At the NSDA, we believe that civil dialogue, active listening, and evidence-based argumentation are essential to learning and leadership. That’s why in speech and debate, students are encouraged to explore, listen to, and challenge ideas – even when the process is messy. Part of learning to use their voice means students are brilliant one moment and struggle the next. Judges, like referees in any sport, will do the same. Through it all, the NSDA’s core values of Respect, Leadership, Equity, Integrity, and Service keep us grounded in what matters most: helping students find their voice while strengthening our community.

For 100 years the NSDA has created a healthy marketplace of ideas where disagreement is productive, rather than divisive. Since our founding in 1925, we have upheld a strong commitment to viewpoint diversity. To ensure viewpoint diversity is respected inside as well as outside speech and debate rounds, our judge training and certification programs emphasize that personal or political beliefs must never influence competitive outcomes. This includes provisions at NSDA tournaments for removing judges and ballots that cite personal or political views as the basis for a decision.

In times of national tension, communication becomes more challenging and more vital. Across the country, people look to our community for guidance on how to approach difficult conversations, navigate disagreements, and support young people as they learn to lead. Every day, in schools across the US , teachers and coaches are watching students grow, celebrating victories, and modeling the dialogue our society desperately needs. Join us as we help students find their voice, grow as thinkers and citizens, and strengthen the communities they will soon lead.