Boston Debate League

Volunteer Resources

English  |  En Español

General Resources for Volunteers

2023-2024 Volunteer Judge Guide: written summary and companion guide to New Judge Training 

English Speech Order Guide | Spanish Speech Order Guide: a one-page overview of the order, purpose, and timing of speeches

Guide to Flowing: a guide to taking more effective notes while judging

New Judge Training: 30 minute video for first-time judges or for those who’d like a refresher 

Quick Review Judge Training: 15 minute video for BDL alumni, current debaters, and returning BDL judges 

Additional Judge Resources

MyBDL.org: videos on disadvantages, counterplans, topicality, and more

Go Fight Win: videos on everything from introductory to advanced topics

Dr. Debate: videos on beginner through advanced strategy and arguments

Resources for Virtual Tournaments

Events scheduled as in-person may be held virtually following guidance from the CDC and Boston Public Schools. Below are some resources to guide you in the case of this event.

Written Guide to Navigating Virtual Tournaments: instructions for accessing the tournament using Yaatly, completing your ballot using Tabroom.com, and getting help

Screencast: Navigating Virtual Tournaments: video instructions for accessing the tournament using Yaatly and completing your ballot using Tabroom.com

Kelly Cody, Senior Volunteer Manager, joined BDL in 2021
Joshua Nixon, ASD and Resolved Program Manager, joined BDL in
Douglas Matute
Douglas Matute, Program Manager for Debate en Español, joined BDL in 2022
Ranner Faugas, Assistant Director of After-School Debate, joined BDL in
Roger Nix, Assistant Director of After School Debate, joined BDL in
Carlos Monteiro, Instructional Coach for DI Classrooms, joined BDL in
Sarah Mayper, Senior Instructional Coach for DI Classrooms, joined BDL in
Marisa Suescun, Director of Programs, joined BDL in 2013
Kimberly Bartlett-Ra, Director of Operations, joined BDL in
Kim Willingham, Executive Director of the Boston Debate League , joined BDL in
Jackney Prioly Joseph, Director of External Affairs, joined BDL in September 2020. Jackney leads our efforts to engage and partner with community and corporate organizations to create a community of support for our students. She previously served as Director of College and Career Readiness at the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. She has diverse leadership experience in education, nonprofits, and city government where she served under Mayor Thomas M. Menino and former City Councilor, now Congresswoman, Ayanna Pressley. A Bryn Mawr and Posse Foundation alum identified for her extraordinary leadership, Jackney works to secure partnerships that will tap and sharpen the leadership skills of our program participants.