The nation’s only standing debate commissions met in Cleveland in August 2019 for a two-day summit with select invites to 40 people. The goal of the first-of-its kind event was to analyze past practices with an eye to the future. The Indiana Debate Commission is the oldest of the groups, with Ohio being the youngest. Indiana Debate Commission participants included President Gerry Lanosga and Vice President Elizabeth Bennion. Other delegates came from Washington and Utah.
Topics summit participants explored included joint funding to continue the work that’s been done as well as creating a national network of free-standing commissions. Indiana first’s debate season was 2008. A follow-up report is expected later this year and will be made available to other states.
Coverage of the event:
C-SPAN – Future of Campaign Debates at City Club of Cleveland