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WRITING & COMMUNICATIONUNITED STATES✓ VERIFIED · LAST CHECKED 19 SEPT 2026

VFW Voice of Democracy

Rated Intermediate, Voice of Democracy combines essay writing with vocal delivery: students must shape a personal response to an annual civic theme and make it work as a short audio performance. Eligible grades 9-12 students submit through a participating local VFW Post under the official residency rules. Strong entries need an authentic point of view, a tightly structured script, memorable supporting detail, and controlled delivery within three to five minutes.

Verified information

Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.

Official website ↗

OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL

Intermediate Level

6 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.

01

Competition overview

Key information

Eligible ages

14–18

School level

Grades 9-12

Registration method

Individual Allowed

Competition stages

Local VFW Post; District; State; National

Fee

Free

Online / in-person

In-person

02

Dates

Competition timeline

Registration opens

Not yet announced by the organiser

Registration closes

1 Nov 2026

Competition starts

Not yet announced by the organiser

Competition ends

Not yet announced by the organiser

03

Editorial perspective

Our Take

2026-27 theme: What a Veteran Taught Me About America. Entrants submit a typed essay, a three-to-five-minute English MP3 recording, and the entry form to a participating local VFW Post.

Source information

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