Minnesota Urban Debate League

Minnesota Urban Debate League VOICE. POWER. CHANGE. The Minnesota Urban Debate League empowers 1,850+ young people in the Twin Cities Metro through debate!

The MNUDL Back-To-Debate-Season Supply Drive has begun! https://amzn.to/4qfTV38To ensure remove barriers to debate parti...
08/24/2026

The MNUDL Back-To-Debate-Season Supply Drive has begun! https://amzn.to/4qfTV38

To ensure remove barriers to debate participation, the Minnesota Urban Debate League provides all the supplies youth need to begin debating. That means more youth can benefit from the academic skills debate brings, like argumentation, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and public speaking.

You can be part of preparing our students to succeed this debate season by supporting our Back-To-Debate supply drive.

Our program team members specifically picked these items as most-needed. Here’s why we need these supplies:

Legal pads and pens:

Debaters use these for “flowing” – a fast, structured way of taking notes that tracks every argument during a round. A single debate can fill pages. Blue, red, and black pens let debaters separate whose argument is whose at a glance.

Three-ring binders:

These items hold each team member’s printed evidence. The evidence packet, which is curated by our program team, orients debaters to their season’s topic and challenges them to learn multiple angles of an issue.

Highlighters:

These go hand in hand with evidence. These are used for “cutting cards”, which is the process of marking up printed evidence to pull out the exact quotes a student will use to support their arguments during a debate. Debaters go through highlighters the way students in regular classrooms go through pencils!

Colored paper:

We use this item (in eye-catching colors for visibility) for the signage that keeps a tournament running, like directions, announcements, and schedules posted throughout a host school.

Granola bars:

Debaters need brain food, and thanks to our donors, they have access to snacks at practices and tournaments. A snack between rounds keeps debaters focused instead of fading.

How you can help

Purchase items directly from our Amazon supply drive registry. They ship straight to us. Whatever item fits your budget, from a $2 pack of pens to buying a bulk box of granola bars, will be put to good use.

With your donation, you’ll empower Twin Cities youth to amplify their voices on the issues that matter most to them, building skills that matter along the way.

Use the link in the comments to shop the MNUDL 2026 Supply Drive Wishlist.

Congratulations to the 2025-26 MNUDL Judges of the Year! Earlier this week, we came together at Como Park to honor the v...
08/21/2026

Congratulations to the 2025-26 MNUDL Judges of the Year!

Earlier this week, we came together at Como Park to honor the volunteers who make MNUDL possible. Between catching up with old friends, sharing tacos, and soaking in mariachi music under the sunshine, thank you for joining us in celebrating the people who power our community.

Our Judges of the Year show that excellent debate judges come from all walks of life. Some competed in debate themselves, and some never did. What they share is their care and dedication to helping Twin Cities youth amplify their voices.

Judge of the Year: Mia Silva

Mia has truly gone above and beyond for MNUDL this year. Whether we needed someone to step in, take an extra round, or simply be someone we could count on, she was always willing to help. Her consistency, positive attitude, and commitment to our students represent what volunteering with MNUDL is all about. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed, and we are proud to recognize her as our Judge of the Year.

High School Debate Program: Sharlene Mogere

Sharlene has been an incredible supporter of our high school debaters. High school debate challenges students to think critically, defend their ideas, and find confidence in their own voices, and having thoughtful judges makes that experience possible. Sharlene has consistently given our students her time, attention, and encouragement. We are excited to recognize her dedication to our High School Debate Program.

Middle School Debate Program: Maribel Ayala

Middle school is often where students first discover what debate can do for them, and Maribel has helped make those first experiences positive and memorable. Her patience, encouragement, and willingness to support our younger debaters have helped students feel comfortable taking risks, speaking up, and learning something new. We are so thankful for the energy she brings to our Middle School Debate Program.

