About this group
Welcome to UCL Debating Society, UCL's oldest and arguably most prestigious society, but one that is always open to everyone who wishes to attend. Below is a brief summary of the many facets of this exciting, innovative and busy society!
THE DEBATES:
Every Monday at 7pm we host debates that cover a range of topical and controversial issues where expert speakers such as MPs and diplomats come to argue their side of the case before the audience gets a chance to question them, speak themselves and vote. Due to room booking at UCL the venue often changes and we shall keep you updated on this the moment we know where we shall be based. What doesn't change is the time and the day, Monday at 7pm. There is always free wine and other refreshments available and afterward we head to the pub often with an MP or two in tow to continue the debate in a less formal setting! These are organised by our Officers of the Mace, Daniel Bowman and Mark Power-Smith.
LEARN TO DEBATE:
On Thursday we hold classes for those who have never debated before and those with previous experience, to build confidence in public speaking, develop arguments and open up and develop the skill of debating to all. Many find these classes assist their essay writing skills as well as their argumentative ones, as we learn to deliver concise and well structured arguments. These are always on Thursday at 7pm in the CSC on the second floor of the Bloomsbury building on Gordon Street. This year they are run by Em Hilton and Danitza Hon.
COMPETITIONS:
UCL not only hosts our own debating competitions but regularly sends teams to competitions or "IV's" (inter-varsity) across the UK and abroad. Entry is paid for and travel is subsidised and it is an excellent way for members to see other unis, meet other people and become part of the debating network. Attending competitions is a great stepping stone from our weekly Thursday classes.
CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR FIRST TIME DEBATERS TO TAKE PART IN OUR PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENTS' CUP - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, PLEASE MESSAGE OUR IV CONVENERS FOR DETAILS.
VOLUNTEERING:
We have won national awards for the work we have done in teaching disadvantaged children to debate and hosting competitions for schools. Many members seek to use their skills to help others in this aspect of our society, and those who have done so can attest to what an enriching experience it is. Our Schools Officers are Arran Purewal and James McDonald.
EVENTS:
Not only do we host cracking socials we also regularly hold events in Parliament and other prestigious institutions around London. We are lucky to have a number of MPs who are great friends of the society and who enjoy meeting and networking with our members in both informal and formal arenas.
GET INVOLVED:
A few weeks into term and there will be roles on our committee available for members old and new as well as the chance to help in our competitions, voluntary work and publicity team. How much you choose to do is up to you. Some just come to our Monday public debates, some prefer our workshops and others like to attend our exclusive events. The society is entirely at your service.
The core to this year at debating is opening it up to everyone. Whether you've joined us before, or have never been, and particularly if you have come but weren't keen please do come to our events this term. You'll find an open committee with a range of views on many subjects but a shared commitment to maintain the excellence of UCL Debating and make it accessible to every member whatever role they wish to play in the society. We remain a politically and religiously neutral society in the spirit of UCL's founding principles but foster and encourage debate on the leading issues of our day. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
For regular updates on events and the topics of debates, join our Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149082558440474&index=1#!/group.php?gid=2203431595
Very best wishes and I hope to see you soon,
Hannah Edwards
President of UCL Union Debating Society
