ONLINE DEBATE WORKSHOPS
The Project Dialogue workshops in Lincoln-Douglas (LD) and World Schools Debate formats combine the fundamentals of competitive debate with real-world cross-cultural communication skills to inspire leadership and advocacy skills in rising 8th – 10th graders. Directed by Brian Zhou, a two-time national champion in LD Debate and two-year member of the official USA Debate Team, the workshop’s curriculum immerses students in the key skills of critical thinking, research, and communication that are necessary foundations for all levels of World Schools, Public Forum (PF), Policy, Congress, and LD Debate formats. Beyond standard training adopted by USA Debate Team in argument construction, dynamic rebuttal, and public speaking, our workshops will empower students of color to navigate disagreements, understand the importance of political advocacy, and use their voices for change.
The online workshop take place during July 29 to August 2 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST. This workshop is intended for rising 8th to 11th graders (2022-2023 School Year) at all levels of debate. Older or younger students are welcome to reach out for a consultation over whether our workshops are appropriate for their skill level. **We are no longer taking additional students**.
All profits to Project Dialogue will be donated to charities and non-profit organizations fighting poverty, injustice, and COVID-19. Depending on enrollment and various skill levels of students, we will add multiple additional assistant instructors to facilitate discussions and practice drills in smaller-sized student groups, guaranteeing a 6:1 student-teacher ratio for all classes. We are open to any inquiries and questions at admin@dialogueanddebate.org.
Financial aid is offered on the basis of individual need; check FAQs for payment info and contact us if needed.
OUR APPROACH TO TEACHING DEBATE
Project Dialogue’s workshops were created to provide an immersive educational experience for students to develop and apply fundamental debate skills at all levels of competition. We believe that a set of foundational skills in research, case-writing, rebuttal, argument comparison, information processing, cross-examination, and persuasive speaking form the basis of all speech and debate formats, regardless of whether students seek to compete in Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, Congressional, Extemporaneous, and World Schools styles of debate. With instructors who are or have recently been debaters in all of the formats mentioned above, our curriculum is adapted to the most updated knowledge necessary to understand the nuances of different arguments that are practiced around the country. Both the LD and Worlds Debate workshops will build a solid foundation for younger students to quickly refine their skills and discover competitive success during the debate season.
What sets our workshop apart from others is our emphasis on interactive practice and the application of debate skills to our everyday lives and communities. The fundamental skills we teach are not only successful in debate, but also crucial to communicating effectively in any academic pursuit, employment opportunity, and ability to make a positive impact on others. We don’t talk at students with endless lectures; we teach with students as they are free to choose from electives, drill sessions, games, 1 to 1 office hours, practice debates, and other hands-on learning techniques. Last year, 94% of our students rated our workshop 8/10 or higher. Our curriculum ties in applications of debate to social awareness and an understanding of current events & global issues such as racism, immigration, healthcare, and more.
Our mission at Project Dialogue is to empower the next generation of BIPOC leaders to stand up for themselves and use their voices to advocate for change—and our workshop will reflect the unique values we share.
MEET THE FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Brian Zhou, Harvard Class of 2024, is the Founder of Project Dialogue 501(c)(3) and the Director of LD Debate. As a two-time national champion in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Brian won in 10th grade the Woodward Academy National Championship and in 11th grade Tournament of Champions, widely considered the most prestigious and difficult national championship in LD. Internationally, Brian was a two-time member of the USA Debate Team, captaining his team in the Germany EurOpen Invitational to 2nd place and reaching quarterfinals in World Schools Debate at Harvard, Croatia, and Slovenia. Brian has coached debate for over 5 years, organizing and teaching at debate workshops such as Project Dialogue and the Global Debate Symposium. During his gap year of nonprofit work and studying Arabic on a full scholarship in Morocco, he also led public speaking workshops and was invited as a guest lecturer on debate & communication for several business organizations and economic empowerment conferences.
EMPOWERING DEBATERS OF COLOR
We believe that the ability to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and understand diverse perspectives is more crucial than ever in debate tournaments, schools, and workplaces. With the prominence of racial minorities in debate and growing racial divides in our country, Project Dialogue's workshop seeks to teach students how to navigate disagreements and express their own positions. Our 15 instructors of color understand the importance of creating a space for younger BIPOC students to speak up, and our curriculum uses debate to challenge racist tropes and empower younger students to be proud of their identity. Because we have one of, if not the largest, staff of Asian American debate instructors, our workshop specializes in teaching Asian American advocacy and history. Project Dialogue aims to provide a unique workshop where the next generation of BIPOC leaders can develop advocacy skills, ethical citizenship, and courage to serve our own communities and fellow communities of color.
