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. During the weeks when Legacy Speech is in session, our meetings will be in person from 4:30-6 PM at St. Timothy's. The weeks when 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, as well as practice rounds. 

Parents may be asked to help with light club duties in-person, such as giving critiques for practice rounds. Additionally, a parent must be present during online meetings to help ensure a safe and productive environment for all participants. Students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and maturity while members of the club, and parents are strongly encouraged to support 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 tournaments:

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. In 2024-2025, this tournament was held in March, and in 2026, it was held in January. 

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. Additionally, for the past two years, Response has hosted a debate-only tournament in the Fall. 

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