East African Debate Program: Urji Ahmed
Urji has brought tremendous dedication to our East African Debate Program. Her involvement has helped us create a welcoming environment where students can build confidence, leadership skills, and community through debate. What stands out about Urji is her willingness to show up for our students and make them feel that their ideas and voices matter. We are grateful to recognize her contributions to the East African Debate Program.

Debate en Español (DEE): Adolfo Perez Munoz

Adolfo has helped make Debate en Español a space where students can not only develop as debaters, but also embrace the power of using their language and their voices. His support has helped our students feel seen, encouraged, and confident competing in Spanish. We deeply appreciate his commitment to creating an inclusive debate community and are honored to recognize his contributions to Debate en Español.

Financial Literacy Debate Program: Aya Halabi

Aya has played an important role in making our Financial Literacy Debate Program meaningful for students. This program gives young people the opportunity to strengthen their debate skills while discussing financial topics that can have a real impact on their lives and futures. Through her time and thoughtful participation, Aya has helped make those conversations engaging and accessible. We are very grateful for her dedication to our Financial Literacy Debate Program.

Please join us in congratulating our winners!

You're invited to our MNUDL Volunteer Appreciation Event! 🌮🎺🏆Join us Wednesday, August 19, from 5-8 PM at the Como Park ...
08/13/2026

You're invited to our MNUDL Volunteer Appreciation Event! 🌮🎺🏆

Join us Wednesday, August 19, from 5-8 PM at the Como Park Midway Pavilion (1199 Midway Parkway) for an evening of good food, great music, and well-deserved gratitude to the volunteers who make our league what it is.

We'll have a live taquero from La Poblanita serving up fresh tacos to your liking, mariachi filling the air, and awards honoring our Judges of the Year across programs.

Come close out the summer and kick off the new season with us! RSVP using the link in the comments.

See you in the sun!

Calling young writers, artists & storytellers - especially our urban debaters! The New York Times Learning Network just ...
08/12/2026

Calling young writers, artists & storytellers - especially our urban debaters! The New York Times Learning Network just dropped its 2026–27 contest lineup. Mark your calendars:

• My Tiny Memoir (100-word narrative): Sept. 16-Oct. 28, 2026
• Growing Up in 2026 (visual art): Oct. 28-Dec. 9, 2026
• The STEM Interview (video): Jan. 6-Feb. 17, 2027
• Open Letters (opinion writing): Feb. 17-March 31, 2027
• Audio Stories (podcast): March 31-May 12, 2027
• Summer Reading: June 4-11, July 2-9 & July 30-Aug. 6, 2027

Debaters, you already know how to build an argument and command a room. Now put it on the page, on camera, and on the record. Open to teens 13-19. Pick your contest and enter. The world needs to hear what you have to say.

Learn more:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/learning/our-2026-27-student-contest-calendar.html

2 in 3 Americans want structural change to healthcare, according to recent polling by The Century Foundation. It's no wo...
08/05/2026

2 in 3 Americans want structural change to healthcare, according to recent polling by The Century Foundation. It's no wonder this timely issue was picked as the topic for 2025-26.

It is also the central topic of the 14th annual Mayors Challenge: The Great Healthcare Debate.

Join us on September 17, 2026 at Quincy Hall to be part of this crucial conversation. Four debaters from MNUDL teams will face off in a debate on one of the defining issues of our era.

The event will benefit programs of the Minnesota Urban Debate League, a program of Augsburg University that empowers Twin Cities youth through debate programming.

Sponsorships begin at $125 for individuals. Sponsor the event by August 15 to have your generosity recognized in our mailed invitation.

Learn more about the event at the link in the comments.

¡Estamos contratando! Conviértete en el/la Gerente de Programa de la Minnesota Urban Debate League.MNUDL (un programa de...
07/29/2026

¡Estamos contratando! Conviértete en el/la Gerente de Programa de la Minnesota Urban Debate League.

