INFORMATION STATION

Thank you for your interest in the California ProLife Youth Oratory Contest! Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions and feel free to contact us with your information and any additional questions you might have. 

FAQs

When is the contest and how does it work? 
The state contest will be in late April; all local contests dates will precede it and vary from area to area. Competitions are run by CPLC staff and volunteers. The first place winner of each local competition is sent to Sacramento to compete for the state title.  The California winner will be flown to the National Right to Life Oratory Contest for the chance to compete against students from all other state affiliates for prizes of up to $1000. 

Who is eligible to compete? 
Any student who is currently in their junior or senior year of high school is eligible to compete.  In the case of advanced students or home schooling, the school must recognize the student as a junior or senior, or the year the student will enter college will be used to determine eligibility. 

What kind of speech is required? 
Contestants are to research, write and present an original pro-life speech on abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or stem-cell research.  The speech must be 5-7 minutes in length and contestants are encouraged to use up-to-date factual information.

Can I do a dramatic monologue? 
A dramatic presentation is not allowed.  A dramatic presentation is defined as acting as a thing or as another person and is also considered to be anything read or performed that has been previously written.  The use of informative quotes, however, is encouraged. 

Who judges the contest and on what guidelines?  
The judges are members of the community who are sympathetic to the pro-life cause.  They are chosen by the contest directors, who make efforts to find judges with expertise in public speaking, writing, and/or pro-life issues.  The contestants will be judged on the bases of their introduction, content, presentation and conclusion. 

How can I help?
Contest directors need help arranging facilities, finding judges, recruiting students from local schools, clubs and churches, arranging for prizes, publicizing the contest to the community, and executing the event with everything from refreshments to score tallying. Fill out the contact information and let us know you'd like to help, the CPLC will put you in touch with other volunteers in your area!

Like being thorough? Check out the complete contest rules!

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