"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." James Madison

Every semester, the Communication Center sponsors a public advocacy contest. Rather than being a traditional public speaking contest, the public advocacy contests encourages the engaged learning, civic engagement and public advocacy that would make James Madison proud. 

Fall 2015 Public Advocacy Contest

The Fall 2015 Public Advocacy Contest is being sponsored by the Communication Center and University Health Center. All undergraduate students are eligible to enter and will be asked to answer the question "How can you use ethical reasoning to improve your health and wellness? Participating students may win some of the $200 prizes, including $100 for first place. Finalists will present their speeches in front of a public audience, including expert panelists to determine the winning speeches. The final showcase will take place Thursday November 12, 2015 at 6pm in the Madison Union Ballroom. 

Interested participants should register online by Tuesday October 27, 2015. Once registered, students are asked to record their 5-7 minute entry speech by Wednesday November 4, 2015 at the Communication Center. Please make an appointment here to record your entry. The staff of the Communication Center will select the top speeches from the registered entries to compete at the final showcase on Thursday November 12, 2015 at 6pm. If you have any questions, please take a look at past entries below or contact Paul Mabrey.