How to Participate?

The world's demand for fresh water is outpacing our current sources. It's not difficult to imagine a global conflict focusing not on oil, not on land, but access to fresh water. Water is a central component to other global issues like climate change and global health concerns.

Who owns water? Who has the right to determine access to water? Does this right bto individual states, national governments, a global institution, or to companies?

You get to discuss this answer as part of the March 2008 The People Speak Global Debates. The resolution is: "Resolved: Water should be considered national property."

How can I get involved in the TPS Global Debates?

• Build Your Team: Each debate team will have four students - two for the pro, two for the con side. Your team will research the Global Debate topic and prepare cpersuasive arguments for both sides of the issue.
• Register: Any U.S. or international high school can participate in the Global Debates. You must register your event to be eligible to vote. Register your school at www.thepeoplespeak.org/globaldebates. (If you registered for the October 2007 Global Debate, there is no need to register again.)
• Find out more: Go to www.thepeoplespeak.org for hints and strategies on how to create a public debate in your school and topic guides, “Debateabases,” research and other resources to help you prepare your arguments.
• Hold your Debate in March and Vote: All schools should plan to hold their debate between March 1 and March 24, 2008. Your goal is to reach the largest student audience in your school to attend the debate and vote on the Global Debate topic. We’ll provide the ballots. The site has tips and advice on how to organize this public debate.
• Get points: All schools will be eligible to compete to send their four-person sdebate team (plus two teachers/adult chaperones) to the United Nations Foundation Global Youth Leadership Summit in New York City. Held in July 2008, this will be an opportunity to meet other student activists, learn even more about the issues and take advantage of special opportunities including a special UN tour and the opportunity to meet high ranking UN officials. All you have to do is complete different activities detailed on www.thepeoplespeak.org like sending in photos from your event, creating 60 second PSAs, writing blog entries about the debate topic. It's easy to get tons of points! Check out the site for more information.

About The People Speak: The People Speak inspires young people to be active on the global issues that will shape all of our futures. We help to build the next generation of global leaders. Learn more at www.thepeoplespeak.org.

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