Embedded Files
You Say You Want a Resolution is Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League's year-end celebration, Public Debate, and fundraiser held in-person and online Saturday, May 16, 2026 1:30 PM PST hosted by USC's Annenberg School of Communication & Journalism. Our debate will center this year's topic with top high school debaters, special guest speaker, Sadie Jefferson, and a dynamic format for our community of fans and supporters.
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League (LAMDL), founded in 2008, is one of the nation's largest and most impactful urban debate leagues. We serve more than 600 LAUSD high school students with competitive policy debate programs, college and career prep services, monthly league debate tournaments, and a Summer Debate Institute. Our debate programs serve 35 high-need Los Angeles public high schools, and our partners include USC, Cal State Long Beach as well as dozens of law firms across Los Angeles.
This event will feature champion debaters, LAMDL alumni, as well as top Rookie and Junior Varsity debaters in a dynamic format that "deconstructs" a policy debate to showcase all of the components of a debate, celebrate our city's top high school debaters, and enlist expert feedback from leaders in the field. Following the debate LAMDL will host a meet & greet with the debaters, with a full taco bar and refreshments on the patio.
Special Guest Speaker
Special Guest Speaker
Sadie Jefferson
Sadie Jefferson
Sadie serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. She previously led the University of Chicago Education Lab, served as Executive Director of the Children First Fund (Chicago Public Schools’ foundation), and was Deputy Chief of Staff at Chicago Public Schools. She also served as Director of Education for former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, where she helped advance citywide education priorities in partnership with civic and community leaders. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of philanthropy and public education—helping to unlock what’s possible when systems and funders come together with purpose.
Sadie began her career in the classroom, teaching 9th grade English and Special Education. As a parent of three—including two currently enrolled in public schools and a third who will be soon—she brings not only deep professional expertise but also a personal commitment to the power of public education.
Ticket Levels Include:
Ticket Levels Include:
Be a Policy Champion ($150): Ticket to the event, plus Policy Pack, event merchandise, + stream link for (2) friends.
Be a Policy Pro ($100): Ticket to the event, plus Policy Pack & event merchandise.
Be a Digital Supporter ($50): Live Stream the Event from home, and also receive our play-by-play Policy Pack.
Student Debater & LAMDL Alumni: *We have limited number of FREE in-person tickets, please RSVP for your ticket!
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization. Your contribution, less the estimated value of goods and/or services, is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. LAMDL will send you an acknowledgement for tax purposes.
Support Our Programs
Support Our Programs
Consider Sponsoring:
Consider Sponsoring:
We invite you to join us in our mission by becoming an event sponsor! Your generous support will help ensure the success of this event and benefit our students as they enter a new school year and season of debate.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact our Executive Director, Michael Cirelli via email (michael@lamdl.org) For more details about this opportunity.
Report abuse