The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA) operates a competitive educational debate program for the Dallas Independent School District. We served approximately 1,300 Dallas ISD middle and high school students and their coaches this past year. Debate provides an academically rigorous opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, gain confidence in public speaking, organize their arguments, improve their writing skills, and learn to conduct thorough research. Studies show that the skills and knowledge gained through participation in debate increases a student's overall academic performance in high school, enhances their chance of success in higher education, and opens the door to challenging and rewarding careers. The activity also equips students to be community advocates and leaders. We are currently in our 16th year of partnership with Dallas ISD.
Competitive debate is an academic enrichment activity that is a strong predictor of student success, especially in urban environments. Every aspect of our program is vital to student success. Debate builds critical cognitive skills that increase a student's overall academic performance; creates school engagement opportunities; prepares students for college; and, bridges the gap between academic and practical knowledge.
Our core programming includes four comprehensive student and coach workshops in Community Action, Policy, and World Schools Debate; twelve weekend debate tournaments throughout the academic year; weekly on-site school support for students and teachers; and, professional development opportunities for teachers serving as debate coaches. We also provide access to community leaders through our debate centers and public debates, offer competition at two national championship tournaments, and showcase our students as we partner with other organizations around the country.
Your financial support will enable us to further impact the students and teachers we currently serve and expand our reach to other schools in the district.
The Dallas Urban Debate Alliance is committed to providing Dallas ISD students with the transformational skills found in academic debate. From critical thinking, advanced research techniques, argument formulation, refutation, questioning strategies, to finely honed listening and oral presentation skills, we believe that debate provides students the opportunity to become informed leaders in their schools and communities and to make a difference in their ability to advocate for themselves and others.
Our constituents are impacted by longstanding issues of social and economic inequality in the United States. We know that many in our community, including our educators, students, and parents, may be experiencing a sense of helplessness as their voices are left out of decision-making spaces at the local and national level. In an effort to support education, advocacy, and empowerment, the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA) has and will continue to offer resources, training, and platforms to help our community facilitate conversations about race, social justice, and equity.
Organization name
Dallas Urban Debate Alliance
Causes
Youth & Children, Education - K-12, Education - Career Prep
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
PO Box 670564