MNUDL (un programa de la Universidad de Augsburg en Minneapolis, Minnesota) busca un(a) Gerente de Programa bilingüe para liderar nuestro programa de Debate en Español y apoyar el debate de escuela intermedia (middle school) a través de nuestra red de más de 60 escuelas asociadas.

Trabajarás con entrenadores, educadores y socios comunitarios para organizar torneos, desarrollar el plan de estudios y ayudar a los estudiantes a amplificar sus voces a través del debate.

Encuentra más información sobre el puesto en el enlace de SmartRecruiters en los comentarios. Postúlate enviando tu currículum y carta de presentación, y ayúdanos a formar a la próxima generación de debatientes.

(Solo se aceptarán solicitudes a través del enlace de SmartRecruiters.)

Who will be named the MNUDL's Judge of the Year?Be the first to find out at our Volunteer Appreciation Event! We're welc...
07/26/2026

Who will be named the MNUDL's Judge of the Year?

Be the first to find out at our Volunteer Appreciation Event!

We're welcoming debate judges and volunteers from all of our programs to come together for food and fun at Como Park. The top judges across all of our programs will be presented with their awards at this event. Reconnect before summer ends and the school year begins!

DATE: Wednesday, August 19 • 5–7 PM
LOCATION: Como Midway Picnic Pavilion, Saint Paul, MN

All ages welcome. Register free today via Eventbrite (link in comments.)

A huge thank you to the Seward Co-op Friendship Store! They've donated a $50 gift card to stock our snack table with all...
07/24/2026

A huge thank you to the Seward Co-op Friendship Store! They've donated a $50 gift card to stock our snack table with allergy-friendly options at our first MNUDL debate tournament of the year.

Feeding a room full of hungry debaters is no small task, and making sure every student, regardless of allergies, can grab something safe means a lot to our team. Our kids compete hard, and it's so important they can do it while well-nourished.

We're grateful to have neighbors who show up for local students. Thank you for supporting Minnesota Urban Debate League and our debaters!

LAST CALL: Applications close for the AmeriCorps Groundwork Fellows program TOMORROW, July 16.Spend a year with the Minn...
07/15/2026

LAST CALL: Applications close for the AmeriCorps Groundwork Fellows program TOMORROW, July 16.

Spend a year with the Minnesota Urban Debate League as an AmeriCorps Groundwork Fellow, supporting debate programs that help Twin Cities youth amplify their voices.

You'll be doing important work that strengthens our programs. And while you're at it, you'll be building your own foundation as a leader.

Benefits:
• 200+ hours of training and professional development over your service year: public speaking, facilitation, resource mapping, inclusive spaces, and professional goal setting.
• Mentorship and community: you'll serve shoulder to shoulder with people who share your commitment to young people, plus a statewide network of Groundwork Fellows and program alumni.
• Support for what comes next: a Segal Education Award upon completing service, resume workshops, mock interviews, and matching institutions for grad school (Augsburg, Macalester, St. Thomas, Metro State, and the U of M Humphrey School among them)
• Support during your year, including a living stipend and a range of member benefits.

Apply by tomorrow: https://mnyouth.net/americorps/join-the-corps/groundwork-fellows/

Questions? 612.476.0732 or [email protected]

We're hiring! Be the Program Manager for the Minnesota Urban Debate League. MNUDL (a program of Augsburg University in M...
07/14/2026

We're hiring! Be the Program Manager for the Minnesota Urban Debate League.

MNUDL (a program of Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is looking for a bilingual Program Manager to lead our Debate en Español (Spanish Debate League) program and support middle school debate across our network of 60+ partner schools.

You'll work with coaches, educators, and community partners to run tournaments, develop curriculum, and help students amplify their voices through debate.

Find more information about the role at the SmartRecruiters link in the comments. Apply with a resume and cover letter and help us grow the next generation of debaters.

Applications will only be accepted via the SmartRecruiters link below.

Address

2211 Riverside Avenue, CB 26
Minneapolis, MN
55454

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16123301723

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