September 2025
The disturbing events of last week compelled me to write this letter to express my deep concern, felt for some time now, at the general loss of civility and tolerance in our society. In moments like these, when our nation feels most divided, I am reminded how much the world needs the English-Speaking Union and the mission we serve.
This is evident in our Middle School Debate program, where students at a formative age learn how to engage opposing views with civility and calmness. The program equips young people with not only the skills to speak persuasively but also the wisdom to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. It is also central to our international student and teacher exchange programs and scholarships, which broaden perspectives and build personal connections across cultures. And it fuels the International Public Speaking Competition, hosted by our sister organization, the ESU of the Commonwealth, in London every summer, which brings together students from more than 40 countries around the world, for a week of cultural exchange and public speaking contests.
James Raven, former Chairman of the ESU of the Commonwealth, put it eloquently in a recent interview: “The real challenge now, particularly for young people, is not just to have the confidence and ability to communicate but to be able to understand how you agree to disagree and how you come to a common understanding.” He also reminded us that “the ESU’s competitions and programs help young people to engage with the world and to understand other points of view. The ESU is an educational charity that sets out to transform lives and that transformation is about giving people an opportunity to think for themselves, to explore the world through communication.”
This is the essence of the English-Speaking Union: connecting people, bridging divides and fostering goodwill and understanding through the English language. At a time when the need for civility and tolerance has never been greater, the ESU stands proudly as a community dedicated to dialogue, mutual respect, and the building of a more inclusive world.
June 2025
June traditionally marks the time when I write to you—our loyal members and friends—to ask for your continued support by renewing your ESU membership, or, if you are not yet a member, to warmly invite you into our fold. This year, however, tradition is meeting innovation.
We are in the midst of implementing a new membership database—a modern system that will help us to stay better connected with you, provide more timely and personalized communications, and make joining and renewing simpler and more flexible than ever before. This new system will allow us to roll out several exciting upgrades to our membership program. As a result, this year the annual membership renewal process will start in October, when the new software will be fully implemented. But rest assured—this change brings with it new opportunities to better serve our members and to strengthen the bonds that unite our ESU community.
What’s new? Quite a lot, actually.
We introduced rolling renewals last year, allowing memberships to be active for a full year from the date of joining or renewal—no more worrying about the June deadline. The new system will make this process smoother, more reliable, and easier to manage for everyone.
You’ll also notice more flexible membership categories designed to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our ESU family.
One particular welcome addition is our new Educator Membership, offered to teachers who have participated in the ESU’s hallmark programs: TLab, the National Shakespeare Competition, the International Public Speaking Competition, and the Middle School Debate. This special category comes with a lower membership fee and additional benefits designed with educators in mind, including:
Exclusive professional development workshops
Special curriculum resources and downloadable lesson plans
Invitations to member events in New York City during the ESU National Shakespeare Competition Finals weekend
Exciting add-on experiences to TLab programs
These educators are the torchbearers of English language learning and global understanding, and we are proud to welcome them more fully into the ESU family.
Equally exciting is the newly reimagined Dual Membership—formerly known as Couple Membership. Recognizing that meaningful partnerships come in many forms, we’re expanding this category to include a friend, relative, child, or colleague—not just a spouse or partner living under the same roof.
All of these changes set the stage for something truly momentous.
In 2026, the United States will mark its Semiquincentennial—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The ESU will celebrate with a commemorative campaign “The English-Speaking Union and the American Revolution.”
This campaign will be anchored by our Annual General Conference in New York City, taking place April 23-26, and coinciding with two major milestones: the 2026 National Shakespeare Competition Finals and the 25th anniversary of the ESU House. Together, these events will create a dynamic and inspiring gathering that highlights our mission, celebrates our history, and energizes our future.
The “ESU and the American Revolution” campaign will deepen engagement between members and Branches, welcome new supporters into our ranks, and raise funds for expanding programming across the country. Additional highlights will include:
A student essay writing contest inspired by themes of liberty, language, and legacy.
America250 events hosted by ESU Branches nationwide—and here, we’re appealing to each of our Branches to participate by sponsoring a celebration in their community.
These events can be held in person or virtually and will be open to local members as well as guests and members of other Branches who may wish to travel for the festivities. We’re thrilled to share that ESU Boston has already raised its hand and will host a celebration in the fall of 2026.
A line of ESU/America250-branded merchandise and commemorative items to mark the occasion in style—perfect for celebrating this once-in-a-generation milestone and showing your ESU pride.
The United States Semiquincentennial is a unique opportunity for the ESU to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our mission, and bring people together through the power of our shared language. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and have fun along the way—and we hope you’ll be part of it.
So, while you won’t be receiving your renewal notice this month, I hope you’ll take this message as an early invitation to stay involved, stay inspired, and stay with us. Your commitment makes our mission possible.