Competition · Online

VFW Voice of Democracy 2026–27 — audio essay contest

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States · Online · Worldwide

Open applicationNo foreign travel requiredApplications openNeeds confirmation

Write and record an original English audio essay on What a Veteran Taught Me About America.

Cost: Fees not confirmed; Fees not confirmed
Duration: Dates agreed individually
Grade: Grades 9–12; Age: see eligibility rules
Format: Online; Worldwide

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

15 days left

Cost: Fees not confirmed
Program dates: Dates agreed individually
Format: Online
Who registers: Student

Apply on organizer site

What you’ll need

Eligible grade 9–12 enrollment by October 31 and stated immigration/school rules; no exchange/GED/adult-education or 20+
One original 3–5 minute MP3 in own English voice, with at most±5 seconds tolerance
Anonymous typed essay; no music/singing/poetry/sound effects or inappropriate AI
Current student-signed entry form and parent/guardian signature even 18+
One participating post only; local permission/QR if email or Scholars App route
Recording, typed essay and form received at the post by midnight October 31, 2026
If advancing: national consent/medical/liability/use-rights terms; conditional Valley Forge guest-trip permission

Last verified Oct 15, 2026

Overview

The Veterans of Foreign Wars judges original 3–5-minute audio essays, with a maximum five-second tolerance, in the student’s own voice. Submit MP3, not video, plus typed essay and signed official form through one participating local VFW Post. Judging weights originality 35%, delivery 35%, content 30%; selected post entries advance to district, state and national judging. Keep the essay body anonymous: no name, school/address or identifying race, sex, religion, national origin/personal details; general American identity relevant to the theme is allowed. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects. The student is sole author and certifies no inappropriate AI/ChatGPT use. One post/competition per year; do not reuse this essay for another VFW contest. VFW retains nonexclusive audio/essay/name/likeness promotional rights.

Official website

Subject

HumanitiesAudio essayCivicsVeterans

Overview

Subject

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