Page 35 - voices-2022-06

Toastmaster Award were dashed, but my team and might never have suspected, even if the topic
I decided to keep the Club going. My own reasons of the evening is something you’re otherwise
for doing so were simple, I wanted to create a Club familiar with. Likewise, debating an unfamiliar
that would challenge its members to argue various topic brings its own rewards of discovery as you

points of view in a civil environment. I also knew might be forced to unlearn certain preconceptions
that such a Club could be an empowering place for in order to put forth your best argument. And
many people who needed to find their voice, and of course, debating isn’t just about creating a
so creating a safe space for all members became convincing argument; it’s all about active listening

paramount. Perhaps most importantly, it gives as well and learning what the other person has to
us a chance to vent our frustrations about how say and how well they say it.
polarized our society has become and maybe At the present time, our debate Club is still
even come up with some solutions that we can in the demo meeting phase, and we’re always

implement locally. looking for more members. We are going by the
Finally, it must be said that even though we temporary name Virtual Virtuosos. Our Club
encourage people to be creative in creating topics convenes completely online, and we meet on the
of discussion for their debates and formulating fourth Friday of every month. The hope is that

arguments to counter their opponents’ views, we’ll charter sometime this next year. I encourage
no person is ever completely right on any anyone who has a passion for debate to join us. We
subject, myself included. The joy of debate is look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
the opportunity to learn something that you

VOICES! | JUNE 2022 35