Community Learning Series
Community
noun
1: a unified body of individuals
2: a social state or condition
3: society at large
The Community Learning Series (CLS) provides structured learning units and group-facilitated discussions designed to help coaches build inclusive team cultures and tournament environments. Through self-reflection and meaningful dialogue, participants can connect with peers and exchange insights on fostering belonging in speech and debate.
The CLS consists of four units, each featuring a 45-minute video and a brief quiz. Additionally, optional group-facilitated discussions offer a collaborative space for coaches to explore key topics, share ideas, and apply new strategies to their coaching practices. Completing each unit earns one hour of professional development.
Designed as a flexible, low-pressure, yet high-impact resource, the CLS is ideal for new coaches and judges starting their speech and debate journey, as well as experienced coaches seeking to refine their skills. Participants can complete the units at their own pace and join discussions for meaningful conversations on essential topics.
We invite you to participate in this opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute to a more inclusive speech and debate community.
About the Community Learning Series
Mission
The Community Learning Series (CLS) provides foundational communication strategies to help build inclusive and supportive communities within speech and debate.
Vision
A network of coaches equipped with the communication skills necessary to foster welcoming environments that encourage participation and retention on their speech and debate teams.
By participating in the CLS, you will:
- Develop the knowledge, awareness, and skills needed to engage effectively with diverse identities and perspectives.
- Learn strategies for fostering inclusive communities within teams, tournaments, and beyond.
- Identify personal biases, assumptions, and preconceived notions that may impact communication.
- Explore ways to promote culturally responsive ballots and create educational opportunities for first-time judges.
Unit Content
The Community Learning Series consists of four self-paced, one-hour units, each featuring a video and a quiz (available on NSDA Learn). Participants may complete individual units or all four, with each completed unit (except for the introductory module) earning a professional development certificate for one hour.
Topics for each unit are as follows:
Group-Facilitated Dialogues
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend our monthly group-facilitated dialogues, where we will explore the video content and engage in activities designed to support its practical implementation.
These sessions provide a collaborative space for coaches to discuss complex topics, reflect on communication practices, share experiences, and exchange strategies for fostering a more equitable and inclusive community. We welcome and respect the diverse identities, perspectives, and values of all participants. Regardless of our differences, the CLS is a safe and supportive environment for meaningful dialogue.
Note: Participants in the Community Learning Series are expected to adhere to all NSDA guidelines, including the Core Values, Code of Honor, and Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
To promote civil and constructive discussions, the CLS upholds the following conversation agreements:
LISTEN ACTIVELY
Stay engaged, reflect on what’s being shared, and respond thoughtfully. Be present in the conversation.
PRACTICE MINDFUL COMMUNICATION
Our community is made up of diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. Let’s be intentional with our words, considering how they support—not hinder—our shared goals.
BE PATIENT
We all bring different levels of experience and understanding. Approach each dialogue with curiosity and a willingness to learn rather than a need to teach.
SHOW KINDNESS
The CLS is about growth, not shame. We’re here to listen, share, ask questions, and support one another. Kindness is not optional—it’s essential.
CALL PEOPLE FORWARD INSTEAD OF CALLING PEOPLE OUT
Calling out assumes malice. Calling forward invites people into a conversation and relies on patience, empathy, and grace.
Group-Facilitated Dialogue Schedule
All sessions start at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Multicultural Competence
Communication Errors: Unconscious Bias and Microaggressions
Inspired by the book The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication, this session focuses on ways our communication (despite the best intentions) can be harmful and even destructive to a team culture. Topics discussed include (but are not limited to) unconscious bias, microaggressions, communication avoidance, secrets, teasing, and bullying.
Building an Inclusive Community
Inclusive communities bring together diverse identities and ideologies, work to ensure fairness, and invite all members to participate in decision-making processes. This session presents the advantages of an inclusive community, outlines steps for community building, and explores constructive dialogue to address moments of disagreement and conflict.
Culturally Responsive Feedback
Regardless of experience level, every coach and judge is responsible for fostering a safe and culturally responsive educational environment—both in competition spaces and beyond. The best examples of this responsibility are on the ballot and in coaching sessions. This final session explains the importance of culturally responsive feedback and offers tips on how to enhance the student experience positively and productively.