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Down Welcome to... TELOS RHETORIC CLUB Speech & Debate "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 ABOUT US Telos Rhetoric Club is a Christian (TRC) family speech and debate club, parent-sponsored and student-run. TRC is affiliated with NCFCA, a homeschool speech and debate organization. Our goal is for students to learn how to communicate from a Biblical worldview in an articulate, winsome manner that glorifies God. It is our intention to provide homeschool families with learning experiences that are fun and enjoyable. We concentrate on preparing our 12-18 year-old students towards a Christ like way serving, honoring, and sharing their talent through helping, debating and speaking... Read More.. Skills Strengthened Competitor/Student Leader “NCFCA has not only taught me how to speak, it has taught me to critically think, analyze, research, write, preform, and to express myself in creatively. NCFCA provides amazing opportunities and surrounds you with friends that will change your life. Seven years later, I am so thankful my parents signed me up.” Skills Strengthened Competitor/Student Leader “Telos Rhetoric Club has really pushed me in my faith & speech skills. It has taught me to be on time with researching (debate) and grow in my speaking skills. This whole journey is character building and life changing. I am so grateful for the push from my peers.” It Is Worth Joining Competitor/Student Leader "Speech and debate has definitely helped me develop into a better person. It has improved my confidence as well as my abilities in public speaking and quick thinking. It has also encouraged me to really think and speak wisely and persuasively. Overall, I would completely recommend trying debate and speech, it is totally worth it!!"

