VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
Each year, nearly 38,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.
The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.
The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each (state) VFW Department wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
YOU TOO CAN WIN $30,000!
1ST PLACE WINNER FROM VFW POST 10818 WILL WIN $1,000!
WHO CAN ENTER:
The Voice of Democracy program is open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or a home school program in the United States and its territories. VFW Post 10818 can accept applicants from the entire St. Croix County region.
HOW TO ENTER:
Students can enter by submitting their audio file along with a written copy of their essay, and the signed entry form to their teachers. The essay and application can also be emailed to our Post for submission by the deadline date.
Telephone: (715) 246-0226
Email: admin@vfwpost10818.org
SUBMISSION FORM
The 2022-23 theme for the Voice of Democracy is: Why is the veteran important?
Deadline — The completed essay and entry form must be in the hands of the VFW no later than midnight October 31, 2022.
Students should record their reading of the draft to an audio CD or flash drive. The recording can be no shorter than three minutes (3) and no longer than five minutes (5) (plus or minus five seconds). You can also submit your audio file to admin@vfwpost10818.org along with the entry form and a copy of a written version of the essay.
Entries begin at the Post level. Once the student creates their essay and completes burning the audio version to an audio CD/flash drive, they can email or submit their typed version, CD/flash drive and the Voice of Democracy entry form to VFW Post 10818 by the October 31 deadline.
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 the other.
Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
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Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) essay on an audio CD or a flash drive.
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The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed.
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Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions.