MNUDL Debate Judge

Help students build the skills they need to succeed!

Debate judging is a great short-term volunteer opportunity to help kids in Twin Cities schools learn skills like critical thinking, argumentation, reading comprehension, and public speaking. No debate experience is required - we'll train you!

We provide the following volunteer judging opportunities throughout the year:

• MSHSL Debate Judging: Our MSHSL debate season happens fall semester through January. We have virtual shifts available on Fridays and in-person shifts on Saturdays. We have roles available for experienced debaters and those without experience. (Debates held in English on the topic of AI & intellectual property).
• Middle School Debate: Our middle school debate tournaments happen on weeknights January-March. We're looking for caring teens and adults to serve as debate judges. The topic in 2024-25 is Mars colonization.
• Spanish Debate League: This program serves both middle and high school students, primarily heritage Spanish speakers. Tournaments take place in spring semester on weeknights. You must be fluent in Spanish to participate as a judge.
• East African Debate League: We're seeking adults to serve as judges on weeknights from December through March! We're seeking East African community members to provide short-term mentorship through judging. Debates are held in English.
• Financial Literacy Leadership Debates: During spring semester, this program serves high school debaters, with an emphasis on girls and gender expansive youth. If you have a background in finance, we'd love to work with you!
• Summer Speech & Debate Camp: During the summer months, we host multiple weeks of speech and debate camp. These camps range from oral interpretation (acting oriented), to speech, to most major forms of debate! Judges with and without experience are welcome.

Depending on level of experience, you may qualify to be a paid judge.

Requirements:

• Must be willing to complete a background check
• Must have a mindset of equity and care for students
• Middle school judges must be 15+; high school debate judges must be 18+