Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

The genesis for this web-site derived from a need to create a communications and document sharing system for my student debaters. Previous incarnations were inadequate because they broadcasted information rather than share it, they relied on mass-messaging rather than RSS, and they required and endless flow of e-mails rather than an interactive forum. So the last site was deleted with lessons learned and a Content Management System (CMS) from Drupal has been employed to solve those deficiencies as well as provide a myriad of possible solutions, adaptations, and expansions to evolve the site accordingly.
As the site took shape from initial design for my students it became apparent that such limitations would only serve to limit their growth rather than foster it. So this project was broadened to invite all those interested in discovering, attempting, practising, competing, coaching, adjudicating, administering, or organising parliamentary debate no matter where they are. There are still many places in this world where competitive public speaking as a scholastic activity is in its infancy and interested students do not necessarily have the support or understanding of teachers or administrators familiar with debate. It is my hope that such students would be able to find support in this community and to be able to find friends here to help them enjoy an activity that many of us are quite passionate about.
So I graciously invite you to help this community grow and flourish towards sharing the world of parliamentary debate with those who desire to learn the Art of Persuasion.
Sincerely,
Ian M. Yovdoshuk,
Convenor.

n.b. Tuna, I'm still on the mission... :)