Volunteering

Chicago Debates relies on a large network of volunteers—college students, debate alumni, professionals in the community, parents, and teachers—to help our debate program thrive. There are a variety of ways to get involved at Chicago Debates.

Why volunteer?

• Academic Debate is life changing for the debaters, but you can benefit too!
• Empower a young person
• Serve as a conscientious educator
• Use your professional skills to support future leaders
• Improve your professional network working with other judges
• Academic service learning opportunity
• Give back
• Build camaraderie with your team/group

Tournament Judges

We need judges to give our students the opportunity to debate at tournaments! No experience is required; we will train you to be an effective judge. Judges have the option to volunteer for a half-day or full day. We offer judge volunteers a small stipend and lunch.

Tournament Operations

Not ready to become a tournament judge? You can help make sure tournaments run smoothly, assisting with registration, meals, and running the information table. We offer tournament operation volunteers a small stipend and lunch.

Community Debate Coach

Coach a specific school’s debate team on an ongoing basis. Coaching occurs weekly at the school during school hours, and at six weekend tournaments per year. External coaches can work in either a paid or volunteer capacity. The position requires prescreening as well as a deep commitment to coaching debate. Ongoing training and support are provided by Chicago Debates.

Group Opportunities

Do you have a group interested in volunteering or planning a day of service?  Then volunteer with Chicago Debates. Come work with Chicago students to support their skills in policy-making, speech, and critical thinking in a competitive environment. No debate experience needed!

Trainings

• You don’t have to have debate experience to volunteer
• All volunteers will receive a 60-minute orientation and training tailored to the type of role you sign-up for to make sure volunteers are prepared and comfortable with this new opportunity
• All sessions are typically held at Chicago Debates’ office. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, trainings will take place virtually until further notice. Orientation training sessions are held throughout the year and future dates will be scheduled soon.
• Note: Beginning Thursday, October 1, 2020, training will be held on the following dates:
  New Volunteers:
  Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. CST
  Wednesdays 3-4 p.m. CST
  Returning Volunteers:
  Wednesday 4:30-5:30 p.m. CST
  Thursdays 7-8 p.m. CST
  Please sign-up here for training. If none of these times work, please reach out to our Volunteer & Outreach Manager Lauren Hince at lhince@chiagodebates.org 

Background checks are required for volunteers

Shifts

• Come support one (or all) of our working shifts.
• Shift 1: 8:00am – 12:00pm
• Shift 2: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
• Friday shifts: 3:30-9:00 pm/ 4:30-8:30pm

New to volunteering? Sign up here.

Upcoming trainings will be announced soon. In the meantime, sign-up for tournaments.