The 1834 Youth Debates are designed to promote problem solving, oral communication, and innovation in thinking among Black youth in grades 7-12
The topics discussed at the 1834 Youth Debate will revolve around relevant issues in Black communities that are within the scope of public policy that may or may not be addressed and solved by Canadian public policy. In addition to this, the topics will give students the opportunity to challenge Canadian policies through an innovative anti-Black racism and analytical lens. As such, the topics of the debate will be centred around environmental racism, the political engagement of marginalized communities, and the effectiveness of a democratic institution.
In preparation for the 1834 Youth Debates, students are required to complete the virtual debate course. The course will provide students with the opportunity to sharpen their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Although these skills are necessary for communicating one’s argument, the development of these skills is instrumental to a student’s educational success.
The objectives of the 1834 Youth Debate are to develop student’s ability to synthesize complex information, exercise creativity, and integrate different ways of knowing by:
- Keeping calm
- Being confident
- Maintaining proper body language
- Learning debate format
- Utilizing debate terminology
- Working on emotions
- Speaking loudly, clearly, and concisely.
- Staying focused and on task
The tournament will be in-person on the last Saturday in February in Toronto. The 1834 Youth Debates will host two streams of competition, one for grades 7-9 and one for grades 10-12. Â Each team will consist of two students. More details of the debate structure will be reiterated during the virtual debate course.
