Membership

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Welcome to the ESU

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a membership organization whose mission is carried out locally by the efforts of Branch members.  As an ESU member, you are contributing both financially and personally to programs that enrich the lives of students and educators through a diverse range of local and national programs.  Additionally, members expand their own social network by being invited to cultural and social events, speakers and book author events, regional and national events as well as invitations to international travel opportunities.

Benefits of Membership in ESU Sandhills

We invite you to join us and enjoy the wide variety of events we hold throughout the year as well as to support us in our educational outreach efforts including the Middle School Debate program and the Shakespeare Competition. We hope that the open exchange of ideas and experiences we provide will benefit you and the Sandhills community. As a Member you will be supporting and benefiting from the following activities:

We invite fascinating speakers on a wide variety of subjects to our meetings approximately seven times a year.

Our Shakespeare Competition, which is part of the National ESU Shakespeare Competition, involves over 140 students representing all of the high schools in Moore County. Nationally, over 20,000 students participate every year. The Sandhills winner competes in New York City with the winners of 55 other ESU Branches for the National Title.

Our Middle School Debate program involves over 40 debate teams from schools around Moore County. Over 100 middle school students take part in this competition as debaters, timekeepers and alternates. Members of the Pinecrest High School national award winning debate team serve as co-judges. ESU Sandhills has been sponsoring the Debates for the past 9 years and are extremely proud of each student who participates. Through debating, they have demonstrated not only a mastery of their topic, but also a great degree of self-confidence and the knowledge that constructive dialogue based on facts is the best way to become a "winner".

In addition to these programs, we sponsor a "Student of the Month" for local high school students. This program is designed to honor two people.  First, the student with high academic achievement, qualities of fine leadership and integrity, as well as good citizenship.  Typically she/he demonstrates exemplary character through compassion towards others, optimism, along with trustworthiness and responsibility in creating a positive environment in and outside their classroom. We also honor the teacher chosen by the Student for their significant contribution to the Student's achievements.

ESU Sandhills also supports the Teachers Learning Abroad (TLab) program organized by the National ESU. This program provides educators with dynamic continuing education through study at prestigious British centers of learning—University of Edinburgh,  University of Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe in London.  TLab scholars return to their classrooms and communities revitalized and inspired.

Many of our members enjoy the rich exchange of ideas available in our Discussion Groups, centering on International Affairs, Churchill and Roosevelt.

Membership dues are as follows:

Consider Joining as a National Patron

National Patron Membership provides higher level support to programs that enrich the lives of our members, teachers, and thousands of high school and college students nationwide.  National Patrons receive local and national recognition and invitations to exclusive events.  Up to one half of your contribution can be designated to support your branch. 

National Patron Program Description: Download PDF

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