NSDA National Conference

In the past few years, tournament directors have sought to make their tournaments safer for all participants by implementing equity panels and other inclusive tournament practices. This panel, led by those who have had experience doing so, will discuss lessons learned, strategies to implement, and ideas for future tournaments. 

Panel moderated by Dr. J. Scott Baker, Assistant Professor, UW-La Crosse

• • Featuring:
    • Angelique Ronald, Vice President of Activities – California High School Speech Association, CA
    • Renea Moss, Founder and Creative Director – Fortlo Academy, FL
    • Crawford Leavoy, Director of Speech & Debate – Durham Academy, NC
    • Kristy Thomas, DEI Consultant & Educator, MO

A student’s identity often impacts the experience they have in competitive speech and debate. In this session, a small panel of former competitors will share their stories and experiences of their time in speech and debate. By listening to, reflecting upon, and growing from these experiences, all members of the speech and debate community can benefit from this session.

• • Featuring:
    • Daniel Arjona-Hau, Strive Prep SMART Academy, CO (class of 2020)
    • Emily Guidry, Comeaux High School, LA (class of 2019)
    • Michael Franklin, Sumner Academy, KS (class of 2017)
    • Kalese Warfield, Topeka High School, KS (class of 2017)
    • Kalani Seymore, James Logan HS, CA (class of 2021)
    • Cobin Szymanski, St. Michael Albertville HS, MN (class of 2021)

Springboard for Opportunities: Using the NSDA’s Expanded Springboard Free-Tournament Series to Support and Grow Speech and Debate Programs

Thanks to the generosity of The Julia Burke Foundation, the online Springboard Series has been expanded. During the 2021-2022 school year, the Springboard Series will provide a variety of opportunities including free online after-school scrimmages and two weekend tournaments. Both speech and debate events will be offered for current high school and middle school students. Events will offer a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous speech and debate opportunities. This session will provide more information on how to get involved and ideas for how to use this program to grow and support your team!

Session led by Lauren Burdt, NSDA Competition Manager

Applying Trauma-Informed Practices to Your Speech and Debate Team: Responding, Disrupting, and Preventing Trauma

In this workshop, we’ll dig into the “how” of trauma-informed practices. Alex will share a framework for infusing your planning with trauma awareness. We’ll also have time for discussion and questions as we apply our learning. 

Keynote Extension session led by Alex Shevrin Venet

The Role of Content and Trigger Warnings in Debate: An Exploratory Discussion

Throughout academia and competitive forensics, content warnings (also called trigger warnings) are used to prepare participants and observers before potentially upsetting or sensitive content/themes are discussed, debated, or performed. The goal of these sessions is to provide a time for discussion, listening, and concern raising among colleagues. 

Discussion facilitated by: Benjamin Hagwood, Director of Debate at BL Debate Academy – Executive Director of NSDA Vancouver and Alyssa Fiebrantz, Director of Speech and Debate – NSU University School, FL

Topic Writing and Decision Making through an Equity Lens

As the NSDA strives to become more inclusive and equitable, we are reevaluating the process for selecting topics for students to debate. This session will share how the NSDA has worked to incorporate equity with intentionality this spring and our lessons learned. This session will provide insight for those on a similar journey—be it on their own teams, as part of their local leagues, or even at the statewide level.

Session led by Nicole Wanzer-Serrano, NSDA Director of Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Dr. Ed Lee III, Senior Director Of The Alben W. Barkley Forum For Debate, Deliberation, And Dialogue

The Role of Content and Trigger Warnings in Speech: An Exploratory Discussion

Throughout academia and competitive forensics, content warnings (also called trigger warnings) are used to prepare participants and observers before potentially upsetting or sensitive content/themes are discussed, debated, or performed. The goal of these sessions is to provide a time for discussion, listening, and concern raising among colleagues. 

Discussion facilitated by: Justin Kurup – James Logan High School, CA and Daniel Hodges, Speech Coach – Apple Valley High School & Sr. Development Manager – EdAllies, MN

Reunited & It Feels So Good: Navigating Students with Anxiety in the Classroom and Competitive Space

The students who pivoted and quickly turned virtual in March of 2020 are now returning with plenty of newly, un-researched stressors in hand. Counselor Adeyemi’s interactive session will define stress and anxiety, dive into some of the stressors your students are facing, and explore how to create an atmosphere that fosters mental health and wellness. Adeyemi will provide strategies, and tips to alleviate stressors through speaking to your students about what they have experienced utilizing group activities, exercises, and techniques you can use throughout the coming academic/competitive season and beyond. Attendees will leave with nuggets of practical and workable solutions as we enter into unchartered territories stronger, better, and together!

Session led by Lillian Adeyemi, Texas Certified School Counselor, Two-Diamond Coach, and Seven Lakes High School Director of Forensics (TX)

Closing Chat: An Opportunity for Open Discussions with the NSDA Board of Directors

In this roundtable style session, attendees are encouraged to drop in to chat with members of the NSDA Board of Directors. It is a time for questions, suggestions, and concern raising. Please note, these are public sessions, so private or sensitive matters may be best addressed at a later time.