Win $10,000 - IPPF Announces Topic, Shares Contest Primer

The 2014-15 International Public Policy Forum Resolved: Mass surveillance is not a justified method of governmental intelligence gathering. Want to learn more?  Visit us online at www.ippfdebate.com or follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter! Announcing the 2014-15 International Public Policy Forum The Bickel & Brewer Foundation and New York University proudly announce the 14th Annual International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) - the first and only competition that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy.  This international contest is open to all schools for free. It welcomes students from around the world and across the spectrum of debate and forensic events. High school teams compete for more than $60,000 in awards and scholarships. In addition, the top eight teams win all-expense-paid trips to the IPPF Finals in New York City! This year, students will debate the topic, "Resolved: Mass surveillance is not a justified method of governmental intelligence gathering." To participate, register your team at this link.  How to Participate 1. Form a team of at least three students, then go to www.ippfdebate.com and register by October 15, 2014.  2. After you register, prepare a qualifying round essay on the 2014-15 topic, "Resolved: Mass surveillance is not a justified method of governmental intelligence gathering." Essays are limited to 2,800 words and may be written from an affirmative or negative perspective. Essays must be submitted to ippf@bickelbrewer.com by October 22, 2014.  3. Qualifying round essays will be evaluated by judges, and the top 64 teams will be announced November 10, 2014. These teams earn cash prizes and advance to the elimination rounds. Individual matches begin immediately. Essays are volleyed back and forth via e-mail, with one school affirming the resolution and one negating it. The essays are reviewed by judges, and the winning team advances to the next round. This process continues until the final eight teams emerge! 4. Pack your bags! The final eight teams earn all-expense-paid trips to the IPPF Finals in New York City May 1-3, 2015.  In New York, students have the opportunity to participate in an oral debate competition before some of the world's foremost experts in debate, business, law and politics. The winning team takes home a $10,000 grand prize! IPPF Releases Primer The IPPF is pleased to share with you the 2014-15 IPPF Topic Primer. Written by Baylor University Professor Rich Edwards, the primer helps to define resolution terms and introduce students to various research on this year's topic.  The primer is intended to assist IPPF participants as they prepare arguments on the mass surveillance resolution. It is important to remember, however, that this document does not represent an official declaration of the scope or intent of the topic. In other words, independent research is highly recommended and valued by the judges! To access the primer, click here.

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