The World Debate Organization has formed to promote rational discourse in the global public sphere and to give citizens voice through participation in and the exercise of debating throughout the world, especially in schools. The Organization exists to support and facilitate existing national and regional debate organizations and also to encourage and support debating activities in nations, regions, and communities which do not currently have them. Through broad participation in debating activities the Organization hopes to promote critical thinking and public advocacy, both important for the evolution of true civil societies throughout the world. This can be accomplished by targeting citizens and students, by promoting non-competitive and competitive debating, and by integrating debate activities into existing channels for public expression. The World Debate Organization is a non-profit educational corporation with its legal base in Vermont, USA.