The Resolution: July 2020 Monthly Newsletter
The Albert Pick, Jr. Fund Awards Chicago Debates $15,000
We are grateful to receive renewed funding from The Albert Pick, Jr. Fund. We were awarded a $15,000 grant to support debate programming for the 2020-2021 school year. When asked the reason that the fund renewed its partnership with Chicago Debates, Executive Director Iris Krieg had this to say: “Our interest is in helping organizations use creative ways to excite students about learning and that challenge them to explore and think. Chicago Debates has consistently delivered.” Funding will be used in support of the goal of serving over 1700 students across 95 Chicago Public Schools. Thank you Albert Pick, Jr. Fund for your investment in Chicago’s youth and future leaders.
If you’d like to support Chicago Debates and help us continue our bridging the opportunity gap for Chicago Public School students, you can donate HERE or text CHIDEBATES to 243725.
Welcoming Our New Executive Associate Board
Our Associate Board provides valuable support for our work throughout the year. Their dedication to Chicago Debates is critical to our mission of bridging the educational opportunity gap for Chicago Public School students through the transformative activity of debate.
We’re happy to welcome our newly elected Executive Associate Board Members for the 2020-2021 year:
Amit Bindra Fundraising Committee Chair Prinz Law Firm, P.C. |
Daniel Charles Volunteer Committee Chair Boeing |
Onica Matsika Chair Ice Miller |
“Debate has had a tremendously positive impact on my life and I’m excited to take on this new leadership role in the Chicago community,” said Chair Onica Matsika. You can view our entire Associate Board HERE.
Debate Summer Camps Go Virtual
While summer is looking different this year for all of us, we’re excited to virtually deliver our annual debate camps, Chicago Debates Summer Institute (CDSI). Over 90 students have registered and our Program team has been working tirelessly to ensure the best virtual experience for students. Camp is being offered to both middle and high school students and will run for two weeks from August 3-14th. Students will participate in daily activities including:
- Icebreakers with other campers
- Debate labs led by our 11 instructors
- Films and videos on criminal justice topics
- Debate exercises
- Discussions and quizzes
We asked our campers’ parents why they chose CDSI and what they’re hoping their students get out of the camp:
“This will give her confidence to empower her to speak up, express herself, and not be afraid to push back when necessary,” said Rob B. (Hale parent).
“I would like him to begin to learn to present cogent and well formulated arguments…developing these kinds of skills are essential for young people growing up in an age of unprecedented access to information and influence. Critical thinking skills are crucial in the ability to recognize misinformation and combat its dangerous effects,” said Gregor S. (Skinner West parent).
Thank you to all who registered as we continue delivering debate programming in a new way this summer!
Postponed Annual Make Room for Debate Luncheon
Shifts to a Virtual Experience
It comes as no surprise that our Annual Make Room for Debate luncheon has shifted to a virtual platform due to social distancing requirements and in-person group size limitations. We are excited to bring our community of supporters a virtual experience like no other. We are thankful for our event sponsors who continue to believe in our mission. A special thank you to Allstate, our premier Platinum event sponsor (see current sponsors below).
Join us on September 15, 2020 as we honor one of our long-time supporters, Ed Wehmer, Wintrust President & CEO. Invitations will be out soon, so BOLO (Be On the Look Out).
If you are interested in being an event sponsor, please find details HERE or contact our Executive Director, Dr. Toinette Gunn, tgunn@chicagodebates.org.
Special Thanks to Our 2020 Sponsors!
