Join Team Policy – “the dark side?!” By: Emalyn Sharp George

Ahhh- summer. Now is a fantastic time to try Team Policy. If you are switching from LD to TP- check out our online workshop coming soon, hosted by Emalyn Sharp George – https://lastingimpact.info/product/workshop10407/

Looking for reasons to try TP? The NCFCA resolution is one of the most accessible topics that we have had in a long time – The United States Government should significantly reform its import and/or export policy. It allows great room for specialization and focus on cases that teams have a passion about. It’s a beautiful combination of economics and humanitarian rights, and, best of all, it is easy to research. Unlike past years when one could spend hours hunting to find one card, this year’s resolution is a breeze. Additionally, import and export policy is something that can directly affect a lot of our judges, which lends for connectability. Additionally,  the Stoa resolution is broad and impactful, as well- The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its policy towards one or more countries in Europe. With political relevance constantly increasing, the US policies will impact judges and students alike.

If you’ve never done Team Policy, I would highly advise doing so. While LD is invaluable, Team Policy allows students to get into the “how” of policy. We all agree that there are issues with the world; the question is how do we go about fixing it? Instead of taking a “should or shouldn’t” or preferential approach, Team Policy facilitates problem solving skills for students in a simple manner, while also sharpening analytical thinking. Yes, it is a good bit of research. But there is also a great deal of collaboration in Team Policy. Your fellow competitors and coaches are there for you nearly every step of the way. 

Initially, I didn’t want to do Team Policy. I had done LD for one year, and was perfectly content with everything that I had to do. But a deal is a deal: If I wanted to do a duo with my brother, I had to do Team Policy. Begrudgingly, I went to camp, determined to hate it. But I didn’t. I joined an online club, and quickly realized how well TP and my brain got along. The standards of Team Policy were more tangible. It made me feel like I was actually able to do something about an issue, instead of just talking about it. I loved LD, but it felt much more dependant on whether a judge liked the way that my logic worked or not. In Team Policy, it’s about who can build the best solution and has the information to back it up. I also loved all the random knowledge that I gained. Did you know that they once detained a squirrel in the middle east as a spy? Neither did I! Oh, the weird things you will learn. 

If you’ve done LD and are thinking about making the switch, I would highly suggest checking out my TP crossover intensive this summer. We won’t cover debate basics; You’ve already honed those skills! Instead, we look at how those LD philosophies apply to the world of TP, as well as breaking down the fundamental pieces of Team Policy. This will equip you to launch into advanced TP camps and clubs with ease! 

If you’ve never done debate, check out our Lasting Impact! Online Debate Clubs this fall! We want to encourage you in this exciting world of debate and be a support system for you to succeed! 

No matter what style of debate you enjoy, there are lots of exciting things happening with Lasting Impact! this summer! The LD guidebook is out now, and the TP guidebook will be out on July 18! You don’t want to miss it!