Thanks, John. That’s a fair point. You might be surprised, though, how much those skills do make their way into debate. I tried to emphasize in the trip report the extent to which these kids really get along well and care about each other, no matter how intense things get during the debate. I can’t claim that that’s intrinsic to the activity, but because our league is run by people who are educators first and debate coaches second, I think we’ve cultivated a very good atmosphere where debate skills are used ultimately in the service of friendship and cooperation.

Long time reader who just wanted to thank you for giving back to your community.

Although I wish that consensus building and conflict resolution were elevated above debate/argumentation . . . I’m a realist, and I know that the skills that these young people are learning will help them scholastically and in their professional lives.

Thanks!

Congrats on the fruition of ur hardwork.