NSDA
Why Become a Member?
Speech and debate is an academic activity typically available to students in middle school, high school, and/or college. Similar to athletic sports, speech and debate activities are challenging, competitive in nature, and require regular practice, coaching, dedication, and hard work.
Students are provided with Scholarship opportunities, Lifetime membership in the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization in the world, and Eligibility for national awards including Exemplary Service, Student of the Year, Academic All American, All American, and more.
Students are provided with Scholarship opportunities, Lifetime membership in the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization in the world, and Eligibility for national awards including Exemplary Service, Student of the Year, Academic All American, All American, and more.
Code of Honor
“As a member of the National Speech & Debate Association, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership, and service in the pursuit of excellence.” Integrity: An Honor Society member obeys the highest ethical standards and adheres to the rules of the organization. Members recognize that integrity is central to earning the trust, respect, and support of one’s peers. Integrity encompasses the highest regard for honesty, civility, justice, and fairness. Humility: A member does not regard oneself more highly than others. Regardless of a person’s level of success, an individual always looks beyond oneself to appreciate the inherent value of others. Respect: A member respects individual differences and fosters diversity. They promote tolerance, inclusion, and empowerment for people from a variety of backgrounds, including race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. Leadership: A member influences others to take positive action toward productive change. Members commit to thoughtful and responsible leadership that promotes the other core values in the Code of Honor. Service: A member exercises their talents to provide service to peers, community, and the activity. At all times a member is prepared to work constructively to improve the lives of others. Adopted September 23, 2007 | Updated December 6, 2017 © National Speech & Debate Association |