Advocating for a more gender inclusive environment in debate one student at a time
Educate
“The WDI was a life changing experience . . . I have learned so much . . . I plan to share what I have learned with my debate team back home.” – WDI Student
Build Confidence
“I was able to form relationships with high school debaters, college debaters, and coaches . . . Because of these connections . . . I feel extremely confident in my abilities as a woman in debate and in general.” – WDI Student
Accomplish
“I love that feeling of accomplishment and knowing I did something productive and that it’s helping my future. My time at the WDI was amazing.” – WDI Student
Empower
“It’s so nice to . . . be around powerful women who have overcome gender expectations . . . The women here were the most supportive and intelligent women I’ve ever had the chance to interact with.” – WDI Student
Encourage College Debate
“I’ve come away from the WDI with a passion for debate and a desire to debate in college . . . I told myself it wasn’t an option . . . The WDI completely changed that.” – WDI Student
Build Community
“I cannot stress how much I appreciate WDI . . . and the . . . debate community that showered me with love, respect, advice and unconditional support.” – WDI Student
Inspire
“I was inspired to take on the world . . . to be the best I can be, to not be afraid of what the people around me are going to say or think of me.” – WDI Student
Network
“I am leaving with some great memories, friends and mentors. ” – WDI Student
Create Opportunities
“The WDI was the first debate camp I ever attended . . . [Camp] never worked out, mostly for financial reasons, so I was so excited to learn that I’d be able to go to the WDI.” – WDI Student
Appreciate
“We gathered around a campfire, ate s’mores and all went around to say thanks to one person who impacted us at camp. It was so beautiful and emotional to hear and share all the love and appreciation.” – WDI Student
Mission
WDI’s mission is to advocate for and facilitate a more gender-inclusive environment that advances educational and professional opportunities for marginalized gender identities. The WDI’s flagship program is a five day institute that will be held from August 3rd-August 8th 2018 at the Audubon Center for the Northwoods.
Our Vision
We support self-empowerment of the participants in our organization by providing a community that cultivates the skills to be successful debaters, effective advocates, exceptional public speakers, and educated professionals with the ability to transform our world.
Why the WDI is Important
WDI empowers participants in our organization to learn advocacy skills through the transformative power of debate. By providing safe spaces, mentoring, free tuition, mobile resources and a supportive network, we seek to reverse the attrition of individuals with marginalized gender identities in the high school and college debate communities and to spread norms and values of intellectual integrity, kindness, compassion, and respect. Our efforts do more than contribute to a more diverse debate community; they provide a much-needed pathway for greater gender inclusion in all professions that rely on strong advocacy, public speaking, and analytical skills.
