Competitive Debate

The National Youth Summit is very excited to add competitive debate to its 2021 agenda. Incorporating debates between national high school teams adds an invaluable aspect to our mission of broadening the experiences of student leaders across the country and, indeed, the world. Competitive debate has been a part of schools’ curriculums for generations. It is an indispensable tool in helping students grasp subject matters, sparking interest in learning, teaching critical thinking, introducing and improving research skills, honing the ability to listen, synthesizing information, formulating thoughtful responses, instilling self-confidence, and increasing teamwork.

Led by David Trigaux, Director of the Washington Urban Debate League, and Sara Baker, Legislative and Policy Director of the American Civil Liberty Union, both former debaters, TheNYS World Conference debates will challenge participating high school students across the country to consider issues relevant to their lives. Over the course of eight weeks, selected teams from participating schools will engage in competitive debates via Zoom. Assuming that the pandemic allows safe gathering in Montgomery in October, 2021, the two final teams will join us in Montgomery for the final debate. The winning trophy will be presented on the lawn of the Alabama State Capitol. in Montgomery, Alabama

David Trigaux and Sara experience as debaters, along with their professional work, brings to the conference an exceptional vision for expanding the way NYSWC students learn.
Beginning in August 2021, debate teams will begin competing on the topic: Resolved: The United States federal government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in the United States in one or more of the following: forensic science, policing, sentencing.