The fourth biennial Speaking Proudly oratory competition is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Minnesota State Capitol.
The competition is open to all Minnesota high school girls interested in speaking freely about a Constitutional issue. Contestants are expected to deliver a well-researched, persuasive speech on the topic, “The Consent of the Governed” in America’s 250th year. More on the topic is shared on the Speaking Proudly website:
In 1776 American colonists had no voice in their government. They were compelled to pay allegiance and taxes to a distant power that denied them equality with other British citizens and subjected them to “a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations.” The colonists’ intense objections produced a unique and potent document, the Declaration of Independence, which states emphatically that governments derive “their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.”
As we approach the United States’ 250th anniversary as a nation, it is especially appropriate to ask whether or not our government today functions with the consent of its citizenry. If not, why not? What can and should American citizens do to ensure that the grand ideals of 1776 prevail?
Each competitor will deliver her eight-minute speech three times, in three different locations, to three different judge panels. The top three finalists will deliver their speeches in the Capitol Rotunda and will be awarded cash prizes of $2,500, $2,000 and $1,500.
Applications to compete will be accepted between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15, with a maximum of 24 competitors selected.
Speaking Proudly is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational event and a project of Metro Republican Women. Thank you, Speaking Proudly, for giving Minnesota’s high school girls a space to showcase their research, writing, and speaking skills and develop as future leaders who will help shape our state and our nation.