The Rural Debate Initiative (RuDI) is a nationally focused non-profit dedicated to transforming education in rural communities. We provide debate education to 7th-12th grade students at no cost. We work to harness the power of debate to help students develop critical thinking and communication skills and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Debate brings diverse benefits to students, but it is a costly activity to implement. Research shows that debaters, on average, have better standardized test scores than their non-debating counterparts, but supporting a debate club for one semester could cost a school more than $5,000. RuDI serves to bridge this gap.
As a one-stop solution for all debate-related resources, RuDI offers virtual coaching, comprehensive curriculum materials, and tournament opportunities. RuDI’s curriculum is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and tailored to fit each school’s schedule and needs. It can be taught by RuDI coaches, implemented by school teachers, or integrated into any humanities course as an elective or classroom component.
We have coaches who specialize in teaching students with no prior experience in debate, as well as coaches eager to train the next national champion. Our curriculum combines traditional debate formats with innovative methods, such as thematic workshops that engage students creatively, or in-class games that encourage healthy competition.
The success of RuDI’s approach is evident in the transformative impact we have had on our students. In California alone, approximately 350 students have benefited from the initiative. Through participation in debate, these students have not only improved their academic performance but have also developed critical thinking skills, enhanced their ability to articulate and defend ideas, and gained confidence. Additionally, debate fosters leadership abilities and a greater sense of agency, empowering students to engage more actively in their communities.
As RuDI looks to expand into Arkansas, we aim to reach even more students, bringing the benefits of debate to schools that need it most. RuDI is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their geographic location, have the chance to succeed and make their voices heard.
For further questions, contact the organization at kelly@ruraldebateinitiative.org or schedule a brief call with one of the founders here to discuss how you can bring debate to your school.