RATIFIED ON 3/13/2026

Document D: Lambda Phi Alpha Charter

Preamble

Lambda Phi Alpha (ΛΦΑ) is established by the California Community College Forensics Association (CCCFA) to recognize and honor California community college students for their achievements and dedication to excellence in competitive forensics.

Name and Motto

• Name: Lambda Phi Alpha (ΛΦΑ)

• Motto: "Excellence through Voice and Reason"

• Letters and Meaning:

  • Λόγος (Logos): Reason

  • Φωνή (Phone): Voice

  • Ἀρετή (Arete): Excellence

Purpose

Lambda Phi Alpha honors student efforts and achievements in forensics, encourages ongoing participation, and supports academic and professional advancement.

Membership Levels and Criteria

Associate Member: This membership level may be bestowed locally by any active local chapter of the honor society. 

• Participation in at least one semester of forensics activities.

• Advancement beyond this level requires participation at the CCCFA State Tournament.

Full Member: This membership level may be bestowed to the student members of any active chapter who attend the CCCFA State Championship tournament.

• Participation at the CCCFA State Championship.

Distinguished Member: This level of membership may be nominated by chapter advisor / coach for consideration and awarding at the CCCFA State Championship tournament.

• Participation at the CCCFA State Championship.

• Completion of three or more semesters of active forensic competition.

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3. (verified by coach)

• And one or both of the following:

  • Evidence of consistent high-level competitive success at regional, state, or championship tournaments.

  • Demonstrated leadership such as serving as a team captain, club officer, or providing significant mentorship or peer-coaching.

• Nominations must be submitted during tournament registration.

Alumni/Honorary Member: These member levels will be subject to nomination and evaluation by the Faculty Advisory Group with Consent of Student Leadership. Nomination will occur via a form hosted on the Honor Society Website.

• Alumni: Former California Community College forensics competitors who have continued exemplary contributions to forensic communities post-graduation.

• Honorary: Individuals recognized for significant contributions to forensic education through coaching, judging, or service.

Student Leadership and Governance

Students shall elect officers annually at the CCCFA State Championship. The elected positions include:

• Co-Chairs: Lead meetings, coordinates student initiatives, represents student interests to the CCCFA, and collaborates with the CCCFA President. Two positions:one from a NorCal school, one from a SoCal school.

• Recorder: Maintains accurate records of meetings, membership rosters /college chapters, official documents, and coordinates communication among members.

• Membership Manager:Supports the growth and sustainability of Lambda Phi Alpha by assisting with membership organization and induction planning. This role helps coordinate membership logistics in collaboration with faculty advisors and student leadership.

• Outreach Officer: Promotes Lambda Phi Alpha activities, initiatives, and opportunities. The Outreach Officer helps share updates with members, member colleges, and the broader public. They help support visibility efforts, and assists in fostering connections with alumni and the broader forensics community. They manage the website and social media accounts.

Induction and Recognition

• Inductions will occur annually at the CCCFA State Championship

• Members will receive official pins and certificates indicating their membership level.

Faculty Advisory Board

The Lambda Phi Alpha Faculty Advisory Board is a standing committee of the California Community College Forensics Association, appointed annually at the CCCFA Business Meeting.

This group of experienced forensics coaches and educators serves as an advisory body to the Lambda Phi Alpha student leadership. Throughout the academic year, committee members provide guidance, institutional continuity, and mentorship as students plan activities, manage governance responsibilities, and develop long-term initiatives for the honor society.

The Faculty Advisory Board works collaboratively with student officers to support transparency, sustainability, and alignment with CCCFA values, while ensuring Lambda Phi Alpha remains a student-centered organization. The committee also assists with transitions between leadership cohorts and offers institutional memory as the honor society continues to grow.

Funding and Administration

• A $4 dues fee per student entered in the CCCFA State Tournament will fund pins, certificates, and administrative costs.

• All officers would receive gavels, ordered from our trophy provider, to honor their work.

• The CCCFA President (or designee) will oversee ordering and distributing pins and certificates.