In 2013, two American students traveled to Ploiesti, Romania to compete with a Romanian teammate in an international debate tournament. The trip was life-changing, and conversations began about how to bring World Schools Debate to the United States. Romanian, Czech, and South African coaches volunteered to provide educational materials and assistance to aid in the development of an independent American team. For the next two years students were recruited and educated as curriculum was developed and connections with the international community grew.
The Organization
By 2015, a coaching curriculum had been established, and interest in participation began to grow in the American homeschooling debate community. American Logos was founded as a 501c3 non-profit organization with an independent Board of Directors. The first official American Logos team attended the Heart of Europe Debate tournament in July, 2015. By the 2016-2017 season, the American Logos team grew to include nine students who attended three training workshops, one economics camp, two international tournaments, and one domestic tournament.
The Future
American Logos continues to expand, offering new educational opportunities to a growing pool of students. To date, we have formed relationships with individuals from over 40 nations around the world. Our goal is to form teams of students who represent the diversity of ideas in the United States. American Logos will include a comprehensive experience focused intellectual work, access to many cultures, and focused attention to current events. Our team plans to present our nation and American principles in a positive way to the future leaders involved on the international stage.