I started working for Boston Debate League 13 years ago - having never debated. Joining the organization meant more than just taking a job; it ushered me into a debate community that was completely foreign to me to that point.
I distinctly remember my first glimpse of a Friday night debate tournament. The vibe was electric. Hundreds of students from across the city doing last minute prep in the English High School cafeteria; debate coaches, fresh from a long week of teaching, pouring their energy into getting their teams ready; judges - a mix of alumni and local professionals - volunteering their time to this enterprise. And everyone across the room connecting with each other, happy to see each other. The feeling was one of purposeful focus on something with stakes, but also so joyful.
And a little later when I witnessed my first debate round, I was floored. The high level of discourse, the command of evidence, the power of cross examination. The drama of persuasive presentation. I learned things in that debate round, both about the content (the debate topic that year was about trade with Cuba, shortly before the embargo was lifted) and about how to make strong arguments. The competition was fierce and fiery during the round, and the trash talking and banter immediately following was affectionate and fun. In the span of two hours, friends became competitors and then friends again.
I often say that the students, educators, and supporters who comprise the Boston Debate community are an extraordinary subset of humans. Brilliant, passionate, and invested, at once critical of the world around them and earnest in their quest to make it a better place.
That community - and our vision of a city led by engaged, informed, empowered young people - is what inspires me to keep working for Boston Debate League. At a time when evidence-based discourse, talking across difference, and being part of a joyful, diverse community are in short supply, this organization is needed now more than ever.
Please support Boston Debate League by donating! A donation of $100 covers pizza for a team of 25 students at a debate practice, to keep them excited about coming back. A donation of $500 covers a Boston public school student attending summer Debate Camp for free. My overall goal is $5,000, and any amount helps! Even donating $5 lets our students and educators know that you believe in the work they are doing.
