The 1925 Society

How to Join

The 1925 Society was founded in 2016 to honor members of the speech and debate community who have decided to include the National Speech & Debate Association in their will or estate plans.

There are many ways to become a member of the 1925 Society. As you consider your plans, here are a few options you may wish to know about.

Begin your legacy with us:

Remembering the NSDA in your will or trust ensures that your assets will be used to provide the next generation of students with opportunities to participate in life-changing speech and debate activities. To help you get started on your plans and legacy, you can use FreeWill, an online tool that guides you through the process of creating your will or trust. It’s easy to use, accessible online and can be completed in 20 minutes. FreeWill is a free and secure service for you to gain peace of mind, even if you do not leave the NSDA as a beneficiary. 

You can use this resource on its own here, or use it to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney. 

Designating the NSDA as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts and insurance policies:

Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life-insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. Use this online tool to make your plans and designate us as a beneficiary of one or more of these assets. Making the NSDA a beneficiary on these accounts costs you nothing now and allows your loved ones to avoid paying additional taxes on these assets.

Giving from your individual retirement account:

Speech and debate supporters aged 70½ or older who are required to take minimum distributions may transfer these payments directly to the NSDA without incurring any tax penalties.

Donating appreciated stock:

These gifts eliminate the capital gains tax and provide a tax deduction at the stock’s current value.