COMMUNITY
A CENTURY OF SPEECH AND DEBATE: Prioritizing Wellness for the Next 100 Years by Angelique Ronald
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s we celebrate the National Speech & Debate Association’s centennial, we find ourselves at an extraordinary moment. For a century, this activity has empowered students to speak, listen, and advocate— skills that create not just leaders, but changemakers. It has built communities, sparked new ideas, and taught countless individuals the power of their own voice. Yet, as we look back with pride, we must also look forward with purpose. How do we ensure that the next 100 years live up to this legacy? How do we create a space where everyone involved—students, coaches, judges, and volunteers—can thrive, not just survive? The answer begins with wellness. By centering care, sustainability, and intentionality, we can create an activity that not only continues to inspire but also strengthens and uplifts every member of our community.
Imagining the Future of Speech and Debate What does this activity look like when wellness is at the center? It’s a space
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where students and coaches thrive, where everyone feels supported, and where speech and debate isn’t just rigorous— it’s sustainable, equitable, and deeply rewarding.
A Practical Tool for Real Change The Wellness Lens isn’t about adding more work—it’s about being more thoughtful and intentional with what we already do. Created by the NSDA Wellness Committee, this framework helps us think critically about how our decisions impact everyone in our community. The lens focuses on four key areas: • Physical Wellness: Are we meeting everyone’s basic needs? A lack of water, proper meals, or rest can take a toll during long tournaments. Thoughtful schedules, access to quiet spaces, and simple amenities like snacks or hydration stations can make a huge difference in helping community members feel cared for and prepared. • Mental Wellness: How does our intense focus on competitive culture affect participants’ well-being?
ROSTRUM | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 |
Stress from preparation and performance can weigh heavily on students and coaches alike. By fostering realistic expectations, promoting positive feedback, and creating supportive environments, we can reduce burnout and help participants build resilience. • Occupational Wellness: How do our decisions affect the balance people need to sustain their involvement? For coaches, it’s about respecting their time and boundaries while providing meaningful support. Everyone in our community brings something valuable to the table, but we need to ensure the demands we place on them don’t outweigh the rewards. • Implementation and Response: Are we providing our teams, colleagues, and volunteers with the tools and resources they need to turn wellness priorities into reality? Good intentions are a start, but meaningful change requires deliberate action. By embracing a shared commitment to community well-being alongside competitive success, we not only
benefit everyone involved but also demonstrate that positive change is truly possible.
Putting Wellness Into Practice Speech and debate thrives on passion, but passion alone isn’t enough. The Wellness Lens encourages us to reflect on how our decisions—big and small— shape the experiences of everyone involved. Are we creating environments where people feel empowered to bring their best selves? Are we fostering a culture that values rest, belonging, and growth alongside competition? When we make space for these conversations and adjustments, we build a community that values people as much as it values success. The Wellness Lens is a starting point. Explore the graphic on the next page, spark conversations, and reflect on your choices. When we prioritize wellness, we don’t just improve individual experiences— we shape the future of our entire community. Because when wellness is at the heart of what we do, greatness follows.
Members of the NSDA Wellness Committee: Jamelle Brown (MO) Parker De Dekér (NY) LaDonna Hayden (IN) Adam J. Jacobi (WI) Renee Motter (CO)
Dr. Paul Porter (NSDA) Angelique Ronald (CA) Devin Sarno (CO) Amy Seidelman (NSDA) J. Scott Wunn (NSDA)