Calling HS students – Global Debate Series

Student activists in Ghana This Fall and Spring, high school students across the U.S. and select countries will have the opportunity to participate in The People Speak: Global Debates. Occurring over ten days each in October 2007 and March 2008, students will organize public debates in their high schools and coordinate a global student vote on the debate topic.

  • October debate topic: lowering carbon emissions
  • March debate topic: water rights

The Global Debates are an opportunity to develop the skills of being a global citizen and informed community member. This seems like a great, authentic opportunity to use Web 2.0 tools to plan and organize debates, or even to have a virtual team organize a virtual debate.

In addition, participating students and their teachers will have the chance to win a trip for their six-person team (four students, two teachers) to a Global Youth Leadership Summit at the UN in July 2008. There they will meet students from around the world, tour the UN building, and interact with UN officials. Teachers will receive a special training on integrating global issues into their curriculum.

Visit thepeoplespeak.org for more details. The contest and debates are an initiative of the United Nations Foundation.

4 Replies to “Calling HS students – Global Debate Series”

  1. Wow, I’d better add this to my list of early lesson plans! Even if my students don’t actively participate, just knowing that this type of collaborative effort exists, that kids their age participate and excel in such debates, will be enlightening and empowering for them.

    diane

  2. Hi Matthew,
    It doesn’t appear that the rules prohibit that. I think all kinds of experiences for students are valuable, and organizing a real event at their school seems like a good opportunity, not only for the organizers, but also for the students who get to participate locally.

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