Student Leaders having fun Playing an acting game

CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY Christian conciliation promotes traditional Judeo-Christian values and principles that are an essential part of our organization to promote healthy relationships and proper functioning of the club. If conflict arises, the parties will be encouraged to: • Be honest: Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his/her neighbor (Eph. 4:25). • Do what is just and merciful: And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). • Accept responsibility for your actions and admit your wrongs: First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Matt. 7:5). • Keep your word: Simply let your "yes" be "yes, " and your "no" be "no" (Matt. 5:37). • Be concerned about the interests of others: Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). • Listen carefully to what others say: He who answers before listening, that is his folly and his shame (Prov. 18:13). • Overlook minor offenses: A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11). • Confront others constructively: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph. 4:29). • Be open to forgiveness and reconciliation: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32). • Change harmful attitudes and behavior: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Prov. 28:13). • Make restitution for any damage you have caused: If a man uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit must pay for the loss (Ex. 21:3334) In other words, all members of TRC will be encouraged to follow the rule that God has given to govern relations between all people: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 7:12). 11 The commitment to peaceful solutions integrates the Christian call to reconciliation with truthfulness. Peaceful solutions honor the call to personal reconciliation. The commitment to address the issues and problems promotes honesty and truthfulness. The practice of loving those with whom one disagrees is the uniquely Christian aspect of the Christian conciliation process. The occurrence of conflict reminds the Christian to drink richly of Christ's love so that they will be able to share it even with those whose differences are a source of pain. Clearly, knowledge about the life of Christ, the teaching of scripture, and the power of the Holy Spirit are needed to uphold individuals entering into the process of Christian conciliation. Christian conciliation is a means by which people can love their adversaries while simultaneously honestly expressing their concerns about the subject of a conflict. Christian conciliation simultaneously promotes both God's call for Christian reconciliation (Matt. 5:23,24) and God's call for justice (Prov. 16:11); its message is that through Christ, justice and mercy can be combined (Matt. 23:23 and Micah 6:8) PEACEMAKER'S PLEDGE As people reconcile to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we believe that we are called to respond to conflict in a way that is remarkably different from the way the world deals with conflict. 1 We also believe that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be like Christ. 2 Therefore, in response to God's love and in reliance on His grace, we commit ourselves to respond to conflict according to the following principles. Glorify God † Instead of focusing on our own desires or dwelling on what others may do, we will seek to please and honor God - by depending on His wisdom, power, and love; by faithfully obeying His commands; and by seeking to maintain a loving, merciful, and forgiving attitude. 3 12 Get the Log Out of Your Own Eye † Instead of attacking others or dwelling on their wrongs, we will take responsibility for our own contribution to conflicts - confessing our sins, asking God to help us change any attitudes and habits that lead to conflict, and seeking to repair any harm we have caused. 4 Go and Show Your Brother His Fault † Instead of pretending that conflict doesn't exist or talking about others behind their backs, we will choose to overlook minor offenses, or we will talk directly and graciously with those whose offenses seem too serious to overlook. When a conflict with another Christian cannot be resolved in private, we will ask others in the body of Christ to help us settle the matter in a biblical manner. 5 Go and Be Reconciled † Instead of accepting premature compromise or allowing relationships to wither, we will actively pursue genuine peace and reconciliation - forgiving others as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven us, and seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to our differences. 6 By God's grace, we will apply these principles as a matter of stewardship, realizing that conflict is an assignment, not an accident. We will remember that success, in God's eyes, is not a matter of specific results but of faithful obedience. And we will pray that our service as peacemakers brings praise to our Lord and leads others to know His infinite love. 7 † 1) Luke 6:27-36; Gal. 5;19-26; Matt. 5:9. 2) I Cor. 10:31-11:1; Roam. 8:28-29; James 1:2-4. 3) I Cor 10:31; James 4:1-3; Psalm 37:1-6; Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4; I Peter 2:12; John 14:15; James 3:17- 18; Rom. 12:17-21; Mark 11:25. 4) Matt. 7:3-5; I John 1:8-9; Prov. 28:13; Col. 3:5-14; Luke 19:8. 5) Matt. 18:15-20; James 5:9; Prov. 19:11; Gal 6:1-2; Eph. 4:29; II Tim 2:24-26; I Cor 6:1-8. 6) Matt 5:23-24; Matt 5:12; Eph. 4:1-3, 32; Matt 7:12; Phil. 2:3-4. 7) Matt. 25:14-21; I Peter 2:19; Rom. 12:18; John 13:34-35. 13 TELOS RHETORIC CLUB (TRC) CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY This conflict resolution policy is designed to demonstrate the commitment of TRC to resolving differences in a positive, constructive, and Christ-like manner, using the processes set forth in the book of Matthew, Chapter 18. The goal of the policy is, therefore, to create a framework for members to work together to overcome any differences they may have and to find the common ground that is shared by us all in the teachings of Christ, rather than having anyone walk away from the club because of an unresolved conflict. For purposes of this policy, “conflict” is recognized and defined as being as simple as a difference of opinion, or it may involve a disagreement over club ministries and mission work, or dissatisfaction with one or more of the student leadership, or dissatisfaction or disagreement with a decision by one its governing committees (i.e. Board of Directors), or an argument involving two or more individuals concerning the policies and direction of the club. Regardless of the nature of the conflict, it is our prayer that all members will follow the example of Jesus Christ in treating each other with love and respect, even when there is no agreement on an issue. Recognizing that differences of opinion are inevitable in any human endeavor, however, TRC calls on its members to follow this policy so that when conflict does occur, Jesus will be honored by our efforts to resolve our differences in love and maintain the unity of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:2-3). Therefore, we ask: 1. Self-Reflection & Prayer (Matthew 18) Jesus tells us to take time to examine our role in a conflict. If any person in the club has a conflict, he or she should begin in prayer and first ask God for direction. They should ask themselves whether they can let the conflict go. They should put themselves in the other’s shoes and ask themselves what others may say they have contributed to the problem. They should also ask themselves what it is that God sees, and whether they are putting their personal ideas, thoughts and desires above what is best for the club. 14 2. One on One Discussions (Matthew 18:15) If the matter is not resolved through self-reflection and prayer and there is still a disagreement or conflict, particularly a disagreement between two parties, the second step and the ideal response is for the two parties to meet together, face to face, to discuss the matter and seek common ground. (Matthew 18:15). If any person in the club has a concern or a complaint about a leader of the club, the concerned person is strongly encouraged to discuss the matter directly with the leader involved accompanied by their own respected parents. (Matthew 18:15). The purpose of this second step is to resolve the conflict, not to get mad or to get even. The situation/conflict should not be viewed as a competition where one has to win and one has to lose. All conflict is not necessarily bad. Conflict that is dealt with, discussed and resolved can be good if it provides an opportunity for unity and growth within the group. As a result, each person should work hard to understand the other person’s point of view, to listen to the other person without interrupting, and to try to work together to create solutions. Accept and respect that individual opinions may differ. In all interactions with each other, especially one on one discussions under this policy, the TRC will respect different ideas and views and will express disagreement with civility and Christian love. (1 Peter 4:8, 1 John 3:18). Gossip is strongly discouraged as dishonoring to our Lord Jesus Christ (James 4:11- 12). One on one discussions under this policy should be focused on the issue or problem, not the person(s) involved. Additionally, each person in the meeting should speak for themselves, not an unknown group of people or “many people in the club.” Disagreements and conflicts should be addressed as soon as possible. The longer conflict is unresolved, the harder it is to bridge the differences (Matthew 5:23-24). Resolving conflict is impossible if one is unwilling or unable to forgive. If and when the matter is resolved, the parties agree to put the issue/conflict behind them, and move forward in a positive and constructive manner that allows them to stay healthy, spiritually and emotionally. This means the parties will open their hearts and minds to allow Christ to fortify their spirit, and they will commit to let go of the conflict and to not discuss it further. 15 3. Objective Assistance/Mediation (Matthew 18:16) If the matter is not resolved through one-on-one discussions or if for any reason it is not possible to meet one-on-one, parties with a conflict or disagreement should seek the assistance of a founding officer(s) to help facilitate the resolution process. The mediator should be a person who is accepted by all parties involved and he/she should know something about TRC procedures and decision-making processes. The person should be one who will not take sides, but will be neutral regarding the issues and conflict. It is recognized by the parties that a member of the Board of Directors may be the best person to serve as a mediator for issues involving the TRC members and officers. The Board of Directors may also recommend another party as mediator, possibly someone from outside the club or someone obtained through conference-related mediation resources (Matthew 18:16). Depending on the situation, a team of mediators may be required to intervene in a conflict (Matthew 18:16). If and when the matter is resolved, the parties agree to put the matter behind them and move forward in a positive and constructive manner by committing to let go of the conflict and to not discuss it any further. For purposes of this policy, “resolution” is defined as mutual agreement or understanding among all the parties in a conflict. When a resolution is achieved, the parties agree to put the matter behind them and move forward in a positive and constructive manner by committing to let go of the conflict and to not discuss it any further.In all circumstances, the confidentiality of the parties involved in a conflict shall be respected. There are some conflicts that cannot be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all of the parties. If all efforts at conflict resolution fail, parties should remember the mission of Telos Rhetoric Club. They should let go of any anger or disappointment that they have over the unresolved issue, and move forward focused on the common ground that is shared by us all in the teachings of Christ, rather than walking away from the club because of an unresolved conflict. If, however, they believe they are not able to stay at TRC in peace, any party wishing to leave TRC fellowship is asked to do so lovingly, without rancor or bitterness, on the part of the person leaving or on the parts of those staying at this club, so that we may not bring disgrace on the name of Jesus (1 John 2:10). Anyone who believes they are in a conflict situation and is unsure of how to proceed should first contact the Board Of Directors.

