Speech and Debate:
Voyage Speech and Debate Club is committed to fostering a community rooted in excellence, integrity, and faith. Through structured training in speech and debate, intentional leadership development, and a steadfast commitment to biblical principles, we strive to equip our members to become articulate defenders of truth and faithful representatives of Christ in the world.
Scripture:
Colossians 4:6 – "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Mission Statement:
Voyage Speech and Debate exists to disciple youth in the art of communication and critical thinking, equipping them to be great for God through excellence in speech and debate.
Core Values:
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Discipleship – Guiding students to grow in their faith and to apply biblical principles to their communication.
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Community – Building a supportive, Christ-centered environment where students and parents learn from and encourage one another.
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Demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit – Promoting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in speech and conduct as we seek to become more Christlike.
Matthew 18 Approach:
Conflict Resolution Policy: The club will follow the biblical principles outlined in Matthew 18. By adhering to this process, we seek to uphold a Christ-centered environment where all members can grow in their faith and skills.
Step 1 - Private Resolution: The individual with a concern should speak directly to the other person involved in a respectful and Christ-honoring manner.
Step 2 - Mediation: If the issue remains unresolved, a neutral party (such as a club officer or mentor) should be brought in to help mediate the discussion.
Step 3 - Leadership Involvement: If further resolution is needed, the issue will be brought to the club leadership for guidance and prayerful decision-making.
Step 4 - Final Steps: If necessary, parents or other trusted mentors will be involved to seek a peaceful and godly resolution.
Expectations:
Parental Participation: At least one parent must be present at club meetings with their student(s). Parents play a vital role in supporting the club by providing constructive feedback on speeches and debate rounds. Additionally, parents are required to judge at NCFCA tournaments. Active involvement is essential for the success of the club. Parents are expected to:
- Coach – Support and mentor their own children and assist other club members in developing their skills.
- Judge – Offer feedback as students present speeches and practice debate rounds.
- Serve – Parents are welcome to volunteer in a category that best fits their skills and availability.
- Participate in at least ONE tournament (online or in-person)
- Review the following links:
Expectations from Students:
- Attendance – Consistent attendance at weekly meetings is expected.
- Complete Assignments – Weekly assignments are a key part of skill development and should be completed on time.
- Compete in Tournaments – Students may participate in speech and/or debate.
- Dress Appropriately – Students are to dress modestly.
- Be Active in Apologetics – All students are required to study and prepare answers to apologetics questions weekly.
Financial Considerations:
- Membership to Voyage Speech and Debate Club Fee: $50 for the first student, with a 20% sibling discount ($40 for the second student). Maximum of $100 per family.
- NCFCA Affiliation: All members must affiliate with NCFCA. Please visit www.ncfca.org for the NCFCA fee structure.
- Additional Costs:
- Registration to each NCFCA Tournament paid to NCFCA (required to only participate in one - in-person and/or online).
- Travel expenses, if you are attending an in-person NCFCA Tournament (no travel fees for online).
- Attire - competitors must wear business attire.
