The Mission & Philosophy of IPDA

Founded in 1997, the International Public Debate Association is one of the fastest growing interscholastic debate associations in the nation with competitive programs ranging from California to Florida, from Texas to Michigan.  Our mission is to provide an opportunity for individuals to develop their advocacy skills in a forum that promotes appropriate and effective communication.

Since it's founding, IPDA has grown to include not only individual debate but also two-person team debate.  It maintains four distinct divisions, allowing competitive opportunities for anyone who chooses to test their skills in this competitive arena.  The Novice Division allows individuals to learn competitive debate with others with little or no experience.  Junior Varsity focuses on those with an intermediate level of experience, having competed at the high school level or with eight to sixteen collegiate tournaments of experience.  Our Varsity Division tests the more skilled and experienced debaters against one another while our Professional Division is accessible to collegiate alumni, members of the community and other individuals who retain the competitive spirit long after their scholastic careers have come to a close.

Complete eligibility requirements can be found in our Constitution and Bylaws.

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IPDA Journal

For past issues of the IPDA Journal, click here.