Where can I see examples of NCFCA speech and debate? NCFCA's YouTube channel has lots of great content, including examples of each competitive event from national champions. We also encourage you tosign up tojudge at an online tournament. Committing to judge at least one round will give you access to the rest of the tournament as an observer. The 2021 National Championship (June 21-26) is online this year. Can my student compete in more than 1 style of debate? Students will need to choose between Team Policy or Lincoln-Douglas debate because these run concurrently during club meetings and at tournaments. Debaters may also choose to compete in moot court at national tournaments without conflict, but we do not offer moot court instruction or practice during club meetings at this time. Which style of debate is better for my student? Team Policy is a good fit for concrete thinkers who like to debate the practical application of ideas in political issues. Lincoln-Douglas is a good fit for abstract thinkers who like to debate the philosophical value of ideas affecting society. 25 While both styles of debate will require research and writing, be prepared for a higher workload in Team Policy. Team Policy rounds are twice as long, but speaking time is shared with a partner, unlike the 1:1 debate in Lincoln-Douglas. Debaters should consider the benefits and challenges of working with a partner before deciding. As an example, if the resolutions were regarding immigration, Team Policy students would affirm or negate specific immigration policies, while Lincoln- Douglas competitors might debate whether immigration is a human right. Can my student compete in more than 1 speech event? Yes! Students are able to compete in up to 5 speech events per tournament. Before they graduate, we encourage students to try at least one speech from each category: platform, interpretation, and limited preparation. Are students able to participate in speech or debate only, or must they do both?" Students may participate and compete in either speech or debate alone, but we highly encourage both! At a minimum, we recommend debaters compete in impromptu speech. Since debate consists of both prepared (i.e., constructive) and limited preparation (i.e., rebuttal) speeches, impromptu provides additional practice in thinking quickly on your feet! Why are parents required to stay during club meetings? Parental involvement is vital to our program! We want to equip students and parents. Our students depend upon your feedback in club meetings in order to benefit from regular practice in speech and debate. Parents are far better prepared to help their students, to provide valuable feedback, and to confidently judge at tournaments when they participate in club discussions. What do I do with my younger children during club meetings? Bring them with you! If you do not have alternate childcare, please know that TRC is a family-friendly environment. For younger school-age siblings, we are considering starting a juniors program to teach younger siblings the basics of public speaking. Your pre-school children will need to stay with you. Can my eager elementary-aged student join the juniors program without a registered older sibling at TRC? We're sorry, but no. Space in the juniors program is limited, so we reserve that for siblings of older competitors. We hope you'll reach out when your student turns 12! Is there a dress code at TRC? What you wear is part of what you are communicating to others, as well as yourself. Because delivery is an essential aspect of speech and debate, parents and students will dress modestly at club meetings.. To learn more click here! How long do tournaments last? Tournaments are typically 3-4 days in length, with each day of competition running about 12 hours long. Rounds alternate between debate and speech. There are 6 preliminary rounds of debate and 3 preliminary rounds of speech (divided into 2 alternating "patterns" of 5 speech events each) before elimination rounds begin. Qualifying tournament season runs January-April. In the 2021 season, there were 7 qualifying opportunities. TRC members are required to commit to participating in at least 1 qualifying tournament per year. What is a qualifying tournament? A qualifying tournament is one in which students may qualify for their Regional Championship by making it to elimination rounds in speech or debate. Marathons (i.e., practice tournaments) and third-party tournaments (e.g.,Ziggy) provide helpful practice, but students cannot qualify for the Regional Championship by their participation in these events. How far might I have to travel for a tournament? If the tournament is online, you may not have to leave your home! For in-person tournaments within our region, you are most likely to travel to Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania. The location of the National Championship varies.

