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Attack the Argument, Not the Person: Focus your critique on the ideas, policies, and arguments presented, not the individual who presents them. Personal attacks, insults, or name-calling directed at any member are strictly forbidden.
No Hate Speech: The Union has a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech. This includes any language that attacks or demeans people based on characteristics such as their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or political views. This rule is absolute and non-negotiable.
Listen to Understand: Allow others to finish their points without interruption. When it is your turn to speak, acknowledge the points made by the previous speaker, even if you disagree with them. Active listening is key to constructive debate.
Be Fact-Conscious: Back up your claims, where possible, with evidence, data, or verifiable sources. If you are stating an opinion, clearly frame it as such. Challenging the veracity of a claim is encouraged; knowingly sharing false or misleading information is not.
Stay on Topic: Keep your contributions relevant to the discussion at hand. While tangent discussions can be interesting, the primary goal is to debate the advertised topic.
Speak for Yourself: Use "I think," "In my opinion," or "I believe" to clearly state your perspective, rather than making sweeping generalisations about an entire group (e.g., "everyone on the left thinks this").
Embrace Passionate Disagreement: The goal is not consensus but clarity and understanding. Heated debate is welcome, and disagreement is the point of the group. Raise your voice to be heard, but never to intimidate or overpower.
Understand the Moderator’s Role: The designated moderator (usually a committee member) is there to enforce these rules, manage speaking time, and redirect the conversation if it becomes unproductive. The moderator’s final decision in enforcing these rules is binding.
This tier is completely free and is the perfect way to get a feel for the society.
You'll get access to all our regular meetings and social events, including watching our debates live.
You'll also be added to our mailing list and get access to all our recorded debate videos.
This tier includes everything in the Bronze membership.
You'll have the ability to actively participate and debate as an individual in our discussions.
Gain access to exclusive meetings that will include refreshments and occasional free gifts.
This includes all the benefits of the Bronze and Silver tiers.
You'll have the ability to join a debate group and participate in debates as a team.
Join us on field trips to places of historical or political interest, including attendance at live political events.
This is the ultimate way to get the most out of your YSJPU experience. It includes all the benefits of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Your membership lasts for your entire degree, so you only pay once.
You'll be invited to very important meetings that will shape the group's future.
You'll also receive unique merchandise to represent your involvement in the society.