Stoa

Stoa is a speech and debate league intended for Christian homeschooled students. It was founded in 2009 by a group of Californian NCFCA coaches after a long series of disagreements between Californian coaches and the NCFCA. Since then, it has expanded to include members from 32 states and 2 foreign countries. The name Stoa was taken from the name for ancient Greek covered porches, stoa (plural stoae), in which debates and discussions were often held.

Debate
Stoa offers three forms of debate: Lincoln Douglas, team policy, and parliamentary.

Speech
Starting in the 2013-2014 season, Stoa will offer 11 permanent speech events in three different categories: interpretive, limited-prep, and platform speaking, along with two wildcard events.

Interpretive events
The official Stoa interpretive events are dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, duo interpretation, and open interpretation.

Limited-prep events
The official Stoa limited-prep events are apologetics, impromptu, extemporaneous, and, starting in the 2013-2014 season, Mars Hill impromptu.

Platform events
The official Stoa platform events are expository, original oratory, and persuasive.

Wildcard events
Stoa now offers two wildcard events in each season, with one retiring and being replaced every year, so that each wildcard runs for two years. Wildcards for the 2013-2014 season will be storytelling and broadcasting.

Past wildcards have been storytelling and Mars Hill impromptu (2012-2013), and original interpretation (2011-2012).

Leadership
Stoa's leadership consists of a board of directors each of whom is elected by Stoa members after being nominated by a Stoa member for the position. Board members serve three year terms, and may not serve more than three consecutive years. The board elects a President, Secretary, and Treasurer from within itself. Beginning in the 2013-2014 season, Stoa's board will consist of the following individuals:


 * Van Schalin, President
 * Wally Long, Treasurer
 * Laura Yeates, Secretary
 * Patsy Butman
 * Mark Russell
 * Robert Kwong
 * Danny Eldridge

Membership
Stoa charges $40 per family, per year for membership in the league. To be eligible, a student must be between 12 and 18 years old on January 1st of the competitive year. Exemptions may be made for students over 18 with proof of high school status. Students must also be homeschooled according to Stoa's definition. Parents must also support Stoa's statement of faith.

Statement of Faith
The Stoa statement of faith, as found on their website, is as follows:

1. There is one God eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30, 2 Corinthians 13:14)

2. Man is sinful and therefore separated from God, who is holy and perfect. (Isaiah 53:5-9, Romans 3:23, I Peter1:15-16)

3. Jesus Christ paid the eternal penalties for our sin through His death on the cross (Luke 24:46, I Peter 2:21)

4. Jesus Christ also resurrected bodily and ascended into heaven and will return one day to fulfill His kingdom. (Matthew 28:6, Revelation 19:11)

5. Only through Jesus Christ and the grace of His provision of salvation, may we be saved from eternal punishment, enter into God’s family and receive eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:11, I John 1:9)