The Full Story Who We Are Telos Rhetoric Club is a Christian family speech and debate club, parent-sponsored and student-run. TRC is affiliated with NCFCA: a homeschool speech and debate organization. Our goal: is for students to learn how to communicate from a Biblical worldview in an articulate, winsome manner that glorifies God. It is our intention to provide homeschool families with learning experiences that are fun and enjoyable TRC trains students to improve their skills in communication through club activities such as apologetics and impromptu speaking as well as eight other speech events, debate, competitions, and speaking in the community. We concentrate on preparing our 12-18 year-old students. Parents learn alongside their children, critique speeches and debates, judge, teach, and offer encouragement. This fall we will be offering Lincoln Douglas Value debate, and will offer Team Policy debate if enough students are interested. In the fall, our club focus is training the students and blessing our community through volunteer and mission work. The focus for the spring is on preparation to compete in tournaments. Learn More About NCFCA What We Offer MISSION STATEMENT We believe that formal speech and debate can provide a means for homeschooled students to learn and exercise analytical and oratorical skills, addressing life issues from a Biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God. To provide these opportunities to homeschooled students, and their parents, we facilitate club meetings and conferences. Vision TELOS - in Greek means “end goal.” Our end goal is to train our students through RHETORIC (engaging and persuasive speech) to become articulate winsome spokespersons for our Lord, honoring and glorifying Him. Leadership Telos Rhetoric Club (TRC) is parent sponsored & student run. Our vision is to promote leadership among youth while still maintaining parental involvement. TRC has both a board of directors, which is composed of select parents, and a board of officers, which is made up of students who are given specific responsibilities.

Telos Projects We don't just do speech and debate! Here are some of the events that Telos Rhetoric Club has participated... "Either sponsoring or planning for our kids!" Fairy Tale Trails Aug. 11-12, 2021 | Fairy Tale Trails Julie Romeo* and her daughter Nina Romeo, a veteran mom and daughter team involved with NCFCA for many years, led a 2 day camp, engaging students in a fantasy world of children's fairy tales. Students reenacted scenes from the tales, debated on the characters from these timeless stories, and rehearsed and performed a skit for their families as a finale! Fairy Tale Trails taught students... • Multi-disciplinary approach integrates law, literature, and theater as students socratically explore complex moral dilemmas at the core of classic tales. • Illustrates fundamentals of the American legal system and its Judeo-Christian values. • Improvisational theater games and role-playing activities will enhance understanding of the motives and actions of these characters. Students will participate as lawyers, witnesses, defendants, and storytellers. Julie Romeo speaks in front of parents & peers on the last day A group of students rehearsing a modified short story of jack and the beanstalk Students acting an action shot of "Jack shooting the giant" 2021 Fairy Tale Trail Photos Find out more about Fairy Tale Trails at https://www.fairytaletrials.com *Writer, Director, Instructor developed this material as part of a comprehensive citywide law-related educational program in Chicago in the 1980’s. Camp sponsored by Telos Rhetoric Club, affiliated with NCFCA. 02 COMING SOON 03 COMING SOON 04 COMING SOON

