FAQs
- Why do we need a Women’s Debate Institute?
- Is this camp really tuition free?
- Why is the WDI ‘women only’?
- How do I apply?
- I’m an advanced debater, and I’m already going to a four week camp this summer….why should I attend the WDI?
- What can you really learn about debate in just four days?
- What if I can not afford to travel to camp?
- What if my debate partner is a guy?
- Do I need a computer to learn paperless debate?
- What type of debaters are at WDI?
1. Why do we need a Women’s Debate Institute?
The Women’s Debate Institute’s (WDI) mission is to close the gender gap in debate. There is statistical documentation that men outnumber women at every level of debate competition. There are many reasons for such inequality: differences in communication styles, competition from other activities, and explicit harassment. A hostile environment, even when that hostility is infrequent, can contribute to a higher attrition rate for females versus males creating a vicious cycle. Women leave the activity, so fewer women debate in college than in high school, resulting in fewer successful female debaters and fewer female coaches. Ultimately, there are insufficient female role models for high school girls to emulate. The Women’s Debate Institute was created to increase the proportion of girls and women of all races in debate by helping young women develop debate skills, and by creating a community of women to whom students can look for models of success. By bringing together young women from around the country, less experienced debaters are exposed to successful, experienced debaters who can act as role models. Successful experienced debaters can network with a community of women while working one-on-one with top debaters and coaches. We hope our students will never feel lonely on the circuit and will have friends and mentors to turn to for support. While the size of the WDI may seem modest, exposure to one outstanding female debater can have a lasting impression on dozens of other girls who are uncertain about their debate future.
2. Is this camp really tuition-free?
YES!!!
The WDI is extremely excited to announce a new format for 2012. Since its inception, any student interested in attending the WDI could register, pay the tuition, and attend the camp. In order to improve the quality of instruction, we are adopting a different format for 2012. Students interested in attending the WDI will need to apply and all students selected will be invited to attend tuition-free. Students will be responsible for their own travel cost to and from camp. Scholarships to assist with the costs of travel are available for students with a demonstrated financial need. For more information, please inquire with Leah Castella leahcastella@gmail.com
3. Why is the WDI ‘women only’?
Some of our favorite debaters are men! However, our goal is to create a community of women, for women, by women. In comparison to co-ed debate camps, the WDI operates as one community – our students never devolve into cliques. Let’s face it – in high school, boys can create distractions and even competition amongst girls. In the absence of boys, those pressures are removed, and our students develop amazing relationships with each other than last well into the future. In the words of a WDI student, “I expected a camp full of cliquey girls. This camp was extremely welcoming and provided a wonderful community.”
4. How do I apply?
See the application page
5. I’m an advanced debater, and I’m already going to a four week camp this summer….why should I attend the WDI?
WDI is about more than just cutting cards and building positions: it’s about building community. Attending this camp doesn’t just help you now, it helps create an empowering network of women in debate that benefits everyone in the debate community over the long run. Because WDI emphasizes different things than traditional four-week camps, you’ll learn things and have experiences that you wouldn’t have anywhere else.
6. What can you really learn about debate in just four days?
WDI has something for debaters of every skill level. Our top-notch faculty have designed a curriculum that maximizes what you can learn in a short amount of time. Four days is longer then a tournament. Think about how much you learn there!
7. What if I cannot afford to travel to camp?
Our staff donate their time and our donors give resources to make sure no one who is accepted is turned away from WDI because they can not afford the travel. Please submit a statement of financial need with your application so we can help find you travel assistance.
8. What if my debate partner is a guy?
Realistically, given the demographics of debate, a lot of you are probably in this position. Attending WDI without a partner is no problem: every year, most of our students do so. In fact, attending WDI by yourself, if you have a male partner, can help you understand the gender dynamics of debate.
9. Do I need a computer to learn paperless debate?
No. Bring one if you have the means. If not, we will find one for you to work on.
10. What type of debaters are at WDI?
All types of debaters are at WDI: Lincoln-Douglas debaters, policy debaters, new debaters, experienced debaters. All WDIers share a love of debate, but within that framework there is considerable diversity.