Voice of Democracy Competition
Download all forms at bottom of this page

2013-2014

WHAT IS THE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY PROGRAM?

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW's) premier scholarship program. Each year, more than 100,000 high school students compete for more than $2.5 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme. This year's theme is "Why I'm Optimistic About Our Nations Future"...

WHY SHOULD I ENTER?

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the local, district, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March 2012 to tour the city, meet our nation's leaders, be honored by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary and receive their portion of $148,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $30,000.

THE RULES ...

Who can enter?

The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or in an overseas U.S. military/civilian dependent school. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over and previous Voice of Democracy first place winners are ineligible.


What do you need to enter?

Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or-5 seconds) essay on a standard cassette tape or CD on this year's theme. Label your cassette of CD and neatly typed essay with your name and complete the entry form. Provide these three items to your school/group competition or your local VFW Post for judging.  All recordings must be in your own voice (hearing or speech impaired students should contact the Voice of Democracy National Office at (816) 968-1117 for special instructions), without music, special effects or background sound. Songs and poetry are not acceptable. You may not provide anything in the essay or recording that will identify you in any way. You may enter only one Voice of Democracy competition per year.


What is the deadline for your entry?

All entries competing at the Post level must be in the hands of the VFW Post by midnight, November 1, 2013. It is the responsibility of the student to meet this deadline by submitting their entry to the proper location.


WHAT ARE THE JUDGING CRITERIA?

Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.

Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another.

Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.

Please send application to your local Post / Auxiliary for submissions or drop them off at the Post.

Voice of Democracy 2013-2014 Entry Form