Invitation to Participate in 2024 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit Student Speech Competition

2024 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit

The 2024 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit will be held on February 22, 2024, 8am – 5pm, at the Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno.

This day-long event organized by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) will include tracks and sessions centered on Critical, Constructive, and Courageous Conversations. What conversations do we need to be having? What skills, tools, and perspectives are helpful for engaging in those conversations? What happens when we don’t engage in those conversations? 

The event is free of charge, and all faculty, staff, and students of NSHE institutions as well as community partners are invited to attend.

Please visit the Northern Nevada Diversity Summit webpage for more information and for proposal submission information.

Student Speech Competition

The Northern Nevada Diversity Summit Speech Competition is an annual competition giving NSHE students (undergraduate and graduate) attending UNR, TMCC, DRI, WNC or GBC the opportunity to share their thoughts on a predetermined topic.

There will be an opportunity for a first-place prize from each northern Nevada institution. The first-place winners will be provided the opportunity to present at the Opening Session at the Diversity Summit on February 22, 2024.

Cash Prizes:

1^st place: $500 | 2^nd place: $300 | 3^rd place: $150

2024 Topic options:

• What is the role of education in promoting critical thinking and courageous conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion?  How can schools better prepare students for these discussions?

• What are the challenges and benefits of engaging in conversations about controversial or sensitive topics? How can individuals approach such discussions constructively to promote understanding and change?

• What impact does the media and popular culture have on shaping perceptions of diversity and equity? How can individuals and society work together to challenge stereotypes and biases in media?

Timeline:

December 1, 2023 – Deadline to sign-up with your speech proposal

January 12, 2024 – Deadline to submit your speech video.

February 1, 2024 – Notifications will be sent to participants.

February 22, 2024 – The chosen finalists will present at the Diversity Summit

Visit the Northern Nevada Diversity Summit Student Speech Competition website for further information and to sign-up to participate.