Debate Club

Awareness & Understanding

Have you ever watched two people argue and wondered who was actually right? Debate is how communities work out tough questions together. Start by watching a real debate — search YouTube for "middle school debate competition" or try iCivics.org's "Do I Have a Right?" game to see how arguments are built. Notice how debaters use evidence, not just opinions. Pay attention to how they stay calm even when they disagree. SLC City Council meetings are streamed online — watch a few minutes and spot who is making arguments and how. You're ready for the next step when you can explain the difference between an opinion and an argument backed by evidence.

Research & Investigation

Good debaters don't just talk — they dig. Pick a local issue that matters to you, like SLC bus routes, school lunch programs, or park funding. Use iCivics.org's "Argument Wars" to practice spotting strong vs. weak evidence. Then look up both sides of your chosen issue using trusted sources like Utah Policy (utahpolicy.com) or the Salt Lake Tribune. Write down the three strongest arguments for each side. Khan Academy's "Grammar" and "Reading and Writing" sections can help you sharpen how you record notes. You're ready for the next step when you can list three solid arguments on each side of your chosen topic.

Planning & Preparation

Now it's time to build a real debate case. Choose one side of your issue and write an opening statement of about one minute — that's roughly 150 words. Use the "claim, evidence, reasoning" format: state your point, give a fact or example, then explain why it matters. Practice out loud in front of a mirror or record yourself on your phone. Ask a friend or family member to listen and tell you what was convincing. The Utah Debate Coaches Association sometimes posts resources for student debaters — search online for their practice guides. You're ready for the next step when you can deliver your opening statement from memory without reading it word for word.

Taking Action

Time to debate for real. Organize a mini-debate with classmates, friends, or family members. Assign sides randomly so everyone practices arguing positions they might not personally hold — that's a key debate skill. Use a simple format: two-minute openings, one-minute rebuttals, one-minute closings. Record the debate if you can. After each round, have the audience vote on who was most persuasive and why. You can also join a debate workshop at your school or through the Salt Lake City Library's teen programs. You're ready for the next step when you have completed at least one full debate round and received feedback from an audience.

Leadership & Expansion

You know how to debate — now help others learn. Start a debate club at your school or in your neighborhood. Work with a teacher or librarian to get a regular meeting space. Create a simple one-page guide explaining the "claim, evidence, reasoning" format for new members. You could also propose a debate on a real local issue and invite a city council member or community leader to attend. The League of Women Voters Utah chapter sometimes partners with student groups — reach out to see if they'll send a speaker. You're ready for the next step when your club has held at least two meetings with people besides yourself.

Impact & Reflection

Look back at how far you've come. Compare your first attempt at an argument to your most recent debate round — what changed? Write a one-page reflection covering: what issue you debated, what you learned about that issue by arguing both sides, and how debate skills could help your community make better decisions. Share your reflection with your club, your class, or post it to a school blog. Consider submitting a letter to the editor of the Salt Lake Tribune or Deseret News about the local issue you debated. You're ready for the next step when you can clearly explain how examining multiple sides of an argument changed or deepened your own thinking.