TOURNAMENT NCFCA offers a number of tournament opportunities for students to hone their analytical and oratorical skills both online and onsite. Below are brief descriptions of the different types of tournaments / competitions in which a student may participate. NCFCA hosts approximately 55 tournaments of various types across the country each season to eligible competitors. Regional (or District) Qualifying Tournament A regional or district qualifying tournament is a multi-day event open to eligible competitors within their region or district, (Telos Rhetoric Club is in Region 10) and offers six preliminary rounds of debate, three preliminary rounds of speech, and elimination rounds for both speech and debate. Students advancing to elimination rounds earn an invitation to the Regional Championship. National Qualifying Tournament A national qualifying tournament is a multi-day event open to eligible competitors from all regions that may include any combination of events, any of which offer full preliminary (six debate/ three speech) and elimination rounds. Students advancing to elimination rounds earn an invitation to their Regional Championship and top competitors in each event earn an invitation directly to the National Championship. Club members should plan to compete in the Fall, Winter and Spring, 2020-2021 Affiliate With NCFCA

What Telos Offers PLATFORM SPEECHES For the 2022 season, NCFCA will offer ten speech events which are divided into three main categories: Platform, Interpretation, and Limited Preparation Speeches. Each of these categories offers distinct opportunities for students to develop their communication skills. Telos teaches the following at our club time: (Limited-prep; platforms and interps) TEAM POLICY DEBATE The goal of the Telos Rhetoric TP Club is to provide a collaborative environment for our members where they can share cases ideas, briefs, and flows for the duration of the debate season. What it is: During a round of Team Policy Debate, a team of two debaters will advocate the resolution by proposing a specific plan to accomplish the goal stated in the resolution while another team of two debaters will oppose the topic. LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE The Lincoln-Douglas debate format is one-on-one debating, named after the famous debates between Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. The goal of the Telos Rhetoric LD Club is to provide a collaborative environment for our members where they can share cases ideas, briefs, and flows for the duration of the debate season. What it is: Lincoln-Douglas debate resolutions are constructed to create a clash of competing values rather than the adoption of a specific policy. To ensure that the club is efficient and fair- please check out Conflict Resolution Policy

Statement of Faith The Holy Scriptures, as contained in the sixty-six books of Old Testament and New Testament, are the inerrant written Word of God and are His complete and sufficient revelation to mankind. Therefore, we make every effort to structure our club according to the biblical mandate. We are not perfect, but we are always reforming (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 22:19). We believe that there is one living and true God (Deuteronomy 6:4), eternally existing (Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8) in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17); that this triune God created all (Genesis 1:1-6), upholds all (Hebrews 1:3), and governs all (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 2:10). We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, and is therefore unique among all creation (Genesis 1:26-27), and that Adam and Eve fell into sin (Genesis 3:1-7), resulting in death, broken fellowship with God, and a sinful nature which has been inherited by all mankind (Genesis 3:23-24; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12). We believe that justification (the act of declaring one to be righteous, or without sin) is a judicial act of God on the believer’s behalf (Romans 8:33), based solely on the merits of Christ (1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 1:7, 2:2), and that being born anew by the power of the Holy Spirit into God’s family is absolutely essential for personal salvation (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5).

Team Leaders Photographer Read More Hospitality Read More Service/Social Coordinator Read More Webmaster Holds the duty of Telos Rhetoric Banking Read More Deputy Sergeant at Arms In charge of meetings and prayer time Read More Evidence Ringmaster (ERM) Read More Female Chaplain In charge of meetings and prayer time Read More Secretary A right hand manager who helps the President Read More Webmaster Assistant In charge of website building and socials Read More Male Chaplain In charge of meetings and prayer time Read More Vice President Read More President Head of all the members at Telos and leads them. Read More Treasurer The note taker who schedules the dates and times of events Read More Sergeant at Arms Cleans out facility and makes directions for club particapents Read More

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Team Leaders ​ Photographer ​ Read More ​ Hospitality ​ Read More ​ Service/Social Coordinator ​ Read More ​ Webmaster Holds the duty of Telos Rhetoric Banking Read More ​ Deputy Sergeant at Arms In charge of meetings and prayer time Read More ​ Evidence Ringmaster (ERM) ​ Read More ​ Female Chaplain In charge of meetings and prayer time Read More ​ Secretary A right hand manager who helps the President Read More ​ Webmaster Assistant In charge of website building and socials Read More ​ Male Chaplain In charge of meetings and prayer time Read More ​ Vice President ​ Read More ​ President Head of all the members at Telos and leads them. Read More ​ Treasurer The note taker who schedules the dates and times of events Read More ​ Sergeant at Arms Cleans out facility and makes directions for club particapents Read More