From its very beginnings, debate has been inextricably intertwined with the concept of the open society. In ancient Athens, citizens gathered in forums to discuss and debate the most pressing issues of the day before casting their votes. Such debates were an integral part of the new form of government Athens was to bequeath to the world: democracy.

Unlike totalitarian and other undemocratic regimes where a limited set of ideas are imposed as absolute truths, democratic societies depend upon the free and open exchange of ideas. Indeed, it may be said that true democracy cannot exist without debate. For democracy to function, the values that debate encourages - reason, tolerance, the careful weighing of evidence - must be cherished and nurtured. But even within societies that restrict open discussion, debate can teach young people that no one person or government possesses the ultimate truth.

Today, in Alberta ADSA debates are gaining ground as forums for promoting democratic values. And just as Socrates spurred his listeners to examine their assumptions 2,500 years ago, ADSA is today encouraging students around the province to question, to listen to each other, and to explore even the most volatile subjects openly and in the spirit of tolerance and cooperation.

ADSA IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT SOCIETY EXISTING FOR CLOSE TO THREE DECADES, COMMITTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALBERTA YOUTH IN THE AREAS OF CRITICAL THINKING, RESEARCH, ANALYTICAL THOUGHT, PUBLIC SPEAKING, TEAMWORK, LEADERSHIP, AND CREATIVITY.

The Alberta Debate and Speech Association (ADSA) is a not-for-profit society which was incorporated in 1974, and now has over 70 schools as members. ADSA is governed by a volunteer board consisting of teachers who work with the students in the classroom. It promotes speech and debate activities in (English and French) Language Arts, Drama, Social Studies, and Science throughout the Province. It was set up by a group of educators who believed in providing quality education to all students.

The ADSA's staff and volunteers co-ordinate the annual program of curricular materials development, in-services/workshops, clinics, debate and speech activities, and special activities such as Model Legislature, and Law Day Mock Trials. Along with printed and audio visual materials, ADSA staff are available to assist individual or groups interested in debate and speech activities.