The FDI

To our veterans: Happy Veterans Day, and thank you for answering our nation’s call. Behind every uniform is a person who accepted the responsibilities of serving our country—and a family who shared in that commitment. Today, we honor you. Your example also inspires the students in our Civic Immersion Academy’s Salute to Service cohort. Through firsthand experiences and civic learning, we help young Floridians considering military careers understand the Constitution they may one day swear to defend and develop the judgment, communication skills, and character to lead. Preparing tomorrow’s service members begins with helping them understand what they are called to protect. To every veteran in our community and across America: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and the example you set for those who will follow.

They’ve studied America’s founding. This time, they stood where it happened.🇺🇸 From Boston to Philadelphia, our Civic Immersion Academy students debated the Stamp Act where colonists once debated it, saw George Washington’s war tent, and watched our constitutional system at work in a federal courtroom. They explored the ideals that shaped our republic, why our government was designed as it was, and their own responsibility to preserve and strengthen it. These three days launched a yearlong experience. Through ourPolicy CollectiveandSalute to Servicetracks, students will explore careers in government and military service, learn from mentors, and put their learning into practice through civic and service projects. It’s preparation for the responsibilities ahead—in their careers, their communities, and their country. Thank you to our families, educators, hosts, and partners for helping us prepare young Floridians whoknow their country, love their country, and are ready to serve it. Learn more:floridadebate.org/civicimmer…

Does your child need public speaking experience to get started? Not at all! Every confident speaker starts somewhere. Through Super Speakers, elementary students can build confidence, develop communication skills, and learn to share their ideas, one speech at a time. Help your child find their voice! Learn more at floridadebate.org/super-spea…

Day 2 of the Civic Immersion Academy! 🇺🇸 Yesterday, our students explored Philadelphia, where some of the most important moments in American history took place. From discovering the foundations of our republic at the National Constitution Center to visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, students had the opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom. Another day of learning, exploring, and discovering the importance of civic engagement! One more day to go!

Day 1 of the Civic Immersion Academy! 🇺🇸 Our students kicked off their journey in Boston, Massachusetts, exploring the history of the American Revolution and the ideas that helped shape our nation. From walking the historic Freedom Trail to exploring Revolutionary Spaces, students had the opportunity to connect what they've learned about American history and civic engagement with the places where it all happened. Next stop: Philadelphia!

Meet the 2026 Civic Immersion Academy cohort! 🇺🇸 These 30 students are embarking on an exciting educational journey through Boston and Philadelphia, exploring American history, civic engagement, and the foundations of our republic. From November 7–9, they'll visit historic landmarks, engage with the ideas that shaped our nation, and experience learning beyond the classroom. Follow along as we share highlights from their journey!

The countdown is ON! ⏳ Online Qualifier B is just one day away! Take the time to review your notes, trust your hard work, and get ready to bring your best to every round. Good luck, debaters! FDI is rooting for you!

Congratulations to Florida’s Governor-elect @ByronDonalds and Lieutenant Governor-elect @BryanAvilaFL ! The Florida Debate Initiative looks forward to continuing our work to inspire the next generation of informed, engaged citizens through civics, speech, and debate—empowering students to understand America’s founding principles, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and embrace the responsibilities that come with citizenship. Together, we will equip Florida students to think critically, speak confidently, and lead with character, preparing them to make a meaningful difference in their communities, across our state, and throughout our nation.

Make your voice count! 🇺🇸 Just like debate, civic engagement starts with being informed and thinking critically. Today, on Election Day, take the time to understand the issues, explore different perspectives, and learn how you can participate in the democratic process.

He got his start through FCDI. Now, he’s helping lead Florida Blue Key. Before taking the stage at tonight’s awards ceremony, Competition Chair John Pettross shared with us that he would never have joined speech and debate without the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI). Its financial support made his school’s team possible. Later, John publicly thanked FDI President @AbeLopezFL and the Florida Debate Initiative for sponsoring this year’s tournament. Knowing his story made that recognition especially meaningful. John, we’re proud of your leadership and honored to support you and the student volunteers behind the 43rd Annual Florida Blue Key Speech & Debate Tournament! This is why we invest in students. We’re not just building great debaters. We’re building great citizens.

Today is the FINAL DAY to submit your speech for the Veterans Day Speech Contest! This year’s prompt is: What three qualities do you think are important for someone serving in the U.S. military? Explain why each quality matters and how you can show those same three qualities. Don’t miss your opportunity to share your voice and honor those who have served!

FDI is in the Halloween spirit! What would be included in your costume? Let us know in the comments. 👇 And have a safe and fun Halloween!

Florida Debate Initiative President @AbeLopezFL and Board Member John McGovern were proud to help kick off the 43rd Annual Florida Blue Key Speech & Debate Tournament, with FDI serving as a Platinum Sponsor! The evening featured a keynote address by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Couriel. A special shoutout to the incredible student leaders of the University of Florida’s Florida Blue Key, who work tirelessly to organize and host this prestigious tournament. Their dedication to advancing speech and debate is something worth celebrating! Proud to support their efforts and the next generation of great speakers, debaters, and civic leaders!

In the Florida Debate Initiative headquarters we really are a FULL HOUSE! Meet the team behind the cause. 🩵 Learn more at floridadebate.org.

Thanks to our partners at @ATT, we’re proud to be offering 10 need-based scholarships of $3,000 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college after graduation! Students, be prepared to provide: ✅Academic information ✅Speech and debate experience ✅Financial information ✅A reference ✅A video submission Less than one month left to apply! The deadline is November 20, 2026.

Meet the 2026 FDI Fellows! We're excited to introduce the next generation of leaders helping us make a difference through speech and debate! Our FDI Fellows are college students who bring their passion, talent, and fresh perspectives to our mission of empowering young voices. From supporting programs and events to gaining hands-on experience, they're an important part of the FDI team. We're proud to have them on board and can't wait to see what they'll accomplish this year!

Little Voices. Big Ideas. It All Starts Here! Big ideas can come from little voices, and Super Speakers is where those voices begin to grow. Designed for elementary school students, FDI's Super Speakers program helps young learners build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and discover the power of public speaking. It's also an early step in a larger journey. Through FDI's Student Pathway, students can continue developing these skills as they grow, with opportunities extending through middle school, high school, and college. Every voice deserves a chance to be heard. Learn more at floridadebate.org/super-spea…

🏆 Big congratulations to the winners of our first American Dream Debate of the 2026-2027 season! On October 17, students from across Florida brought their voices, ideas, and competitive spirit to our first virtual American Dream Debate tournament of the season! In Original Oratory and Public Forum Debate, our competitors demonstrated the power of communication, critical thinking, and using their voices in English and Spanish. Congratulations to our top finishers, and a huge thank-you to all the students, coaches, judges, and volunteers who made this event possible! 👏 Swipe to meet our winners and celebrate their achievements!

🎤Speechless? Good News. You've Got More Time! 🚨Attention, 3rd-5th graders!🚨The deadline to submit a speech for the Veterans Day Speech Contest has been extended to November 2! This year’s prompt is: What three qualities do you think are important for someone serving in the U.S. military?Explain why each quality matters and how you can show those same three qualities. Don’t miss your opportunity to share your voice and honor those who have served!

We are officially less than 24 hours from the first virtual American Dream Debate of the season! Good luck to all of our students competing for a win!