Invites students grades 9-12 to express themselves about democratic ideas and principles. The District winners will attend a banquet for VFW student scholarships in January where the top five essays are recognized and monetary prizes are awarded. The first-place student will present the winning essay and will receive a free trip to Washington, D.C. to join the other state winners for special activities. As part of this contest program, the VFW holds the Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year Contest, which gives recognition to a teacher who encourages students to participate in the contest.

Rules and Eligibilty for the VOD contest can be obtained by clicking here 

Score sheet for judging can be found here. 

 

Click Here for the 2023-2024 Department of Pennsylvania VOD Information.

 

NOTE: PA has due dates different than those publicized by National VFW!

       October 31 - All student essays due to the Post

       November 21 - Post judging completed

       December 5 - District judging completed

       December 10 - Submit the one district winner, along with the written essay and           audio essay, headshot, 

        District summary report and District participation report to Glenn Owen. 

       December 12 - Department judging completed

       January 2023 - VOD Awards Banquet at Mid-Winter Conference 

The Department of Pennsylvania wishes to recognize the contribution made by teachers in support of the Voice of Democracy Patriotic Essay Competition. The Department will again recognize one educator who has made an outstanding effort to promote the Voice of Democracy Program in their school. Posts are urged to nominate one teacher for this honor to the District V.O.D. chairman. The District will select one nominee to be sent to the Department level judging. The winning teacher will be invited to the State Voice of Democracy Banquet to be honored as the "Pennsylvania Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year”.

This program should not replace any existing effort (i.e.; National Citizenship Education Teacher Award) on the post and district level to reward the efforts of teachers but should be considered an additional incentive for the Voice of Democracy program.

The deadline date for submission for teacher nominations will be the same dates as those for the V.O.D. program.

•Posts should use the nomination form for teacher nominations.

•Posts nominations should be in the hands of the V.O.D. District Chairman 5 days prior to the date set for the District judging. Post chairmen should contact the District Chairmen to check for the date and give notice of their nomination.

•The District Chairmen should schedule district competitions before December 5th.  District winning   nomination must be submitted to the Department Chairman by December 9, 2022.

•District Chairmen will ensure that all Posts nominations have an opportunity to participate on a fair and equal basis.  Due notice should be given to all Posts/Auxiliaries of the exact date, time and location of the District judging along with the instructions stating where, when and to whom the nominations should be submitted.

Department Awards for Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year include:

•Hotel and travel expenses to the State Voice of Democracy Banquet, January 2024

•Banquet tickets for winner and guest

•Plaque and additional gifts. Plus tour with V.O.D. District Winners

 

Pennsylvania VFW Voice of Democracy Chairman

Glenn Owen

VFW Post 6824 (14)

8563 Route 467

LeRaysville, PA 18829

570-744-2028/814-612-1970