Community Debate Club

Do you believe that words have power? Do you want to broaden your critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication? Are you interested in expanding your understanding of the world?

In these days of polarized viewpoints and alternative facts, learn about the persuasive arts of genuine discourse. Join us in creating a Debate Club open to community members high-school age and older!

We will be assisted by Marijke Russo, an educator and experienced secondary school debate coach. Beginning with the fundamentals of debate, we’ll incorporate topics and exercises from the National Speech and Debate Association.

This entertaining and educational group will meet monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

Please email programs@normanwilliams.org to RSVP or for more information.

NOTES:

The first meeting of the Community Debate Club was very stimulating and instructive — as well as great fun!

Marijke explained the process of taking a Resolve or statement and exploring the pros and cons. We then took turns briefly speaking for or against the Resolve followed by Crossfire: questioning the opposition. We used a real-time Woodstock issue for this first exercise and it was challenging!

The group agreed that it would be good to have the topic in advance. For our November 15 meeting, the Resolved is: “The United States voting system should include voting by mail.”

Should you choose to do research, it is important to have reasons for AND against the Resolve as you may be assigned to present either perspective.

The Resolved on October 18 was: “The United States Federal Government should substantially increase its investment in high-speed rail.” The discussion was lively and informative!