Click here for National Tournament Topics
Policy Debate 
2008-2009 Topic
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States.
2009-2010 Topic
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase social services for persons living in poverty in the United States.
Lincoln-Douglas presented by Lincoln Financial Group
2009 September/October Topic
To be announced August 15.
Public Forum
2009 September Topic
To be announced August 15.
People Speak Global Debates
2009 October Topic, presented by the United Nations Foundation
To be announced this fall.
International Public Policy Forum
Sponsored by the Bickel & Brewer Foundation
°° Both this year's Policy Debate and the October Public Forum topics make it easy for debaters familiar with both formats to enter the contest. For more information, click the "Resources" button!
Policy Debate
The NFHS Speech, Debate & Theatre Association handles selection of the annual topic, where each state organization, the NFL, NCFL and NDCA all have voting privileges. Therefore, each NFL chapter advisor may submit a ballot to the National Office during September-October, ranking five preliminary topics. In November-December, each advisor then selects one of two final topics. The NFL tallies and submits one vote to the NFHS, who announces the new topic in early January.
Lincoln-Douglas
- August 15 -- September/October Topic
- October 1 -- November/December Topic
- December 1 -- January/February Topic
- February 1 -- March/April Topic
- May 1 -- National Topic
Chapter advisors vote for a new slate of Lincoln-Douglas topics by sending their ballot to the National Office no later than September 12.
Public Forum
- August 15 - September Topic
- September 1 - October Topic
- October 1 - November Topic
- November 1 - December Topic
- December 1 - January Topic
- December 15 - February Topic
- February 1 - March Topic
- March 1 - April Topic
- May 1 - National Tournament Topic
Send us topic ideas for Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas Debate!
