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Empowering DJJ Students With Words:

Tomorrow's Successful Citizens.

WHAT IS TURNING TIDES?

Turning Tides exists to empower Florida youth in the juvenile justice system by providing access to speech and debate extracurricular activities.

BENEFITS OF TURNING TIDES

Critical Thinking

Speech and debate teaches students to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives, and construct logical well-structured arguments.

 

Citizenship and Leadership 

Building arguments from different perspectives and engaging with fellow students on difficult topics allows students to respectfully disagree and maintain relationships with people who disagree on important topics.

 

Creating Confidence

Speech and debate gives an unparalleled opportunity for students to develop confidence and find their voice.

CUSTOMIZED

IMPLEMENTATION

What each program looks like in practice will depend on the school’s needs. The FDI is committed to helping create successful programs in DJJ schools, and meeting these program’s unique challenges.

 

The first step is for school leaders to meet with FDI educational program staff. Together, a customized curricular, co-curricular, or extracurricular program is created.

 

The FDI provides teachers with pre-implementation training, and all resources needed to begin their program. Additionally, FDI staff will be on site to host the first meeting, and visit regularly to assist with the program.

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COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES

Throughout the year, the FDI will provide in-person and virtual tournament opportunities, depending on the DJJ school-specific needs of each program.

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Competition provides students with a fun outlet and expression of the hard work they have put in all year. The FDI will provide awards, medals, trophies, and more to all students involved.

SUPPORT

Resources, Training, Dedicated Staff Support

We provide financial assistance to help lighten the load, and allow teachers to focus on what is important, running their speech and debate programs. Additionally, the FDI provides professional development, coaching/teaching resources, and dedicated staff. The FDI is here to answer questions, provide resources, give support, and assist with any challenges you may have.

 

Teacher & Coach Expectations 

  • Collaborate with FDI to build and maintain a successful program.

  • Participate in training in-person or via web conference.

  • Meet with students on at least a bi-weekly basis to engage students in speech and debate communication activities.

  • Communicate with FDI staff regularly.

  • Provide students with opportunities to compete in speech and debate.

TEAM STIPENDS

  • Payable to the school

  • Used for:

    • Supplies

    • Travel

    • Food

$1,500

COACH STIPENDS

  • Personally paid to the teacher for volunteering to be the school's coach

  • Mailed check or direct deposit

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$1,750

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Let's BUILD together.

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