Fun Volunteering Opportunity at the Boston Debate League

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Debate tournaments are the centerpiece of the After-School Debate League and hundreds of judges are needed to ensure that every round occurs. Tournaments take place on Fridays and Saturdays during the season which runs from October through March. You will join many debate devotees, including students, coaches, mentors, volunteers, and the BDL staff. Once you arrive, you will be greeted at a registration table with people who will be happy to walk you through your first tournament experience.

Judging is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that represents the Boston Debate League’s greatest volunteer need. No experience is necessary. We will train you in a short session right before the tournament you attend or we can come to your office and train you and your co-workers. As a judge, you will be asked to listen to debaters, take notes, offer encouragement, and determine a winner. Students eagerly anticipate and welcome judge feedback because they know it helps them become better debaters. Tournament weekends are broken down in to four to six hour shifts to make volunteering with the Boston Debate League accessible, whether you can join us for just a couple of rounds or for a full day. You indicate your time and location preferences in advance of the tournament through the electronic registration process. We ask that you commit to volunteer a few weeks before the tournament so we can be sure all of the debate rounds are staffed.