Section 2 | Multi-Speaker Events

Debates

When planning for a debate, remember many of the tips described in the section on "Speakers." You are, in essence, planning for more than one speaker.

People love a good fight. Because of this, debates can bring people out to events about topics they would otherwise never come to see. Debates are likely to be the largest events you run. Many group leaders shy away from debates precisely because they are fights. They worry that freethinkers and religious folk are already too divided and that debates are only going to make things worse.

These are legitimate worries, but far from the whole picture. First off, debates aren't really fights. They have a competitive element, but no one in a public debate without formal judges really wins or loses. At the end of the debate, the debaters will likely smile at each other and shake hands. They may even go out to dinner together afterwards! Also, how wonderful would it be if all disagreements could be settled with words rather than blows? The world is full of competition-we might as well model nonviolent competition. To keep things from getting ugly, find a facilitator who knows how to calm things down; an experienced moderator can help to keep the climate respectful and productive.

Matthew LaClair moderates the panel discussion "Morality Without Gods Part 2" put on by the Atheists, Agnostics, and Freethinkers at New York University.

Before deciding to hold a debate, you may want to assess the social climate of your school to ensure this would be appropriate. For example, some smaller schools or communities would likely prefer a panel discussion or "Controversial Discussion." These set a somewhat different tone for the event, while still getting across the idea that people with different opinions on an issue will be arguing for their ideas.

Debates are really about raising interest and breeding familiarity.

Few people that come to a debate will change their view-at least not because of the debate itself. The debate will encourage many people that attend to take more interest in the subject at hand. Competition makes people passionate and when people get passionate they tend to listen, talk, read, and write more. This is a good thing. Hopefully the debate will let attendees know some of the major arguments on each side, and be able to explore the topic with more perspective than before.

Also, attendees will actually get to see people they don't agree with. Some folks have never met someone who is openly atheist before. This could be that person's first chance. It is also quite likely that freethought folk might learn a bit about people who are different from them. Even if we don't all agree, we do have to share this world, and spending time together in the same room is a good start.

Debaters

There are lots of sources for debaters. Academic departments are a potential source, and SSA has several debaters on our Speakers Bureau [www.secularstudents.org/speakers]. However, be aware that knowing a lot about a topic and being a smart person does not necessarily translate into being a good debater. Excellent public speaking skills are required, along with the ability to think on one's feet. Debate experience is critical. There are a handful of folks who are happy to debate on the side of the freethought point of view. If you are having trouble finding people, contact the SSA or contact some of the groups in the directory in this guide. A Sample Debate Format written by Dan Barker can be found at [www.secularstudents.org/node/2397].

Panel Discussions

Get a bunch of (three to five) experts on something and put them in a room together. For instance, during a Presidential election, it's great to gather together student representatives from several political parties to express their views on various political issues. These meetings can be a good deal of work (since you're dealing with several speakers, not just one). Your group must find not only great speakers, but an excellent moderator who can keep everything under control. If you can set them up properly, panel discussions can be fantastic.

Organizing These Events

Topic

Now that you and your group have decided to have a debate or panel discussion, what should the topic be? If you are cosponsoring with another campus group, then obviously the other group will have input on the topic. Many events are related to the God question, but don't limit yourself to just that - there are an infinite number of possibilities. Try to tie in current events if possible. There may be history or law professors at your school who would be interested in discussing the secular nature of U.S. government and history. Common debate and discussion topics include: "Is America a Christian Nation," "Does God Exist," "Stem Cell Research," and "Domestic Surveillance."

To Cosponsor or Not

Many freethought groups have limited resources. By comparison, many Christian campus groups have huge budgets and numerous resources available to them. Some groups choose to approach a campus student group (such as Campus Crusade for Christ) about cosponsoring an event. Both groups can then split the cost of the facilities, and are responsible for bringing in a debater or panelists for their "side." This approach also lends a great deal of credibility to the event. You should cosponsor unless you have a really good reason not to.

He's got the right idea.

What Students Have to Say:

Mike Fox, University of Delaware: "We hosted a debate between Rob Boston of Americans United and Peter Lillback of the Westminster Theological Seminary over church-state separation issues. With a public turnout of 150 people, it was our most successful event from last year."

Charlie Lopez, Wabash College: "We co-sponsored a seminar discussion on 'Religion and Meaning in Life' with both the Newman Club here at Wabash and nearby Purdue University's Campus Crusade for Christ. Both events turned out successful with over 150 people in attendance between them."