Get Your Debate On!

As part of our 21 Leaders program, the Leaders work in small groups (of 3-4) with a nonprofit or on a project of their creation that helps solve some of NB's most pressing challenges. We call this component of the program Community Solutions Projects. One of the groups this year has organized a debate to be held during our upcoming Accelerator in Bathurst. I asked team member Jennifer Dysart to write a post for the blog. This is what she sent. If you're in Bathurst you should definitely make time to attend.

What better way to learn about issues affecting your province than through a heated debate?

As part of the 21 Inc. program, David Michaud, Alain Parent, and myself had the opportunity to come together and transform this concept into reality. After a few weeks of brainstorming, Have Your Say! NB Debates/Debats NB: Prenez Position! was born.

It's a project aimed at increasing awareness among New Brunswickers about issues affecting the sustainable economic development of their province. The project will consist of a series of debates held in both urban and rural venues between local experts and leaders with a focus on public engagement. The topics of the debates and the debaters will be chosen based on current issues affecting the particular location and availability of suitable individuals.

The first debate is scheduled to take place at the final 21 Inc. accelerator weekend in Bathurst on May 28^th at 7:30 a.m. at Danny's Inn.

THE APPROACH & OUTCOMES

Three debates will be held in 2010; one in Bathurst, Sussex, and Moncton/Dieppe. The debate in Bathurst will be bilingual, the one in Sussex will be held in English, while the debate in Moncton/Dieppe will be held in French. Hosting of the debates will be a collaborative effort between Have Your Say! NB Debates and partnering organizations.

During the actual event, a poll of the audience will be conducted before and after the debate. The results of the debate will be publicized, and will hopefully act to educate and motivate public action.

If you are in Bathurst next Thursday please come join the debate!

Jennifer Dysart lives in Sussex and works to support rural economic development in New Brunswick.