Illinois State University Media Relations
 

Communication Professor Selected To Train International Debaters In Romania

Date: 8/23/06
Contact: Kathy Beal


Illinois State University School of Communication Professor Joseph Zompetti was selected as one of 18 international trainers for the 12th annual International Debate Education Association (IDEA) Youth Forum held in Predeal, Romania in July and August.

The Forum was attended by 40 national teams, representing 31 countries, including Argentina, South Korea, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, South Africa and many European countries. The teams were in four preliminary debates, followed by elimination rounds that culminated in a final round held in Brasov, Romania.

IDEA is affiliated with the Open Society Institute, which works to increase and promote critical thinking, public and educational debate, democratic values of civil society, protection of youth's rights and youth activism in alternative education. Selection of international trainers is competitive, and Zompetti served as a trainer in Macedonia in 2005, Estonia in 2004, and Slovakia in 2002.