1. Urban Debate League Judges. Regional tournaments for middle school student teams are taking place in February and March on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:15 to 7:15 p.m. (dinner is included). Interest in history and evaluating debaters on argumentation, logic, and public speaking skills are suitable for judging. The debate theme this year is: The U.S. federal government should substantially increase its economic and/or diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China. Judge training programs are available online. Contact URVC for schedule.

2. Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. The Regional Science Fair serves hundreds of middle and high school students and thus requires lots of judges and readers. Project judging takes place on Friday, February 24, at the University Field House. Assignments begin at 3:30 p.m. unless pre-assigned. Judging runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Judges are needed both within expertise and outside. Parking and a light supper are provided.
Research paper online judging provides two weeks to read and score papers (February 3 to 19). No need to be in town to provide this valuable service for middle and high school students.

3. History Day Competition. 2017 theme: “Taking a stand in History.” Regionals and State Final: Judges work in teams of two to examine entries and evaluate. Optional in-depth judge training is available at the Minnesota Historical Society on February 21 (6–8 p.m.) and February 25 (10 a.m.–noon). Twin Cities’ regional competitions take place March 14, 18, 23, and 25.
The State Final is on April 29 at Coffman Union. Free parking and meals provided. Experienced judges are preferred for the finals. Judging categories are exhibits, documentaries, performances, and websites. Judges need not be historians.

For more information, get in touch with URVC

— Alan L. Kagan, Project Director,
     University Retirees Volunteer Center
     [email protected]