Voice of Democracy
2020 - 2021 Theme
Is This The Country the Founders Envisioned?
Deadline Oct 31, 2020
Click the link below for entry paperwork
files.constantcontact.com/10db1620701/8675bdd8-8aa1-4f92-9ffc-630aeb60274c.pdf
The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.
The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
More than 40,000 students competed in last year’s competition. Christine Troll, the 2019 national Voice of Democracy winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 554 and its Auxiliary in Somerset, Pa.
Watch Christine deliver her award winning speech on "Why My Vote Matters":
youtu.be/FfS1IjsITnY
WHO CAN ENTER
The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.
HOW TO ENTER
Click the link below for entry form
files.constantcontact.com/10db1620701/8675bdd8-8aa1-4f92-9ffc-630aeb60274c.pdf
Students should record their reading of the draft to a CD. The recording can be no shorter than three minutes and no longer than five minutes (plus or minus five seconds).
Entries begin at the local VFW Post level. Once the student creates their essay and completes burning the audio version to a CD, they can submit their typed version, CD and the Voice of Democracy entry form to their local participating VFW Post by the Oct 31st deadline.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.
Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.
Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
Information is from the National VFW website
