The (Twin Cities) Metro Republican Women are holding the fourth edition of their Speaking Proudly oratory competition on Saturday, November 8 at the Minnesota State Capitol. My wife is a member of the Metro Republican Women and of the Speaking Proudly organizing committee. Speaking Proudly is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational event that is one of the group’s projects. She who must be obeyed has asked me to help get the word out.
The Speaking Proudly competition is open to all Minnesota high school girls interested in speaking on the specified founding issue. This year 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 posted on the Speaking Proudly site:
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 delivers her eight-minute speech three times, in three different locations, to three different panels of judges. 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 gives Minnesota’s high school girls a forum in which to showcase their research, writing, and speaking skills and develop as future leaders who will help shape our state and our nation.
This post is adapted from Catrin Wigfall’s announcement at the Center of the American Experiment site.
