How to Volunteer
The Baltimore Urban Debate League is only as strong as its supporters and volunteers. And you don't need a background in debate to be a great volunteer. Read on, find out which opportunity works best for you - and SIGN UP! Contact Sean Rueter for more info on any of the below opportunities.
Become a Debate Judge
The Baltimore Urban Debate League hosts two tournaments a month during the school year. At these events, as many as 300 students may attend to compete. This means we rely on at least 40 teachers, parents, college students and community members to volunteer their time to the League - for each tournament! In their role as judges, volunteers are asked to participate in a brief judge training workshop the morning of the tournament where you'll learn to listen to arguments, give debaters feedback on their performance and ultimately decide the winner of the round. It is in many ways, a revolutionary experience for both parties. High school students, used to directed instruction and tests, get a chance to voice their opinion and guide their own learning. Adults get individualized interactions with kids and a chance to help them develop their speaking, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Become part of a program the Baltimore City Paper says is "catching the eyes of education activists" across the city.
Judges learn:
- the format of a competitive policy debate (time limits, speech order
- the specialized jargon debaters might use (topicality, disad, kritik, etc.)
- to take notes in a debate to make a good decision
- to justify a decision, including how to complete a debate ballot
- to discuss a round of debate afterwards with students common arguments on this year's topic
- to be prepared for common scenarios for what might happen in a debate
Judges say:
"I wasn't at all sure that I would make a good judge. The training gave me the confidence that I could make a good decision and help students learn."
"Judging in the BUDL is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I felt like I was really able to connect with kids. We learned together. It was really a positive learning experience that was quite different from school environments I've been a part of."
"The judge seminar was very efficient. They really pack it in. You get everything you need in a short time frame."
"I was amazed at the skills these kids have. They get very excited about some complicated stuff."
Learn more:
- You can learn more about what judging is like by downloading our Judging Manual (PDF - 117Kb). (Requires a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat.) BUDL's tournaments are single day events.
- This document discusses some common arguments on this year's high school topic.
- Click here to see the schedule for one of these days.
- For a sample and primer on the form that is released to let debaters and judges know where they're going and who is arguing what side, click here.
Become a Coach's Assistant or Mentor
Each debate team in the League has two coaches, but the consistent support of a few extra volunteers and/or parents is an invaluable enhancement to the team's debate experience. As coach's assistants or mentors, volunteers will have the opportunity to attend after-school debate practices at the schools themselves. These volunteers can also serve as coaches and/or mentors during the actual tournament day - supporting individual students or teams through each competitive debate round and cheering them on at the award ceremony at the end of the day.
Host a Workshop for Students
The Baltimore Urban Debate League has a serious focus on College Access, with a full time staff member devoted to providing student debaters with the resources needed to achieve success in the college application process. Where many students from more privileged backgrounds get individualized attention and have the resources to make it to college, most League students will be the first in their families to attend college and lack the guidance and support needed to navigate the complex system of college admissions. We often need volunteers to present their expertise at College Access workshops that focus on topics like "Success in Middle School and beyond," "Why go to college," and "How to choose a college or university." Other topics include career exploration, financial aid services and scholarships, and professionalism in the workplace.