In February, we held our third in-person Alumni Reunion in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Board Member Josh Swartsel, the “Capital Voices, Capital Impact” event brought together a packed room of speech and debate alumni to tackle one big question: How do we expand access to speech and debate for the next generation?
What followed was equal parts nostalgia and action. Alumni swapped stories and reflected on how speech and debate shaped their voices and careers before learning about how they could advocate, give back, and open doors for today’s students. The result? A powerful reminder that this community doesn’t just reminisce, it mobilizes.
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Want to support the National Speech & Debate Initiative? Whether you’re interested in hosting a reunion or other ways you can support this work, we’d love to hear from you. Just reply to this email and help us keep the power of speech and debate growing.
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Our National Tournament Emcee Launches Podcast
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Emmy Award–winning journalist David Begnaud, our National Tournament emcee, is often called “America’s storyteller” for his deeply human approach to reporting. Over a two-decade career, David has earned national trust through coverage of breaking news, natural disasters, and stories of resilience, including his George Polk Award-winning reporting on Hurricane Maria.
Now Founder and CEO of Do Good Crew and a contributor to CBS News, David has launched a new podcast, “The Person Who Believed In Me With David Begnaud.” The show features deeply personal conversations with extraordinary guests about the one person who believed in them before the world did.
His very first guest is fellow alum Oprah Winfrey, with upcoming conversations including Charlie Puth, Ava DuVernay, 2 Chainz, Nick Cannon, and more.
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Are You Ever Too Old To Debate?
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Wake Forest Debate brought generations together as two teams of debaters—each member over the age of 70, including one nearing 97—faced off on campus in a first-of-its-kind inter-community debate. Residents from Salemtowne in Winston-Salem and Abbotswood in Greensboro formed debate societies with coaching and mentorship from Wake Forest students, alumni, and faculty. Before an audience of more than 200, the debaters tackled a complex constitutional question with rigor and passion, showcasing how Wake Forest’s commitment to dialogue, critical thinking, and lifelong learning extends far beyond the classroom. The event also marked the launch of the National Retired Communities Debate League, an alumni- and faculty-supported initiative poised to grow nationwide.
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EdChoice asked how important it is for students learn civil debate skills at school. The vast majority of Americans (about 80%) say it’s important for students to learn civil debate skills as part of their school curriculum in middle school and high school. Almost 90% of parents want students to learn debate skills at school.
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Alum Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects on her Grammy®-nominated memoir, Lovely One, now adapted for young readers. In this video, she shares how she and her colleagues engage across differences, the importance of professional dialogue, and even revisits a speech she gave in high school that helped shape her journey.
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There’s Still Time to Volunteer!
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Help the next generation of debaters shine! Volunteer as a judge for our Spring 2026 opportunities and make a real impact. These events provide free opportunities for students to compete, learn, and grow—but they only happen with your support. Your time and experience can make a real difference for the next generation of debaters. Sign up today!
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Our Contact Information
National Speech & Debate Association
6600 Westown Parkway, Suite 270
West Des Moines, IA 50266
920-748-6206
speechanddebate.org
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