Brainstorm for me

Some of you just got this email, some didn't. What are your thoughts and ideas? And isn't it nicer to be solicited for ideas instead of money?

Hi, everyone -

I know that it's been an incredibly long time since I've talked to some of you, and I owe everyone individual emails and phone calls. In the mean time, I was hoping that you could help me brainstorm.

I think most of you know that Jack Jenkins, a 17-year-old debater from Westlake High School (where I coached in Austin), was killed in a car accident over the summer. I spent time with his parents this weekend, and I'm soliciting your advice on their behalf. They are in the process of establishing a Debate Opportunity Fund in his name. Their goal is to provide resources for students from the Austin/Central Texas region to compete on the national circuit who would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. Jack was very involved in the fight to keep Westlake competitive on the national circuit, and I think this is a fantastic way to honor his memory.

His parents asked me if I could spend some time listening to folks and collecting ideas about logistical and strategic possibilities for allocating money from the fund. They'd like to hear from people who run debate teams, know the Austin circuit, and have experience with Urban Debate Leagues. Those of you who have never seen the inside of a debate round are getting this because I like you and think you're smart, and because the Jenkins were also interested in ideas from folks who have spent time in the non-profit and education world.

Obviously there are a few major questions: what the money should be spent on (travel? camp? consultants/coaches?) who the money should be spent on (one school? teams from different schools? more of a UDL/debate collective model?) how should the recipients be chosen (application? nomination? grants given to one school/coach?) At this point, I'm just serving as a clearing house for ideas and suggestions, and then I'm going to present a set of possibilities to the Jenkins before the end of the year.

So what do you think? What could work and what wouldn't? If you had this money to spend, how would you use it? Are there models or programs I should look at? Other folks I should talk to? Anything you can offer, from a quick email list to a phone conversation or a cup of coffee, would be greatly appreciated. If other people come to mind that might be able to offer ideas, please feel free to forward this email as well.

Thanks, and I hope all's well!

Take care,

Kellie