The Malcolm X Debate Program at Rikers Island is a New York-based organization that aims to amplify the voices of incarcerated youth, address their exclusion from the civic process, and reduce reentry into the prison system. We do this by holding once-weekly debate classes in youth incarceration centers and connecting our students to debate programs upon their release.
We are looking forward to a great program this semester and are searching for dedicated volunteers for the coming semester. We will be holding two mandatory training meetings on February 17th and 24th. The training meetings will begin at 6 pm and will be held on the fifth floor of 220 5th avenue between 26th and 27th street.
The schedule for the actual program is as follows:
March 3 – Session 1
March 10 – Session 2
March 17 – Session 3
March 24 – Session 4
March 31 – Session 5
April 7 – Session 6
April 14 – Session 7
We will be meeting at the Q100 (Rikers Island) bus stop which is on Jackson Ave between Queens Blvd and 42nd Road. There is a subway exit that will drop you right on Jackson Ave. You’ll need to be there at 6 PM sharp and plan on being at Rikers until about 9 PM.
You do not need any experience as a debater or debate coach as the program will focus on relatively simple ‘popcorn debates’ in which groups of students and volunteers informally debate a political or social topic.
