Speech and Debate 2024 - Volunteers Form

The national high school debate topic for the 2024-2025 school year is:

Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly strengthen its protection of domestic intellectual property rights in copyrights, patents, and/or trademarks.

Students (mostly freshmen and sophomores) participating in debate competitions will need to be prepared to argue for and against this resolution. IPO Education Foundation, Lemelson-MIT Program (LMIT), ADAPT, and the USPTO are collaborating to assist non-profits serving students in urban schools without the financial resources to appropriately prepare for competition. Competitions start early Fall 2024.

Volunteers are needed to speak at webinars and/or Bay Area in-person events, and to provide feedback to students on their debate preparation.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Company/Law Firm/Other Name*

City, State*

I am:*

An IP AttorneyA Patent AgentOther

My expertise is... (patents, trademarks, copyright, other) *

Do you have experience with any of the following? (OPTIONAL)

Teaching K-12 StudentsHigh School DebateMoot CourtOther

Volunteer Opportunities

WEBINAR: Wed. Sept. 11, 8-9:15pm ET/5-6:15pm PT (Volunteer Slots Full)

Back-to-School Webinar #1 for Educators and Students
Topic: Orientation on innovation and the intellectual property system

Types of intellectual property (IP) and ways of protecting IP in the U.S.
Overview of issues and arguments for and against stronger protection laws in the US

Location: online only

Students: 100+

I am interested in volunteering. (Volunteer slots are full as of 8/9)

BAY AREA EVENT & WEBINAR: Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024, 8:30-10:30pm ET/5:30-7:30pm PT

Topic: Hot topics re: U.S. IP laws & career paths for IP lawyers

Questions will be sourced from students in advance of the session

Location: USPTO San Jose Office (Volunteers must be available to attend in-person)

Students: 100+

I am interested in volunteering.

WEBINAR & SPEED MENTORING: Wed., Nov. 20, 2024, 8-9:15pm ET/5-6:15pm PT

Topic: Deep dive into arguments for/against strengthening the US intellectual property system with individualized coaching and Q&A for teams who pre-register

Volunteers will provide teams with individualized coaching on their arguments for and against a stronger intellectual property system. No debate experience is needed. Volunteers will be providing feedback on structure and presentation of arguments.

Location: online only

Students: 100+

I am interested in volunteering.

Are you interested in finding out about additional sessions that might be scheduled to support more students?

Yes, I am interested.

Volunteer Opportunities - Speech and Debate