Speak Up

During two one-week periods in the fall and spring, The People Speak (TPS) will encourage students at U.S. and international high schools to hold debates on two of the most critical global issues of our day: climate and water.

Participating schools can compete to send their winning four-person debate team to the United Nations Foundation Global Student Leadership Summit in New York City. Held in July 2008, the summit is an opportunity to meet other students, learn more about the issues, and take advantage of opportunities, including a special U.N. tour.

To participate, student teams must:

• register online
• research the topic(s) and prepare clear, persuasive arguments for both sides of the issue(s)
• organize an event to draw the largest number of students and present their debate

Have students in attendance vote for the team they felt was most compelling and persuasive. TPS will tally the votes and post results on their Web site. Fall debates must take place during the week of October 12–22. Information is forthcoming regarding the spring schedule.

For details, including tips on how to stage a debate and attract as large an audience as possible, visit www.thepeoplespeak.org.