Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative
What is RFSDI?
A community initiative to support speech and debate across the Richmond region.
The ability to speak with power and confidence and to civilly articulate and debate points of view are critical to a functioning democracy and a successful life. In 2018, recognizing the absence of competitive speech and debate programs or adequate funding in most local public schools, we launched the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative (RFSDI) to implement, grow, and support these essential programs in all Richmond region public middle and high schools.
Our Mission: To present powerful voices so Richmond can learn. To empower local voices so Richmond can lead.
Our Vision: The Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative envisions a region where every student gains the confidence to speak, the skill to think critically, and the courage to lead. By launching and supporting teams across Richmond, we’re empowering a diverse new generation of thoughtful, engaged citizens, ready to impact their schools, communities, and futures.
Why Speech & Debate?
Speech and debate programs cultivate the five critical “C’s” of 21st-century skills – as identified by the Virginia Department of Education’s “Profile of a Virginia Graduate” – like no other activity can.
“Speech and debate changes lives, from increased attendance to higher test scores and a rise in college acceptance, speech and debate prepares young people for college, the work force, and beyond.”
– J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director, National Speech & Debate Association
Get Involved
There are several ways you can be involved in our passionate community of coaches, student competitors, volunteer judges, and sponsors. No matter how you’d like to join us, we look forward to meeting you.
RFSDI has partnered with the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), the Catholic Forensics League (CFL), the Virginia Association of Forensics, Theatre, and Debate Coaches (VAFTDC), and the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to expand opportunities for students in our region to compete.
2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament
The National Speech & Debate Association has selected the Richmond region as the host of its 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament—an event expected to attract 10,000 student contestants and visitors to the area. To be held June 14-19, 2026, this competition is one of the largest academic events in the country.
Volunteers Wanted
The tournament will involve 7,000 competitors and take place in some 750 classrooms across six schools in the region. Local volunteers are needed to ensure the National Tournament runs smoothly. If you would like to be informed of volunteer opportunities as 2026 approaches, please fill out the form below.
Our Progress
Since its launch in 2018, the Initiative has made great progress towards the goal of having speech and debate activities in all of the region’s middle and high schools by 2025.
926 Students
We partner with 39 schools and saw more than 926 students participate in speech and debate in the region last year.
170 judges
We have recruited and trained over 170 active volunteer judges!
24 National qualifiers
Twenty-four students qualified for the National Speech & Debate Tournament and 84 qualified for the state tournament last year.
49 coaches
We had 49 team coaches on the roster last year.
1,451 tournament registrations
Last year, we sponsored seven local and two national tournaments, with 1,451 student registrations.
Support speech & debate programs
With your support, we can make competitive speech & debate programs accessible to all Richmond region students by 2025.
Your generous contribution will help cover tournament entry fees and travel expenses, train coaches and judges, outfit students with professional clothing, support the organization of local tournaments, and much more.
Community partners
The Initiative is made possible by The Richmond Forum, its subscribers, community partners, and sponsors.
Contact Us
Lucretia M. Anderson
Assistant Director of Student Programs
lucretia(at)richmondforum.org
Sandra Wheeler
Director of Student Programs
sandra(at)richmondforum.org
Sanchez Tucker
RFSDI Tournament Manager
sanchez(at)richmondforum.org
Mailing Address
110 South 15th Street, Suite B, Richmond, VA 23219
Thank you to our Speech & Debate sponsors
Meta
Richmond Debate Institute
SingleStone
TCV Wealth Management
YouDecide