Equality in Forensics December 15th Newsletter
Whether you've been naughty or nice, Equality in Forensics is here to offer resources without a price!
Another year is finally coming to a close. The seasons have come and gone, from spring’s rain to summer’s rays, autumn’s fall to winter’s slumber, life marches on. For those just joining, we are a nonprofit student-run organization committed to providing an equitable Speech and Debate experience for all competitors out there.
It has been one gigantic month for Equality in Forensics and we are ready to share it! In this edition, Equality in Forensics will go over how YOU, the reader, can apply for staff positions! We will then proceed to cover the winter season success of our amazing staff at the national level, before moving to announce that signups are open for our Third Winter Championship, which is equipped with TOC bids for our speech folks. Finally, we will end with our scrimmages and Equality in Forensics publications.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Staff Applications
For the past few weeks, Nick Ostheimer and CJ Getting have been charting a course for the future of Equality in Forensics. They are looking for applicants who want to continue to build and give back to the amazing Speech and Debate community. They encourage all members of Equality in Forensics to apply and have their voices heard!
“Our founding generation is on the way out and we want you to keep going. To all the Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors: Equality in Forensics belongs to you.”
-Nick Ostheimer
Open Positions:
Editor-in-Chief of the Blog
Deputy Director of Fundraising
Deputy Director of Grants
Deputy Director of Video Media
Deputy Director of Engagement
Deputy Director of Scrimmages
These are occupied positions for which we are still considering applicants:
Multiple Red Folder leadership positions (incoming revamp??)
Deputy Director of Competition
Deputy Director of Expansion
Deputy Director of World Schools Debate
The application deadline is December 31st.
Staff members of the Red Folder Team at the Glenbrooks Invitational
Tournament Results
This season has been a blast for our Equality in Forensics members, here is a summary of their success! Across five national tournaments, we had 39 finalists and 9 champions!
Third Winter Championship
On behalf of Equality in Forensics, we invite you to attend the 3rd Winter Championship, scheduled to occur December 28th - 29th. The tournament will have judges from across the country, from national champions to enthusiastic coaches, the feedback and experience is a gift in itself! Not to mention the TOC bids for the speech side!
The Winter Championship will offer these events:
● Congressional Debate (CONG)
● Extemporaneous Speaking (EXT)
● World Schools Debate (WSD)
● Public Forum Debate (PF)
● Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD)
● Policy Debate (CX)
We will operate on the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) standard procedure and rules. Rounds will be held in Zoom rooms. Find all tournament info here on the Tabroom invitation page.
Scrimmages
Our thirteenth and last of the year free scrimmage has concluded. Congratulations to Emilio Saenz for winning Congress as well as Sadie Zwonitzer and Jiin Hur, for winning Extemp! Once again, be on the lookout for our Winter Championship on December 28th and our scrimmages which will begin again after the new year!
Red Folder Publications
Blog: This week, Savannah Smalley wrote about the experience of girls within debate who are often told to change their personalities to be more palatable to judges. She recognized that the only way we can truly tackle sexism in debate is not to shy away from the problem, but to recognize its negative impacts on the community.
“If my voice during debate is ‘too aggressive’ and ‘too masculine,’ but my feminine and dainty voice is ‘annoying’ and ‘horrendous,’ what should I do to appease you instead? The answer is clear. They'd rather us women stay silent, and leave debate to men.”
Too “Emotional” To Debate: Why Girls Quit—Savannah Smalley
Red Folder: In our domestic news, read about the unaffordability of healthcare, Trump's proposed deportation plan, Hunter's pardon from his father, Joe Biden, and a potential US response to the Syrian crisis. In our international news, read about Russia's influence in Central Asia, Indonesia's choice between China and the US, South Korea's martial law declaration, and Georgian protests over EU accession.
Conclusion
In this chaotic and constantly busy world, it is always good to have a break every once in a while: to reflect on the past twelve months filled with lows and highs, saddening goodbyes, and hopeful new hellos. Whether this winter is filled with snow or ice, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, a clean start is around the corner, from the bottom of our hearts, have a great new year!
Produced by Charlie Hui and the Equality in Forensics Team
Observing the holiday season, the next newsletter will be in Januarary