Voice of Democracy Rules and Eligibility
WHO CAN ENTER
The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31
deadline who
are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study
program in the
United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S.
military or civilian
personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required,
students must be
lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the
application
for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the
earliest
opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or
over, previous
Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education
Students are
ineligible.
HOW TO ENTER
Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or - 5 second max.) audio essay on a
flash drive, or
other electronic device. You will submit the recording, typed essay and this
completed
entry form. Provide these items to your school/group competition or VFW Post
for
judging.
You must be the sole author of your essay. Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools
is not
allowed. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music,
singing,
poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify
you in any
way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or
national origin)
although the recording & typed essay should be labeled with your name,
to show
ownership. Your Voice of Democracy entry must be submitted to
a participating VFW Post by the Oct. 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.
2023-2024 Scholarships
