The NYCUDL Summer Leaders is a powerful volunteer program for select debaters (high school and above) to develop their leadership skills and share in our mission. We are looking for experienced debaters who love this activity and want to share their passion with our students by serving as instructors at our Middle School Camp. Summer Leaders will have the opportunity to co-lead labs in either Parliamentary or Public Forum. Summer Leaders will be selected based on their commitment to the NYCUDL and our mission. We are looking for leaders who are interested in becoming long term members of our community and supporters of our mission.
We invite you to apply to join this unique community of fellow debaters and share your passion for debate as we help you develop your leadership skills. The NYCUDL is a strong community with a culture of support and belief that anyone can achieve anything. Our Summer Leaders are asked to assist, inspire, and support our students on this journey.
Summer Leaders are REQUIRED to attend orientation and all camp sessions as outlined below. We also ask you to meet with your lab partner and pod leader outside of these times.
Mandatory In-person Orientation
Application Due: May 1, 2026
NYCUDL Youth Leaders is an extension of the NYCUDL Summer Leaders where volunteers continue to develop their leadership skills and share in our mission. Youth Leaders will be selected based on their performance as a Summer Leader.
Youth Leaders are required to complete 40 hours of service with the NYCUDL between the end of August and the beginning of the following June. The group meets monthly to establish goals and give feedback. Upon completion, Youth Leaders will be awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
We love to the help of student volunteers at our tournaments. If you are a high schooler with debate experience and you would like to judge, please see check our current needs. For students with no debate experience or high school volunteer groups, we also would love your support at our tournaments.
Responsibilities include: room running, being a greeter, handing out trophies, helping with food prep / break down, and generally assisting our staff. Please apply below.
We are always looking for student volunteers who would like to accrue volunteer hours while learning about our organization and gaining valuable job experience. Service will be based upon the needs of the NYCUDL’s constituents in the form of any of the following: preparing training materials, organizing and hosting outreach events,reviewing cases and providing meaningful feedback, assisting coaches, assisting with tournaments as room runners, tab staff, or judges, or assisting with marketing/communications and social media.
Please email debatevolunteer@debate.nyc to inquire about in-office opportunities.
