I've been in CEDA as long as I have been involved in debate. I joined back in 1991 as a college debater who, like many of our students, did not debate in college. I have served for nine years a regional representative and have been to every summer meeting since 1994 (except one) and CEDA Nationals since 1992 (except one). I have been the chair of numerous committees and have tried to serve whenever I felt my assistance was needed. I have been asked to run for second VP before, but have always declined previous. So why am I running now?
Being a CEDA officer is a difficult and thankless job, but I love the Cross Examination Debate Association. I love what we represent because it was the organization that welcomed someone like me into it with no previous experience as has let me continue to serve for all these years. When I look at my debaters I know that I have made the right choice sticking around as long as I have and I am running now because I want to make sure that as many debaters as possible have the opportunity to participate. Despite my undying love for CEDA, I know that our organization is far from perfect. We are smaller than we were 10 or 20 years ago and that is inexcusable. The role I have had with CEDA that I am the most proud of is my position as chair of the Program Development and Retention Committee. We have worked to pass rules changes that reduce tournament entry fees, waive CEDA membership fees and, starting this year, secure free evidence for emerging programs. Our work is just getting started, but I believe that the best way to ensure the future of our organization is to ensure that as many schools as possible are competing. If elected this will be the most important item on my agenda because I think without new programs our other goals all become more difficult. We also need to do more to be proactive in promoting what we do well. I agree with Russell, I don't think debate is in trouble. I actually love what we do and am not afraid to take on anyone who disparages us. That said, I do think we need to do more to make sure that our administrators, the media and those who are choosing whether they want to do policy debate or some other incarnation know why what we do is the best educational experience around. Whether I am elected or not I will be at the summer debate conference at Wake to help to figure out the best ways to encourage positive representations of policy debate. Also, we need to be more responsive. The times when I have been most frustrated with the CEDA leadership are those times when we have lacked information about how decisions were made and why. I ensure you that second vice president we will have a transparent decision making process. I think a lot of people don't participate in our business meetings and so few people vote on our various amendments and elections is because they feel detached from our organization. We need to do everything we can to make sure as many schools (and students) are including in the decision making process. I am excited that we have five individuals running for this office. Most years no one is willing to serve in this office. I know that all of these individuals have a love for the organization that I do and I look forward to the conversation that this election should encourage. And I am excited about serving this organization in whatever capacity the membership sees fit. If you choose to vote for me it will be my honor to serve. If not, I will still be at every CEDA Nats and summer business meeting because I think that the future of CEDA is strong. Thanks for listening. Please let me know if you have any questions. Mike -- Dr. Michael Davis Director of Debate/Assistant Professor James Madison University _______________________________________________ CEDA-L mailing list [email protected] http://www.ndtceda.com/mailman/listinfo/ceda-l
