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.