Winter 2008
Letter from Executive Director, Scott Deatherage
Dear Friends of Urban Debate,
While Wall Street may bring us darker reports with each passing day, I would like to begin by giving you some truly heartening news. This year, nearly 1500 new students at 100 new schools in 10 cities will have the opportunity to participate in Urban Debate Leagues because of your support. We are well into the tournament season, so thousands of dedicated urban debaters are spending afternoons honing their arguments with teammates and coaches and weekends locked in tough competition with other debaters. As a former debater and debate coach myself, it is hard not to imagine the impact debate can have on this generation of young people, and the impact this generation can have on the world.
As the champions for our cause, I hope you can appreciate how much your support has accomplished for urban students nationwide. Thanks to you, there are eight new Urban Debate Leagues off the ground and running, and they are grabbing the attention of their communities. Just this month, urban debaters in Memphis were featured on Fox News after they qualified for an international tournament. Denver debaters caught the attention of Alan Gottlieb, an influential education expert, who wrote an article on the positive influence of urban debate programs on Denver students. These are only two examples of the impression this work makes on even the casual observer, and I hope you will scan some of the articles included towards the end of our NewsBlast.
Even though it's a treacherous time for the economy, it's an exhilarating time for the progress of urban debate. That is why we at the NAUDL are working harder than ever to ensure that the economic downturn does not halt the difference we make in the lives of young students. With your help, we will work toward the day that every urban student in the country has access to the life-changing benefits of competitive policy debate.
Warmest wishes from the Windy City,
Scott Deatherage
Executive Director
National Association for Urban Debate Leagues
Students prepare for their next round at an urban debate tournament in Memphis, TN
Our Supporters Reach More Students than Ever Before
Supporters like you have helped the NAUDL to bring urban debate to many more cities and young people through its three-year Expansion Plan. Here’s a snapshot of what the Expansion Plan has accomplished so far.
- Cities with new Urban Debate Leagues: 8
- New school-based urban debate programs started this fall: 100
- New students who will participate in these schools this year: 1,500-2,000
- Teachers who will begin coaching debate this year: 200
- Total new spending school systems have committed to debate this year: Over $1 million
Click the map to see the growth for yourself
Announcement: Annual Dinner Venue and Keynote Speaker!
We are thrilled to announce two exciting developments for the second NAUDL Annual Dinner, to be held on the evening of Saturday, April 25, 2009.
It has just been confirmed that this year’s Keynote Address will be delivered by none other than David Boies, founding partner and Chairman of Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP. A former high school and college debater, Mr. Boies has taken part in many of the United States’ most influential and noteworthy cases during his brilliant career, including high profile cases involving Vice President Al Gore’s challenge of the 2000 Florida election result and the Department of Justice's antitrust case against Microsoft. The National Law Journal called him “the Michael Jordan of the courtroom.”
In addition, this year's Dinner will be held at the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Guests will have the opportunity to dine in the Stock Exchange Trading Room (a Historical Landmark that is a reconstruction salvaged from the original Chicago Stock Exchange), participate in the Championship Awards Ceremony, and reconnect with old friends. We hope you will save the date. The NAUDL’s strongest supporters will also be invited to a VIP reception that evening at the beautiful Chicago Symphony Orchestra Center. This exciting night will honor supporters like you who have helped give thousands of urban youth new opportunities to succeed through competitive debate.
Urban School Districts Rally Support for Launching UDLs
School system investment and ownership is critical to both the sustainability and the programmatic quality of Urban Debate Leagues. Investment by school system leaders provides the institutional stability needed for private sector stakeholders to come on board. Fortunately, each of the UDLs in the NAUDL’s Expansion Plan enjoys strong support from local school systems, even in a tough budget year, and are well on their way to becoming powerful debate programs.
School district leaders have embraced debate. For example, Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash has been present at Memphis UDL tournaments and, in a recent interview with Fox News Memphis, gave a strong endorsement and continuing funding commitment to his district’s UDL. In Houston, Board of Education President Harvin C. Moore III, a former debater, has been a champion of debate. In Los Angeles and the Bay Area, the district and top leaders of secondary instruction have embraced debate despite state-wide budget cuts. Mary Buttler, Executive Officer of Instructional Services in Oakland, said that debate would "change students forever" and "you open doors none of them knew existed." Detroit Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Shirley Brown has added a line item in her office's strategic objectives specifically on expanding and deepening the impact of the Detroit UDL.
