Washington Urban Debate League - WUDL

06/08/2026

Jack, Ella , Daniella, and Julia led a stimulating discussion as a pre opening event at Arena Stage for The Motion, a lively performance about agency, humanity, and consciousness.

05/12/2026

05/07/2026

“I just made sure that he understood what he’s debating about." — Delores, mother of WUDL debater Noah | Immutable (PBS)

Some of us were shaped by a mother. Some by a grandmother who never let us settle for too little. A favorite aunt who told us the truth when no one else would. A mentor who saw our potential before we did.

She believed in you and your voice.

In the documentary Immutable, we see what that belief unlocks. WUDL works every day to be that force for 800+ young people across DMV public schools giving them the tools to think critically, speak boldly, and advocate for themselves.

This Mother’s Day weekend, honor the woman who shaped you. Make a one-time gift or become a recurring monthly donor.

And if you do nothing else this weekend, watch Immutable on PBS. It’ll remind you exactly why this work matters.

Make an impact https://washingtondebate.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate | Now streaming on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/immutable/

05/05/2026

Our very own, Ella Ross, a rising junior at DCI, will moderate a candidate debate featuring Ward 1 and At-Large candidates, which takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6th. This forum is your chance to hear directly from the candidates who want your vote — and to make sure they hear from you.

Candidates will speak to housing, out-of-school time programming, mental health, economic justice, youth leadership, and public safety. Community members and young people will have the floor.

Doors open at 5:30 PM. Forum runs from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW

Child care and interpretation will be available.

Your presence matters.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw--EEhgMBSe3UeBnd4wyJ0-H0xBMvrMUDBkCMjRby8w04RA/viewform

04/29/2026

Behind every great WUDL debater is a coach who showed up to every practice, every tournament, every moment of doubt.

This season, we are proud to recognize the coaches, principals, and volunteers who made everything possible. One coach attended every day of summer camp to improve her skills. A gap-year alum stepped in for two teams and led students to nationals. A principal managed to host a qualifying tournament with only 24 hours' notice. These are just a few examples of the people who make debate happen.

Read their stories and join us in celebrating our End of Year Coach Award winners.

https://urbandebatewashingtondc.org/wudl-end-of-year-awards-coach-awards/

03/12/2026

Have you watched Immutable on PBS yet? We are so proud of this film and all our amazing debaters past and present that were part of the journey. Education Next wrote a great piece on it — worth the read!

Stream it on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/immutable/
Read the article: https://www.educationnext.org/dont-call-them-the-underdogs-immutable-documentar-urban-debate-league/

New film gives competitive students of Washington Urban Debate League their due and others hope for the future of civic engagement

03/02/2026

It’s finally here! Watch Immutable Free on PBS - Friday, March 6, 2026.

This National Speech & Debate Education Day, we invite you to watch Immutable, a feature documentary that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The film follows a group of students from the Washington Urban Debate League as they fight to find their voices in a world that too often tries to silence them. Against the backdrop of a city marked by inequality, these young debaters confront daily challenges that range from housing instability to neurodivergence. For some, debate is a path to college. For others, it’s a lifeline.

When: March 6th - National Speech & Debate Education Day
Cost: Free
Where to Watch: Stream at pbs.org or on the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.

Link for more information: https://www.pbs.org/show/immutable/

02/23/2026

Mark your calendars! We're celebrating 11 years of changing lives through the power of debate and we want YOU there.

Join us for an unforgettable evening to reflect on our journey, honor the incredible students and advocates who made this milestone possible, and look ahead to what's next for WUDL.

Expect a delicious dinner, great company, and a fireside chat hosted by a WUDL student that will leave you inspired.
📅 Wednesday, April 8, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, Abraham Lincoln Hall

Grab your tickets and come celebrate with us!

https://washingtondebate.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F36268