National Speech & Debate Association
Established in 1925, the National Speech & Debate Association provides support and recognition for students and coaches of Speech & Debate activities throughout the world. NSDA is the largest honor society devoted to Speech & Debate and hosts the worlds largest academic competition: The prestigious NSDA National Tournament!
The NSDA is divided into 110 different regions - known as "Districts" - throughout the world. Each District elects its own volunteer leadership from member coaches who are charged with planning an hosting an annual "NSDA District Tournament" -- the top placing students in each event will qualify to the annual NSDA National Tournament.
Schools that affiliate with the National Speech & Debate Association earn significant recognition and support for their member students. Once affiliated, students who compete at any Speech & Debate tournament at any time - regardless of whether or not the tournament is associated with the NSDA and regardless of whether or not the competitive events offered are "NSDA recognized" - earn points that accumulate over time. As students compete, they earn higher and higher recognitions. Many coaches have found that this recognition helps them advocate for their programs within their school district!
NSDA recognizes 14 events as "Main Events" in which students can qualify to the NSDA National Tournament:
The NSDA is divided into 110 different regions - known as "Districts" - throughout the world. Each District elects its own volunteer leadership from member coaches who are charged with planning an hosting an annual "NSDA District Tournament" -- the top placing students in each event will qualify to the annual NSDA National Tournament.
Schools that affiliate with the National Speech & Debate Association earn significant recognition and support for their member students. Once affiliated, students who compete at any Speech & Debate tournament at any time - regardless of whether or not the tournament is associated with the NSDA and regardless of whether or not the competitive events offered are "NSDA recognized" - earn points that accumulate over time. As students compete, they earn higher and higher recognitions. Many coaches have found that this recognition helps them advocate for their programs within their school district!
NSDA recognizes 14 events as "Main Events" in which students can qualify to the NSDA National Tournament:
|
PUBLIC SPEAKING EVENTS
International Extemp US Extemp Original Oratory Informative Speaking |
ORAL INTERPRETATION
Humorous Interp Dramatic Interp Duo Interp Program Oral Interp |
DEBATE
Public Forum Debate Policy Debate Lincoln-Douglas Debate Congressional Debate |
NSDA also offers students an opportunity to qualify to Nationals through World Schools Debate and coordinates grants for schools offering tournaments in Big Questions Debate.
Once a school affiliates with the NSDA, they are assigned a "District" based on their geographic region. The district boundaries are not exactly defined (like a state border), but a general rule of thumb: If your school is in the eastern half of Missouri, you are most likely in the "Eastern Missouri NSDA District."
EastMO NSDA
Established in the 1970s, EastMO NSDA supports high school speech & debate programs throughout the eastern half of Missouri. Our district is unique -- our coaches are highly collaborative with each other, openly share resources and professional development, and our students form close bonds that extend far beyond their own high schools. Our district has frequently been highlighted by the National Speech and Debate Association for our governing models and methods - it's not uncommon to see the "EastMO Model" being adopted into the NSDA by-laws as best practices and regulations for all NSDA districts throughout the country.
EastMO NSDA is not only a district within the NSDA, it is also it's own independent 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit in Missouri (known as "East MO NFL"*). This allows us to raise money, collectively purchase, and share resources with schools throughout our region to help keep costs manageable for all schools and establish scholarships to support students in Speech & Debate Activities and in college.
EastMO NSDA organizes the annual "NSDA District Tournament Series" held over two different weekends and offers member students a competitive tournament that allows for advancement/qualification to the National Tournament in all NSDA Events listed above!
EastMO NSDA is not only a district within the NSDA, it is also it's own independent 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit in Missouri (known as "East MO NFL"*). This allows us to raise money, collectively purchase, and share resources with schools throughout our region to help keep costs manageable for all schools and establish scholarships to support students in Speech & Debate Activities and in college.
EastMO NSDA organizes the annual "NSDA District Tournament Series" held over two different weekends and offers member students a competitive tournament that allows for advancement/qualification to the National Tournament in all NSDA Events listed above!
*Note that our local organization is called "East MO NFL" for tax purposes. The National Speech & Debate Association was known as the "National Forensic League" from 1925 - 2013. When they changed their name to NSDA, our local 501(c)3 did not change its name.