BRINGING DEBATE TO THE BLUEGRASS
ABOUT US
Our Mission
The Bluegrass Debate Coalition (BDC) works with Kentucky schools to make competitive debate available to every high school student.
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The BDC believes that debate increases student academic performance, enriches and expands their college and career opportunities, and provides the intellectual and networking tools for youth to thrive as active, responsible leaders in their communities.
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We are working to achieve our mission by developing accessible educational resources, supporting the development of new debate programs, and hosting low-cost online tournaments.
Who We Are
The Bluegrass Debate Coalition is led by Director Lily Nellans. Lily competed in speech and debate from middle school through college. She graduated from Western Kentucky University and the London School of Economics. Learn more here.
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Lily is joined by the staff and students of the University of Kentucky Debate Team, led by Director of Debate Dave Arnett. Learn more about the team here.
The BDC is guided by a decorated and experienced Advisory Board made up of debate and industry professionals. Meet our Board here.
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The BDC is an extension of the Digital Speech & Debate Initiative (DSDI), a program of the University of Kentucky Debate Team.
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The purpose of the DSDI is to promote the growth and impact of debate, using online tools to support accessibility to debate.
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Learn more about the DSDI and access resources for online debate here.
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COACHES
Coaches are the foundation of any successful debate team or league. There is absolutely no substitute for hard working and committed adults providing the bedrock for competitive speech and debate.
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Recognizing this, a core goal of our program is to support BDC-affiliated teachers, parents, and supporters by providing them with accessible instructional resources, training, and professional development opportunities.
STUDENTS
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers make up the backbone of our organization. Bluegrass Debate Coalition volunteers help develop educational resources, provide assistant coaching to students, and judge tournaments. We welcome all volunteers with a passion for high school debate. Previous debate experience is welcome, but not required. Contact us below to learn more about how you can get involved!
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or recommendations, please email or fill out the following form
Donations
Thank you for donating to help us grow debate opportunities for Kentucky students.
Donations can be made online here.
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Checks made out to the "Bluegrass Debate Coalition Fund" can also be sent to the office address below.
Contact Us
Office
145 Graham Avenue, Room 225
Lexington, KY 40508
Tel: (515) 499-5392
