What is USA Debate?

Since 2013, the National Speech & Debate Association has chosen the best debaters in the country to represent the United States in international competition as part of the USA Debate Team. But what is USA Debate?

Each year, from an application process open to almost 140,000 student members, the NSDA chooses twelve students to be part of Team USA. Team USA then goes on to compete in World Schools Debate on an international level. But it’s more than just competition. Team USA competitors also participate in weekly online practices, research topics, build their cases, and stay in close communication with their team members and coaches.

Throughout the year, Team USA competes against debate teams across the globe, culminating at the World Schools Debate Championship each summer. Over 70 national teams gather in a battle of the minds, discussing a variety of topics from international relations to economics to sports.

This year, following a 9-0 decision, Team USA made it to the grand final for the first time since 1994! They will be competing against Canada in the final round at the Vietnam World Schools Debate Championship.

How can you get involved??

1. Cheer on Team USA by tuning in LIVE on the Vietnam WSDC Facebook page. The grand final will be livestreamed starting at 2:00 a.m. CT and the winner will be announced around 5:00 a.m. CT on Thursday, July 27.
2. Advocate for a World Schools Debate program at your school or local speech and debate team. World Schools Debate centers around a range of international topics, typically covering a diverse range of issues from environmentalism and economics to foreign policy and ethics. World Schools Debate also emphasizes winning arguments with a conversational, approachable speaking style, and delivering subject matter in such a way that the average bystander can fully comprehend the subject of this debate.
3. Make a donation! The USA Debate Team represents the diversity of our nation and we want to ensure all Team USA students have full access to available opportunities, without being limited by individual economic circumstances. Your tax-deductible gift allows USA Debate to continue to showcase the best and brightest young people to the rest of the world.

Find out more about USA Debate, the World Schools Debate Education Program, and Team USA ??

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