FAQs

Lincoln-Douglas Debate, as defined by Stoa, "is value debate. A Lincoln-Douglas debate examines competing value systems to answer big questions. The purpose of Lincoln-Douglas value debate is to instill in Christian home school students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and value analysis. That endeavor is accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, poise, and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ." 

For more information about what Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate is and how it works, visit the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Rules. 

Our meetings take place every week on Fridays. The weeks when Legacy Speech is in session, our meetings will be in person from 1:15-2:30 at St. Timothy's Lutheran Church (5151 Carter Avenue, San Jose), before Legacy Speech's meetings from 2:30-6:00. The weeks Legacy Speech is not in session, we will meet online on Zoom from 3:30-5:30. 

In-person meetings will contain practice debate rounds, followed by feedback and analysis. Meetings may also cover ballot review or tournament goal-setting/debriefing. 

Online meetings will focus more on case-writing and case preparation. 

Parents may be asked to help with light club duties, such as giving critiques for practice rounds. However, parents will not be required to attend every meeting. Students are still expected to conduct themselves with integrity and maturity while members of the club, and parents are STRONGLY encouraged to help their students with Lincoln-Douglas preparation. 

A comprehensive list of all Stoa tournaments can be found on the Stoa Tournament Calendar. 

These local clubs often host one or two tournaments per year:

1. Clash Debate Club. Clash Debate Club, based in San Jose, usually hosts an annual debate tournament that offers Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Team Policy Debate, and Parliamentary Debate. For the past two years, this tournament has been held in March.

2. Response. Response, based in Hayward, has hosted a tournament in January called Ready Response for the past two years. At this tournament, all speech and debate events have been offered. Last year, Response also hosted a debate-only tournament in early December.

The coaching will be largely led by students with extensive experience in Lincoln Douglas. We also plan on inviting guest speakers and coaches throughout the year.