Austin Rhetoric Club (ARC) is a Christian family speech and debate club, parent-run and student-led.  ARC is affiliated with NCFCA, a Christian speech and debate league.  Our goal and vision is to have the students learn how to communicate from a Biblical worldview in an articulate, winsome manner that glorifies God.  It is our intention to provide homeschool families with learning experiences that the entire family can enjoy together.

We concentrate on preparing our 12-18 year-old students.  Children under 12 years old can compete in junior speech events.  Parents are expected to attend club meetings, learn alongside their children, critique speeches and debates, judge, teach, and offer encouragement.  When the club sponsors tournaments or workshops, parents also volunteer with tasks pertaining to these events.  Parents of juniors are expected to help lead the juniors program.

Club meetings are on Fridays from 3:45 pm to approximately 8:00 pm.  We meet at a facility in the north Austin/Cedar Park area.  Meetings generally start with speech, followed by dinner, and conclude with debate.  Dinner is approximately 5:45 to 6:30 pm.

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” ~1 Timothy 4:12

Mission
We believe that formal speech and debate can provide a means for homeschool students to learn and exercise analytical and oratorical skills, addressing life issues from a Biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God.  In order to provide these opportunities to homeschool students and their parents, we facilitate club meetings, workshops, and practice tournaments in the Austin area.  Families are encouraged to attend various workshops and tournaments.