DA(S) October 2009 Newsletter

We’ve hit the ground running with some great ideas, and while we don’t want to spoil all the surprises, here’s a sneak peek at some of the key new projects that will be rolled out in the coming months:

1. Redesigning your web experience with Debate Association (Singapore)
We’ve received lots of great ideas on how the website can be improved – and we’re listening. Our new homepage will be driven by fresh content, competition updates, tutorials, articles, news, and lots and lots of debate videos. The internet world is no longer about static web pages though – so we’re trying to integrate new toys like Twitter, Facebook, discussion forums, comments, and try and make the whole website fit on your web-enabled mobile phone. Stay tuned to http://www.debates.org.sg

2. Primary School Debating League (PSDL)
Over the last few years, we’ve received emails from parents and teachers who are keen to get kids started with debate younger. We know it’s tougher for young kids to learn the complex art and science of debate – so we’re trying to tweak the format to make it a little easier, and then work with some of the existing primary school debate competitions to form a Primary School Debating League. It’s a tough job, but we hope it pays off in the long run for those young and passionate debaters-to-be. If you’re interested to help out in any way, please contact emmanuel@debates.org.sg

3. From Square 1 to Division 3 (“1to3″)
We know that there are lots of schools out there who are convinced that debates are only for the “elite” schools – and we also know how wrong that misconception is! Debating is accessible – as long as you are willing to learn, we are willing to teach! We are rolling out this 6- to 8-week program to train up schools who have never participated in the National Secondary Schools Debating Competition (co-organised by JGs and DA(S)) but are willing to take the plunge into Div 3. We’ve already got a few schools on board, and we are excited to see how they fare in their maiden voyage. We’re also still looking for coaches who are willing and able to coach pro-bono, so if you fit the bill, please drop an email to fahmi@debates.org.sg

4. Debate Luminaries Seminars
We all know their names and wish we could be as good as the “legendary” debaters of yesteryear – so we’re working to put together a new program which exposes only the best young debaters to the teachings of all famed debate alumni (including internationally ranked debaters). These young debaters will get a chance to interact and learn the tips and techniques from these “Debate Luminaries” and hopefully get inspired in new ways. For those of you who wish you could qualify for the program but aren’t ready just yet (or maybe you’re already done with your debate career but you are still keen to learn more), fret not – we are going to try and put some of the short lecture videos online, TED.com-style (go check out TED.com if you’re confused what that means). If you’re interested in finding out more or contributing to the program, please check in with teckwee@debates.org.sg

5. Creating a Debate Community
A long time ago, when taxes were lower and policemen wore shorts, we used to have a very close-knit debate community in Singapore – one where all the debaters on the circuit knew each other as friends, not as foes. It’s time to get back to those days (not the policemen in shorts part though) – so the DA(S) is going to be organising a few fun mixers to bring the fun back into the circuit. Sec/JC/Poly/Uni Debaters, Judges, Coaches, Teachers, Alumni, Fans – we’ve got something lined up for everybody. Look out for invites to social events from alessa@debates.org.sg and felda@debates.org.sg and via our going-to-be-revealed website and Facebook group.