Opening your mind to world events
December 19, 2015
Americans are lucky to receive many rights that other countries do not. We have the freedom of speech, and the right to decide who makes our laws, as well as who runs our country. In this day and age, it is important for young people to understand politics and controversial issues that citizens of the United States must deal with everyday. Students at Glenbard South are, or nearly are, legal adults, receiving many new responsibilities, such as voting and voicing their own opinions on certain matters. In order to teach students about current issues and allow them to form and support their own opinion, Glenbard South has cooked up a brand new club, Political Debate and Consensus Club.
Political Debate and Consensus Club is a new club designed for students who have a passion for voicing their opinion. It is open to students of all grade levels, with a goal to reach a consensus with other members. Members of the club pick a topic, collect evidence supporting or opposing the topic, debate with their peers, and come to a consensus about how the matter should be addressed. The most important part of the club is to meet a consensus. In fact, no one is dismissed from the meetings until students agree on a side.
The group discusses any matters of controversy that the students wish. No idea is a bad idea! They recently discussed the refugee crisis, and at their next meeting, they will debate coverage of mass shootings. Rita Gurtiz, the Political Debate advisor, says “I love to hear the students using evidence to support their arguments in a supportive and calm manner. The idea for the club came from a student who was tired of seeing the gridlock in our government and wanted to give students an opportunity to practice reaching consensus and bring this experience into their adult lives.” The club is sure to help develop positive argumentative and leadership skills that the government needs for the incoming generation of leaders.
If you want to get involved in Political Debate and Consensus Club, be sure to contact Rita Gurtiz, advisor. They meet once a month on Wednesdays in room 301, starting at 2:45 and ending once a consensus is reached.
