KateRuns for Team Debate in 2012!

About Debate

I had an opportunity that many do not – from a small town in rural Pennsylvania, my school district could afford to pay for a debate team advisor, and provide transportation to and from tournaments. I had access to reliable internet, at home and at school, and had a familial support structure that allowed for late-night transportation home from the library, if need be. The work I did for debate was my own, but I started from a place of tremendous good fortune.

The Boston Debate League works both to provide staff and resources for debate programs in Boston public schools, and to help teachers incorporate debate into standard curricula. Participation in debate programs helps students learn communication, research, reasoning and critical thinking skills that lead them to achieve new levels of success academically and socially. The act of forming and defending an argument illuminates an alternative to violent resolution of interpersonal conflicts, and the structure of tournaments affords even the quietest of students their dedicated time to speak their piece.

Most importantly, participation in the Boston Debate League’s programs results in more Boston teens graduating high school, equipped with skills necessary to thrive in college and become the leaders that you and I will work with in years to come.

About Kate

I am a Boston-based runner, cyclist, activist, designer and blogger. My background is in corporate operations, event promotion, fundraising, social media, web and print design, and logistics. I've been an athlete since high school, but never a particularly "good" one – I began running marathons because my less-than-speedy pace seemed more reasonable over a longer distance.

My continued connection to the Boston Debate League stems both from my own experience with debate, and my time spent getting to know the students involved in the program over last year's training season. The BDL changes lives, and I've seen it in action.

For more about my background, my experience as a charity runner and my reasons for running for the Boston Debate League, please head to these key posts at KateRuns. You can also find me at Union Jack Creative, on twitter, tumblr and facebook, and all over the internet. For more about my fundraising plans, including the KateRuns giveaway series (your donation earns you tickets!) and live events, or with any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch at kate@unionjackcreative.com.

Thank you so much for your support!