Give your students
a competitive edge
“MIFA empowers students to become proficient and ethical communicators, critical thinkers, lifelong learners and leaders in a democratic society.”
One membership opens the door to speech, debate, and theatre competition for every student at your school — from first-time competitors to State Finalists.
147 member schools · 7 regions · 108 years of Michigan forensics
36%
increase in reading test scores
debate participants
87%
increase in analytical skills
IE participants
31%
increase in regular attendance
debate participants
90%
earn a graduate degree
alumni studies
One membership. Four activity areas.
Your school’s membership covers all activities — invitationals, districts, regionals, and state championships.
Individual Events
aka Forensics
14 events across Public Address and Interpretation — Broadcasting, Oratory, Extemporaneous, Dramatic Interpretation, Storytelling, and more. Students write their own speeches or perform literary works in 5–8 minute presentations.
January – May · State Finals at Kellogg Community College
Debate
4 formats
Congressional, Progressive, Policy, and Public Forum debate. Students research real-world issues, argue multiple sides, and develop persuasive communication skills in formats from two-person rounds to legislative simulation.
September – December · State Tournament at Wayne State
Theatre
40+ year tradition
MIFA's One Act Play Festival has showcased Michigan's brightest talent for over 40 years. Schools compete through Districts, Regionals, and State — or participate in the rating-only track for expert written and oral feedback.
January – February · State Festival at Wayne State
Middle Level
Grades 5–8
Debate, Individual Events, and Theatre for 5th–8th graders in a supportive, constructive environment. Every student receives feedback from adjudicators regardless of placement.
Year-round · Spring State Championship in April
Membership dues
Due annually by October 31. New memberships accepted at any time.
$1
first year · any Michigan school
- ✓Full access to all 4 activity areas
- ✓Invitationals + State championships
- ✓Coach mentoring & PD resources
- ✓MiSpeechHub platform
$500
per year after first year
- ✓IE, Debate & Theatre covered
- ✓State championship eligibility
- ✓Judge certification access
- ✓Year-round staff support
$250
per year after first year
- ✓Grades 5–8 eligible
- ✓PF Debate, IE & Theatre
- ✓Spring ML State Championship
- ✓Supportive, constructive environment
“Speech Activities such as debate, forensics, and theatre were absolute game changers. As a student they provided me with confidence and capacity to critically think that paid dividends into grad school and my career. As a principal, I promoted speech activities as a core good that could elevate any school.”
“In this era of electronic mediated communication, debate programs offer invaluable, human to human, communication skills. Students master life-long skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective message delivery. Participation in debate lays the building blocks for student success in whatever career they choose.”
“Forensics changed my life. It taught me the skills necessary to get into college, and helped me in every single one of my classes from writing to delivering presentations. When I decided to go into education, I realized that I used speech tools every day in the classroom.”
Everything your program gets
Full access for your coaches, judges, and every student at your school.
How to join (new schools)
- 01
Create a school account
Sign in to MiSpeechHub with your school administrator email and set up your school profile.
- 02
Complete the membership application
Provide your school's enrollment and program information. Applications are reviewed by the MIFA Forensic Council.
- 03
Submit your School Classification Form
Required before your school can participate in any MIFA activity. Classification is based on MHSAA enrollment criteria.
- 04
Pay the $1 first-year fee
The MIFA office will tell you how to pay. New memberships are accepted at any point in the season.
- 05
Start competing
You'll have immediate access to invitationals and all MIFA resources. Your regional director will reach out to welcome your program.
To start, or with questions, email mifa@themifa.org
Returning members — renew for 2026–27
Due Oct 31Complete all three steps before October 31 to avoid a late re-enrollment fee.
Submit your PAF
A Blanket Principal Authorization Form must be submitted with each year’s renewal. It authorizes student participation for the upcoming season and is required before your school can compete.
↓Download Blanket PAF (PDF)Update contact info
If your school’s coach, administrator, or contact information has changed, please notify MIFA using the Updated Contact Information Form or by emailing the business manager directly.
✉Email contact updatePay dues
HS: $500 · Middle School: $250
- →Venmo — @themifa (business profile)
- →Check — payable to Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association
30238 Spring River Dr, Southfield, MI 48076
Fees are due by October 31. Late re-enrollment will be assessed an additional fee per the MIFA General Policy.
Billing questions? Contact Becca Weissman →Membership documents
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to join MIFA?
Any Michigan high school, junior high school, or middle school may become a MIFA member. There is no minimum team size — one coach and one student is enough to start. New memberships are accepted at any time during the year.
What does the first-year $1 membership include?
Full access to everything — all four MIFA activity areas (IE, Debate, Theatre, and Middle Level), all invitationals, all state-level championships, coach resources, professional development, and the MiSpeechHub platform. The $1 rate is a one-time new-school incentive to lower the barrier to entry.
When are membership dues due?
Dues are due on or before October 31. Late re-enrollment will be assessed an additional fee. New memberships are accepted at any point in the season — students are eligible to compete immediately upon approval.
What is required at renewal each year?
Returning members should (1) submit a Blanket Principal Authorization Form, (2) update any changed contact information, and (3) pay dues by October 31. The PAF authorizes student participation for the upcoming season and is required annually.
How is school classification determined?
MIFA uses MHSAA enrollment criteria, referencing the Second Pupil Accounting Day in February of the prior academic year. Schools may petition for placement in a higher classification for specific activities. A School Classification Form must be submitted before participating in any MIFA activity.
Can a school participate in all four activity areas?
Yes — and MIFA actively encourages it. One membership covers all four areas: team debate, individual debate, theatre, and individual events. Most programs start with one or two activities and expand from there.
Questions about membership?
General membership inquiries
Email mifa@themifa.org