Source cover image: Deakin University
The Nederlandse Debatbond (Dutch Debate Union) is looking for a new board. To give you an idea of the life of a board member of “the Bond” we post articles with the experiences of the board members. This time: Axel Hirschel (general board member).
It should come as no surprise that I really enjoy managing and organizing within the debate world. At ASDV Bonaparte (Amsterdam) I spent two years on the board and also supported numerous activities and committees. For me, the board of the Debatbond, therefore, felt like a logical next step!
Our board terms last (in principle) 2 years and so we started pre-corona. That’s why I remember the first time well. In the beginning, we had days where we got together with the old and new board. Based on those conversations, we set goals that we wanted to work on. We also spent a lot of time together. We already knew each other but we quickly became closer.
Corona has had a huge impact on the debate world and we certainly noticed that too. Many associations had trouble getting members to evenings. We have supported associations as best as possible in this difficult time and at the same time always sought to keep the debate world energetic with, among other things, the Dutch Debating League and beautiful socials.
I look forward to the last few months, in which we as the board can support associations one last time in PR, recruiting members, and starting workshops. It will be difficult for a while but I am convinced that the debate community can grow enormously again in the coming period. People feel like doing something and deepening their knowledge and debating is ideal for that! In addition, a nice last event from our board is coming up, namely the Week of Debate (October 2021).
I recommend applying for the next two years. A new generation is coming and you can help shape this from the board of the Debatbond! I personally believe that we can do a lot to broaden our debating sport beyond just British Parliamentary. I hope that the following boards will continue to commit themselves to this in order to make debate relevant for a broad target group.
Want to apply?
Are you inspired to also do a board term at the Nederlandse Debatbond? You can apply until July 27 to make the Dutch debating community even better in your unique way! For more information, click here.
Axel Hirschel
Axel is a debater from the Amsterdam Student Debate Association Bonaparte and a general board member of the Nederlandse Debatbond (2019-2021). He was secretary (2014-2015) and chair (2018-2019) of ASDV Bonaparte.
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