District leaders are also getting involved with debate hands on. In Denver, Happy Haynes, Assistant to the Superintendent, personally recruited six high schools and handed out the awards at the first tournament. Ms. Haynes has worked closely with the Denver Advisory Board to help increase participation in and improve the effectiveness of debate. Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson attended a tournament, along with members of the school board, and she has made both private and public statements of substantial support for the Boston UDL. In St. Louis, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12 Paula Knight has personally championed launching events for the UDL, has attended tournaments, and has lobbied for support within the district and the St. Louis educational philanthropic community. In Dallas, the school district has committed to improving upon its successful first year by expanding debate to additional schools.
Andrew Kearl and Charlie Smith, Debate Coaches at Manual High School in Denver, receive the 1st Place Sweepstakes trophy from Happy Haynes at the first Denver UDL Tournament
Memphis Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash (middle), League Supervisor Michael Smith (right), and Trezevant HS Head Coach Angela Beauvais (left) mingle with debaters during a recent Memphis UDL tournament
James R. Roland Joins the NAUDL Board of Directors
We are excited to announce that James R. Roland has joined the Board of Directors of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. Mr. Roland is the Director of Community Partnerships and Assistant Director of Debate at Emory University and the Director of Curriculum and Programs for the National Debate Project. In these roles, he supports the Atlanta, Miami-Dade, and Milwaukee Urban Debate Leagues. Mr. Roland directs and is the principal architect of the Computer Assisted Debate Program, which has been recognized as a Signature Program of the White House's Saving America's Youth Initiative and the Jimmy Carter Service Award. He has also served as Director of the Debate Center at Georgia State University. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Roland to our Board.
In the Spotlight: Urban Debate Alumnus, Marcus Leach
You may have heard of Marcus Leach from Joe Miller’s book Cross-X, which follows the personal struggles and victories of Marcus and other urban debaters in Kansas City, Missouri. The NAUDL’s Holly Reiss tried to track down Marcus for an interview and found him in Shanghai, China—taking a year off from Howard Law School to teach English and learn about international trade. Marcus credits debate for his success, saying, “You and I both know where I’d be without debate, and it wouldn’t be here.”
During his high school debate career, Marcus and his teammates beat the odds. Even though his high school was in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Kansas City, his team became highly competitive on the national debate circuit. Marcus’ debate experience and achievements won him multiple college scholarships, so much so that he even had $10,000 left over to pay for living expenses during college.
Marcus became intrigued by China during his high school and college debate career, and he spent time there as a tourist in 2005. "China was a frequent topic in debate. You hear about communist policies, and now, I'm living it. I really have come to appreciate the freedoms we have in the United States. I am a political science undergraduate, and while everyone is anxious to discuss U. S. politics - especially Obama - no one will discuss Chinese policy."
Even though his high school and college debating days are in his past, Marcus says that debate has affected every part of his life. "Debate taught me to be able to pre-empt the possible responses, and that has really helped me to succeed in law school. Debate affects the way I read the newspaper, the way I write, the way I frame my arguments and statements when I speak with someone. It is shaping the conversation I'm having with you right now. It's who I am."
Marcus has been in China only three months, but the experience is already having an effect on him. "People get by with so little here. I don't see how they survive. Living in China has made me change my priorities in life. I grew up on nothing, and now, money is not as important as it was. I want to start a career of giving back. If I try a little harder, then I could do so much more."
"Marcus taught me a lot about debate, and debaters. Mostly he taught me that anything was possible," said Marcus's high school debate coach, Jane Rinehart. She credits the leadership of debaters like Marcus for raising the standards of debate in Kansas City and bringing new opportunities for urban debaters to compete at the national level. "They were pioneers, and martyrs, for a system that badly needed reform. I don't think any of that would have happened without urban debaters pushing the envelope."
Former Debaters Galvanize Support for Urban Debate
Tough economic times call for extraordinary measures. Urban Debate Leagues around the country are already accustomed to producing breakthrough results on a shoe-string. With the full repercussions of the unfolding economic downturn unclear, however, many former debaters are stepping up to broaden the base of support and secure the investment of area supporters and stakeholders.
What's going on in your city?
Houston
In Houston, Mayor Bill White (a former debater from San Antonio) kicked off the 15 school launch of the city's UDL this fall with an audience filled with former debaters including state Rep. Sylvester Turner, school board President Harvin C. Moore III, board member and former debate coach Dianne Johnson, and lawyer and former U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky. The impassioned Mayor pledged $25,000 to the cause in honor of his mother, a retired teacher and former debate coach.
Dallas
Up the road in Dallas, the Chair of the Dallas Advisory Board and St. Marks and Dartmouth debater, Craig Budner hosted an event at his firm, K&L Gates. The keynote speaker, former US Attorney General and former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh, joined urban debate students from Dallas and Chicago in attesting to the power of debate. "The event not only broadened our network of supporters in Dallas, but the powerful words of the students who spoke made a genuine national-level supporter out of Gov. Thornburgh," said Budner.
