Young Speakers of Austin (YSA) is a communications organization for Christian students with a strong focus on family participation. Members/Students range from ages 6 to 18. Members participate in a variety of communication activities including platform, limited preparation, and interpretive speeches as well as Team Policy and Lincoln Douglas Value debate. Student leadership is valued and experienced students are provided the opportunity to teach newer students.
Our organization consists of two components:
#1 Competitive Speaking
We compete in the National Christian Forensics Communications Association (NCFCA). We support their mission; affirming that formal speech and debate provides a means for students to learn and exercise analytical and oratorical skills addressing life issues from a Biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God (1 Peter 3:15). Visit: www.ncfca.org
#2 Community Speaking
Our club is a part of the Communicators for Christ Chapter Program. We use the Young Speakers Guild curriculum to teach our students to become well-rounded presenters by giving speeches in a non-competitive environment in the local community. Members give speeches in a variety of forums – churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and other places. The goal is to achieve competence and character for the public platform while serving and impacting our community for Christ (Colossians 4:6). Visit: www.institueforculturalcommunicators.org
We believe these two components compliment each other, however family’s can choose to do one or the other.
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God, the final authority of faith and life, without error in its original writing both in doctrine and historical detail, and that all true knowledge is consistent with its revelation.
We believe that there is one self-existent God who has always been and always will be, manifest in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that knowing Him truly is the foundation of all knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God manifest in the flesh, born of a virgin, that he is the Savior of mankind through his death on the cross, that he rose from the dead and ascended to God, and that he will return again and will raise those who have believed in him to reign with him in power and glory throughout all eternity.
We believe in the brotherhood of all believers who, through faith, have received the salvation provided by God’s grace through the death of Jesus Christ.
