Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Debate at BPL Winter 2025

Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Debate at BPL – Winter 2025 Series

We are committed to Bridging the Gap between teens and older adults!

Tuesdays, Feb 25 – Apr 8, 2025, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Zoom*

(in-person culminating event with light refreshments on Tuesday, April 15, from 2-4pm at Central Library, Grand Army Plaza!)

 

Our program for teens (ages 14-19) and older adults (age 55+) will be a fun debating experience! 

Using the Benson Model of debate and working together in intergenerational teams, participants will craft provocative arguments that will showcase their individual thoughtfulness and their collective impact!  There will be practice debates before a tournament and championship - prizes and tokens of appreciation will be given at the in-person reception!

It’s an opportunity to sharpen your research and public speaking skills and offer insight into noteworthy issues affecting us today. We’re Bridging the Gap, providing a safe space for the fresh, creative teen energy to connect with useful, tested older adult experience!

For more information, please contact Berena Hughes at BHughes@bklynlibrary.org or call 929-466-1158 during business hours.

*(If you have time constraints or have participated with us before, you may start during team formations on March 4, but please let Berena know in advance.)

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PLEASE NOTE:

All sessions are virtual/via Zoom. 

The program schedule is as follows:

· February 25: Welcome, Orientation & the Basics of Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Debate at BPL

· March 4: Teams Assemble – Roles, Rules & Assignments for Practice & Tournament Debates

· March 11: Preparation & Practice Debates 1

· March 18: Preparation & Practice Debates 2 

· March 25: Tournament Round 1 

· April 1: Tournament Round 2

· April 8: Tournament Round 3/Championship

· April 15: In-Person Culminating Event & Reception – Central Library from 2pm to 4pm