The Bay Area
The Bay Area Urban Debate League hosted an inaugural reception on October 21st in the luxurious offices of O'Melveny & Myers in San Francisco. Amongst the hosts were Board Chair and former Georgetown debater Darin Snyder and former Baylor debater and 1989 National Debate Tournament Champion J. Daniel Plants, who helped bring together leaders from across the Bay to hear participating teachers and students share stories about triumphs and hardships. According to Oklahoma debater and League Director Blake Johnson, "The evening was a much deserved opportunity for the league to congratulate itself on its initial successes and plan toward creating more in its upcoming second semester."
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles UDL Advisory Board is hosting a launch reception on December 4th at the Los Angeles office of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. Co-hosting former debaters include Sandra Seville-Jones (Harvard), Bart Williams (Harvard-Westlake), Henry Weissmann (Harvard-Westlake), Erwin Chemerinsky (Northwestern), and Lucy Keele (the former coach at CSU-Fullerton). Then, on December 6th, the University of Southern California debate team is hosting a Kick-Off event for the Los Angeles UDL and the USC Neighborhood Debate League at the historic Bovard Auditorium, which will include remarks from Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent David Brewer III.
Chicago
The Chicago Debate Commission and the NAUDL are co-hosting a reception to celebrate and build investment in urban debate at the home of NAUDL Board Chair Lenny Gail and Robin Steans on December 13th. The reception immediately follows the final round of the 2008 Motorola Foundation Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Debates.
Memphis
On December 15th the Memphis UDL Advisory Board is hosting its first annual Holiday Reception. It will bring together private sector leaders and Memphis City Schools leaders in celebration of the 15 school launch of the Memphis UDL. "We hope to more than double the number of active, invested leaders in the Memphis business and legal communities by introducing them to the significant and unarguable successes of the UDL here so far," says League Director and Greenhill School debate alumnus Sarah Meltzer.
South Florida
In mid-December, NAUDL founding Governing Board member Stuart H. Singer and Honorary Board member Willie E. Gary will be hosting a lunch in downtown Fort Lauderdale for individuals interested in becoming involved in urban debate.
St. Louis
A launch reception for the St. Louis UDL will be held in January at the home of Advisory Board Chair and former debater David Harris. Mr. Harris is the Manager of the Litigation Practice Group at Greensfelder, Hemker, and Gale, P.C.
Boston
The Boston Debate League is holding a reception for prospective supporters of urban debate in Boston on the evening of February 8th at the home of Board chair John Isaacson, former Dartmouth debater and founding partner of the executive search firm Isaacson Miller LP. Famed Harvard debate coach and law Professor Larry Tribe will co-host and speak at the event.
Further events are planned for Washington D.C. and New York. Please contact Eric Tucker at EricTucker@UrbanDebate.org for further information about any of these events, or to help bring together groups to witness the power of debate and learn how they can become a part of our efforts.
Get Involved: Four Ways to Champion Urban Debate
Volunteer your time
Local leagues are looking for volunteer coaches, tournament judges, and mentors. Whether you have a couple of hours to spare, or want to take on a substantial role, we encourage you to share your skills and talents with urban debaters in your area.
Join a local Advisory Board
Local NAUDL Urban Debate Leagues have a private non-profit partner to the school system, a UDL Advisory Board. These local Boards partner with the school system to oversee League expansion and success, while simultaneously spearheading the private fundraising efforts. For a more in depth description, please click here.
Host a reception in your city
We’re always trying to get the word out about urban debate to new potential supporters. In this vein, many of our supporters hosted receptions on behalf of the NAUDL this past year so that their friends and colleagues might learn more about the important work that we do and how they too can get involved.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, joining a local Advisory Board, or hosting a reception in your city, please contact Eric Tucker at the NAUDL at 312-427-0152 or EricTucker@UrbanDebate.org.
Give financial support Your generous donations allowed for the launching of seven new UDLs this year alone. Please keep the NAUDL in mind as the calendar year draws to a close and you make plans for your end-of-the-year giving. To donate, simply click here or contact Adriana Willsie at the NAUDL at 312-427-0389 or AdrianaWillsie@UrbanDebate.org.
The Academy of Public Service (Boston) debate team celebrates a sweepstakes victory at Tournament Two in October
Urban Debate in the News
- “Debate Team Gets Chance at International Competition” – Memphis Fox News
- “Urban Debate Fires up in Denver High Schools” – Education News Colorado
- “Debaters argue for $--- and win” – The Boston Herald
- “High school debaters in training for verbal fisticuffs” – Rocky Mountain News
- “Robert Treat students prove to be great debaters” – Newark Live with the Star Ledger
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