Advocacy

The local Advisory Board advocates for the area’s Urban Debate League both before its formal establishment and thereafter.

Establishing the League
The local UDL Advisory Board sets the strategy for building and establishing the League and helps steer and direct this strategy’s execution so that the UDL is sustainable over the long term. “Establishment” in this context refers to achieving institutional investment in, and ownership of, the UDL. In the UDLs that the NAUDL builds, this institution is primarily the local urban school system.

This effort can involve reaching out to individuals working in various areas of the school system and providing the academic and business case for the establishment of a UDL. This often includes conversations with individual school board members and other decision-makers in the school system, up to and including representatives of the Superintendent or CEO’s office.

Post-Establishment Advocacy
The local UDL Advisory Board raises the visibility of the League throughout the civic community through promotion and advocacy efforts. It also promotes the UDL and, where appropriate, communicates with school board members and employees of the school system.

After the UDL has been established, the Advisory Board advocacy strategies can include a newsletter, media outreach and cultivation, and events. Newsletters can be distributed by regular mail, email, or other electronic means. Media outreach and cultivation can involve regular or event-specific announcements. Local UDL Advisory Board-sponsored events can be centered on tournaments (e.g., the city championship) or other related developments (e.g., a debate-themed movie).