Public Forum Volunteers

Welcome to your Public Forum Debate volunteer resource center!
Here you’ll find everything you need to make a difference—from our Public Forum training courses and judging resources to tools that help you build new skills. Whether you’re brand new or ready to take on more advanced roles, this page will guide you every step of the way.

Start Here

The One Stop Shop is your central hub for everything you need as a Chicago Debates volunteer. Find training videos, tournament resources, Tabroom guides, and more—all in one place. If you have trouble accessing anything, contact Volunteer Manager Jocelyn Aguirre.

Ready to sign-up? Make sure we have a current volunteer application on file. Returning volunteers will need to confirm their information each season. You only need to submit or update this information once a year. If you’re having trouble signing up, contact the Volunteer Manager.

Start Judging Volunteer FAQ

Prepare to Judge Public Forum Debate

Google Classroom Public Forum Course – New judges will need to complete our self-paced training before they can judge

Judge Guide – Everything you need to know about being a good debate judge and volunteer. Material also covered in judge training. 

Flowing Training – Debate’s specialized note-taking system

Tabroom Training – Navigating the online balloting platform we’ll use on tournament day

Speech Times – Guides for the order, times, and purpose of each speech in a debate round

 

Attend a Tournament

Season Schedule – Tournament calendar for the 2024-25 season.  Subject to change

Tabroom E-Ballot Guide – How to complete your ballot on tournament day

Virtual Tournaments Guide – How to navigate a virtual debate tournament

Tournament Checklist – What you’ll need on tournament day

 

League Rules and Policies

Code of Conduct – By volunteering with Chicago Debates, you agree to uphold the volunteer guidelines as outlined in the code of conduct

Payment Policy  – Information on expectations to receive judging stipend. You will also need to submit a W9 and optional direct deposit form

High School League Rules – Chicago Debates’ official guidelines for competitions

Middle School League Rules – Chicago Debates’ official guidelines for competitions