AAUW Speech Trek: Keeping alive the art of public speaking

In a world of texts, sound bites and scrolling thumbs, we are quietly losing something essential: the ability to speak well, to think deeply, to organize ideas clearly and to persuade with both heart and reason. Thoughtful public speaking, once the backbone of civic life, is becoming rare. That is why the Roseville/South Placer AAUW and Auburn AAUW branches are committed to preserving it. Both branches have held their Speech Trek Finals in their respective areas and now are launching their first Regional Finals for Speech Trek on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m. in Presentation Hall of Kilaga Springs Lodge at 1167 Sun City Blvd. in Lincoln. This event is free and open to the public. Speech Trek organizers see this as a living classroom where young people learn how to think critically, speak courageously and engage thoughtfully with the ideas that shape democracy. This year brings an exciting new dimension. In celebration of American's Semiquincentennial, this year's Speech Trek topic challenges students to connect the ideals of 1776 to the realities of today: Construct a compelling call to action for the freedom envisioned in the Declaration of Independence. Inspire your peers and fellow citizens to become stewards of the freedom that was envisioned in 1776, reminding all that the work of independence remains unfinished, and that is ideals demand vigilance, courage and unity. Students will write and deliver a challenge to US citizens, urging them to actively defend and realize the freedoms demanded in the Declaration of Independence in today's context, addressing one of the following: · Which freedoms and ideals remain unfulfilled, contested or threatened today? · How can individuals and communities revive the spirit of civil engagement and resistance to injustice? · What concrete social, political or cultural actions can ensure liberty and equality for all? Students who are regional finalists are: Noor Abedin, Dhaksha Alagesan, Graham Gardemeyer, Rebecca Gehlmann, Mykola "Nyk" Klymenko, Paige Miszkewycz and Zoey Rigdon.