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The annual MCCL Oratory Contest is a fun and rewarding way for high school teens to take part in the right-to-life movement! It helps students shape the opinions of their peers and equips them with practical public speaking skills. The contest is open to high school juniors and seniors. The national contest is sponsored by the National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund and implemented through all 50 state affiliates.
What is the purpose?
In preparing his or her speech, a student learns how important it is to protect vulnerable human lives, whether in the womb or in a nursing home. The knowledge the student gains will help form the basis for working with peers and prepare the student for a lifelong involvement in the pro-life movement. Source material can be found under the Life Issues or Resources headings on this website, at National Right to Life, and elsewhere.
Who may participate?
The MCCL Oratory Contest has been held since 1986 and is open to high school juniors and seniors. Their task is to research, write and present a five- to seven-minute pro-life speech on abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or stem cell research. Volunteer coordinators conduct local contests. The winner of the state contest will move on to the national competition held at the National Right to Life Convention each summer.
When and where are contests held?
Local Oratory Contests are held in September through April. The MCCL State Office can put students in touch with local Oratory Contest coordinators—just contact us. If there is no local contest near, you may submit an entry to the state Oratory Contest.
Local Oratory Contest winners are invited to submit a hard copy and a link to a YouTube video recording of their speech to the MCCL State Office. Using the same evaluating criteria as in the local contests, a select group of pro-life leaders evaluate the submissions and select a winner. The Oratory Contest winner has the option to compete at the 2016 National Right to Life Convention, which will be held near Washington, D.C. The national contest takes place on July 9.
The MCCL Oratory Contest is a unique opportunity for students to speak out for life and sharpen their skills as part of the next generation of pro-life leaders. Sign up today!
How do I hold a local Oratory Contest?
Below you will find all of the necessary forms and guidelines to hold a local Oratory Contest in your community. If you would like your local Oratory Contest winner to compete at the state level, please send a link to a YouTube video recording and a hard copy of their written speech to the MCCL State Office by April 15, 2016.
MCCL Oratory Contest Rules
Oratory Contest Application
Running the Contest
Instructions for Judges
National Right to Life Oratory Contest Guidelines
Sponsoring State Requirements
State Winner Entry Form
National Right to Life Oratory Contest Rules
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