Celebrating 75 Years of Democratic Engagement: Emory's Barkley Forum Champions Dialogue Across Differences

The Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation, and Dialogue at Emory University recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, highlighting its transformation from a traditional debate society into a national model for democratic engagement and dialogue across differences. Founded in 1950 and named after Vice President Alben W. Barkley, the Forum has evolved to emphasize inclusivity, structured dialogue, and civic leadership, exemplified by initiatives like the Emory Conversation Project and the Atlanta Urban Debate League. While boasting over 30 national championships, its true legacy lies in cultivating alumni who lead with empathy and critical thinking across diverse fields. Under the leadership of Director Mikaela Malsin, the Forum continues to embody its motto—“changing the world one word at a time”—demonstrating how dialogue, respect, and sustained engagement can strengthen democracy and inspire renewal in communities nationwide. Read more in the blog post below.

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At a time when our democratic discourse faces unprecedented challenges, one institution stands as a beacon of hope for meaningful dialogue and civic engagement. The Barkley Forum for Debate, Deliberation and Dialogue at Emory University recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking three-quarters of a century dedicated to fostering critical thinking, bridging differences, and preparing leaders who can navigate complexity with wisdom and empathy.
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The Forum's journey began in 1950 when U.S. Vice President Alben W. Barkley, himself an Emory debate alumnus, permitted for students to name their debate society in his honor. What started as a competitive debate program has evolved into something far more profound—a comprehensive initiative that embodies the very principles NCDD champions in communities nationwide.

Building Bridges Through Structured Dialogue

Under the leadership of Director Mikaela Malsin, recipient of the 2025 Ross K. Smith National Coach of the Year Award, the Barkley Forum has transcended traditional competitive debate to become a catalyst for democratic engagement. In 2017, the program expanded its mission and name to reflect this broader commitment, launching initiatives that bring structured dialogue directly into communities.

The Emory Conversation Project exemplifies this evolution, training facilitators to create safe spaces for face-to-face dialogue that seeks to bridge differences and connect communities. This approach mirrors NCDD's understanding that democracy thrives when people can engage across divides with respect, curiosity, and genuine commitment to understanding multiple perspectives.
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The Forum's impact extends far beyond campus boundaries. Their partnership with Atlanta Public Schools in 1985 to establish the Atlanta Urban Debate League demonstrates a deep commitment to equity and inclusion—bringing quality debate education to under-resourced communities and expanding access to the transformative power of structured dialogue.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

The numbers tell part of the story: more than 30 national championships, three National Debate Tournaments, and three prestigious Copeland Awards. But the real measure of success lies in the program's alumni, who have gone on to leadership roles in medicine, science, politics, business, law, education, and technology, carrying with them the skills and values that make democracy work.
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The Forum's pioneering role in expanding participation of women and people of color in competitive college debate during the 1960s and 1970s reflects a longstanding commitment to justice and inclusion that resonates deeply with NCDD's values. This wasn't just about fairness in competition—it was about recognizing that our democratic conversations are stronger when they include all voices.

A Model for Democratic Renewal

What makes the Barkley Forum particularly relevant to NCDD's network is how it demonstrates the practical application of dialogue and deliberation principles. The program doesn't just teach students to argue—it teaches them to listen, to engage with complexity, to find common ground while honoring differences, and to communicate across divides with both passion and respect.

The Forum's motto, "changing the world one word at a time," captures something essential about the work we all do in the dialogue and deliberation field. It reminds us that transformation happens through patient, sustained engagement—one conversation, one relationship, one community at a time.

As we face mounting challenges to democratic norms and institutions, the Barkley Forum's 75-year commitment to rigorous, respectful engagement offers both inspiration and practical guidance. Their evolution from competitive debate program to a comprehensive dialogue initiative shows how institutions can grow and adapt while maintaining their core commitment to democratic values.

The Forum's work reminds us that democracy is not a spectator sport—it requires active, informed citizens who can engage constructively with difference, think critically about complex issues, and work collaboratively toward solutions that serve the common good. These are precisely the capacities that NCDD members work to cultivate in communities across the country.

For those interested in learning more about the Barkley Forum's innovative approaches to dialogue and deliberation, visit their anniversary celebration coverage at: https://news.emory.edu/stories/2025/09/er_barkley_forum_75th_anniversary_03-09-2025/story.html