The Diversity Challenge

The singular goal of the NFL’s Diversity Challenge Initiative is to ensure the benefit of forensics is available to every high school student in the United States. The program provides resources, materials, and funding for underserved populations across the country to get involved with competitive and classroom based speech and debate training.

The Diversity Challenge Initiative targets low-income areas of the country including rural and urban schools. It focuses primarily, although not exclusively, on communities of color. The program will offer access to all speech and debate events while partnering the competitive experience with a classroom experience.

By providing a clearinghouse of free resources, materials, access, and leadership, the NFL will ensure the integration of forensics across disciplines.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Diversity Challenge Intiative is an implementation of the National Forensic League Mission Statement:

The National Forensic League believes that all students should be empowered to become effective communicators, ethical individuals, critical thinkers, and leaders in a democratic society. We exist to promote secondary school speech and debate activities and interscholastic competition as a means to develop a student’s lifelong skills and values and to increase the public’s awareness of the value of speech, debate and communication education.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
champion [cham-pee-uhn]
[n]: a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition to hold first place
[v]: to act as champion of; defend; support; fight for or defend a person or cause

The word champion is a noun and a verb; to be it, you have to do it. As a Champion of the Diversity Challenge, your financial contribution makes it possible for the League to deliver resources to teachers, coaches, and students. Your contribution provides free coach, student, and school memberships.

In May 2009, our initial donors made it possible for the National Forensic League to provide free lifetime school and student honor society memberships for all Urban Debate League teams!

Diversity Challenge Champions are defenders of forensic education among those un-served or underserved populations; bringing speech and debate participation to every child, and giving all youth a voice. Champions include current & former championship coaches and committed forensic community members and businesses. Diversity Challenge Champions can help the League reach our goals by making an individual contribution or by working with us to secure a corporate contribution from an employer.
Diversity Challenge Champions, including individuals and businesses, will be honored in print and online publications, throughout our resources, and at the National Tournament.

To learn more about how you can make a difference, contact us or donate today.