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Strategies for Recruiting Debaters in Low-Achievement Schools

Dr. Larry Moss, National Consultant, Urban Debate Leagues

Ideafest, NYC, May, 2001

Stage One - Building a Team

• Expand your vision (Cast a wide net)

• Go to where they are

• Recruit groups

• Design specific messages for target groups

• Lead with attractive personalities

• Promote referrals (We're building a debate team...

• Magnify and publicize successes

• Design efficient induction routine

Stage Two - Building a Program

• Turn team success into school success and community success

• Promote elite status for debaters

• Assume school-wide disciplinary responsibilities for debaters

• Share vision of "respect" accorded debate powerhouse programs

• Authorize students to recruit

• Demystify "success," (You, too, can be a debate star)

• Focus recruitment efforts to insure that racial, gender, ethnic and class diversity within your school is reflected on your team.

• Develop contacts with feeder school personnel to facilitate early identification of potential debaters.