Volunteer opportunity— Help high school debaters become more effective communicators
Here's a chance to learn new skills (or dust off old ones) and help teenagers develop their public speaking skills: The Minnesota Urban Debate League, which sponsors high school and middle school debate seasons in Minneapolis and St. Paul, needs volunteers for the fall weekend tournament series through November and early December. No prior experience is necessary; training and a meal will be provided. Valuable judging skills are critical thinking, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, public speaking, and verbal/written communication.
The Minnesota Urban Debate League is sponsored by Augsburg University to empower students through competitive academic debate “to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities.” This year's debate topic is: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its funding and/or regulation of elementary and/or secondary education in the United States.
Before each debate new judges receive a half-hour training about high school debate norms, evaluation, debate activity style, and suggestions for effective and informative decisions. Preliminary online judge training at www.augsburg.edu/urbandebateleague/volunteer/training , includes: 1) Judging High School Debates, 2) First Time Judging, and 3) Basics of Debate.
Judges watch the debate rounds and evaluate teams for logic, effective argumentation, and speaking skills. They select the winner, assign speaking points to individuals, and provide constructive feedback to help debaters improve skills.
Select from the season schedule:
- November 10 or 11 Highland Park Senior High
- November 18 U of M campus (URVC provides parking)
- December 1 or 2 Eagan High School: Junior Varsity State Tourney
- December 8 or 9 (Location TBD): Urban Debate League Championship
- December 15–17 Hyatt Regency: (1300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls): John Edie Holiday Tournament
Middle school debates start in January. In December we will send the January schedule to those who have registered. To register as a debate judge, contact University Retirees Volunteer Center; [email protected] or 612-625-8016.
—Alan Kagan, URVC Coordinator
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
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The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
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Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: