specific degree requirements be earned to maintain; to 
• A one-time award that, once earned, high schools maintain each year their NSDA membership remains active

This change went into effect in January for the current school year. Any school that currently has their charter will retain it while their NSDA school membership is active. Page 24 of the Unified Manual reflects this change and spells out the requirements to earn an initial charter award, which are unchanged. In 2026-2027, charters will no longer be used to determine district levels. 

Nominate Students for National Leadership 

Do you have a student who wants to give back to the speech and debate community? Nominate them for the Student Leadership Council (SLC)! The SLC creates resources and provides feedback throughout the year to improve the NSDA student experience. This is a unique way to influence the organization’s future and an excellent addition to any student’s resume. Nominate an interested student by February 15! 

Lincoln-Douglas Advanced Research Guide

Resource Package subscribers can access the Advanced Research Guide for the January/February LD topic, Resolved: The possession of nuclear weapons is immoral. The guide includes common arguments and evidence to support them. 

Register for Free Second Semester Scrimmages

The Springboard Series is back! There are ten more free, online scrimmages this semester with judges and ballots. 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.

Have a Say in NSDA Topics

Interested in shaping the topics your students will debate next season? Coaches, alumni, and students are invited to submit topic ideas for Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Big Questions, and World Schools for consideration by the wording committees by March 20! 

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