Become a Volunteer

Support Students. Empower Voices. Build Community.

It takes a city to power debate in Chicago. Each year, we host more than 40 events across the city—and we couldn’t do it without the support of our incredible volunteers. Whether you’re a college student, debate alum, working professional, parent, or teacher, there’s a role for you at Chicago Debates. From judging rounds and supporting event logistics to mentoring students, your time and passion help young people find their voice and thrive.

Start Volunteering Today

Why Volunteer

Make a direct impact on the next generation of leaders while strengthening your own professional journey.

Mentor Future Advocates: Share your expertise in communication, critical thinking, and advocacy to inspire and empower students.

Engage in Meaningful Service: Give back to your city through a cause rooted in education, equity, and civic engagement.

Develop Talent Pipelines: Connect with ambitious, driven students who are building the skills needed to thrive in law, business, and leadership.

Grow Your Network: Join a citywide community of professionals who believe in the power of speech and debate

Season Schedule

Volunteer Roles

There are several ways to get involved with Chicago Debates depending on your interests and availability. Whether you’re looking to be directly involved in the action as a tournament judge, help with event logistics, or coach the next generation of debaters, we have opportunities for you. All volunteer positions are available from October to April, offering flexible time commitments to match your schedule.

Not Sure How You Can Help?

Email our Volunteer Manager, Jocelyn Aguirre, to learn about all the ways to support Chicago Debates.

Tournament Judge

The tournament judge’s role is to decide the winner of debate rounds and provide feedback to students. No experience required—we’ll train you to be an effective judge. Responsibilities include listening to debates, keeping time, moderating disputes, and determining a winner.

Availability: Friday evenings, Saturdays, and some weekday evenings.

 

Tournament Support Staff

Help ensure tournaments run smoothly by assisting with registration, meals, and running the information table. Event support volunteers help with the operational aspects of tournaments and contribute to a successful event experience.

Availability: Saturdays

Specialized Tournament Staff

For experienced volunteers, these roles involve managing the judging pool, assisting with scoring and pairings, and supporting the logistics of the tournament behind the scenes. Opportunities available as a “Judge Captain” or “Tab Director”

Availability: Friday evenings, Saturdays, and some weekday evenings.

Requirements: Previous debate experience is required, along with completion of additional training. Availability for the entire tournament day is also expected.

Community Debate Coach

Want to get even more involved? Become an assistant coach for a debate team! Practices are held weekly, and tournaments take place on weekends. You can work in a paid or volunteer role, depending on the school. Ongoing training and support are provided by Chicago Debates.

Availability: After-school during the week. Time and date vary by school.

Requirements: Full background check and fingerprinting (for CPS schools). Previous debate experience highly preferred but not required.

Read our community coach guidelines here. Apply to be a community coach here. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We will contact you once we find a team that fits well with your background.

Ready to Get Started?

To volunteer with Chicago Debates, complete the following before your first tournament:

Step 1: Submit a Volunteer Application to share your background and preferences (debate experience not required).

Step 2: Review our Tournament Calendar to select your preferred events. Once we have your application on file, you can register for the event(s) on our volunteer platform.

Step 3: Adults must complete a background check through Sterling Volunteers prior to attending an event.

Step 4: If you’re new to debate, complete our self-paced Google Classroom training (Policy Debate or Public Forum). This is not applicable if you’re volunteering as event staff. You will not be approved to judge debate until this is completed.

Questions: Reach out to Jocelyn Aguirre, Volunteer Manager

438

Volunteers

2505

Debate Rounds Judged

4465

Hours Donated