Join Us at the Minneapolis Institute of Art for the 2024 Mayors Challenge: The Great AI Debate | September 18th, 2024
Support Minnesota Students At Our Inspiring Event
The Minnesota Urban Debate League is proud to present its 12th annual fundraiser – the 2024 Mayors Challenge: The Great AI Debate, at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts on September 18th, 2024 from 5-8:30 PM.
Since 2012, our Mayors Challenge event has brought together education advocates from across the Twin Cities to watch our empowering, informative showcase debate.
In this year’s debate, four debaters, who represent our partner schools across the Twin Cities, will split into two teams and debate issues related to AI, the 2024-25 policy debate topic. We have invited experts in AI and intellectual property rights to serve on our VIP panel. Join our event to enjoy a compelling debate, network with other individuals who care deeply about local education, and support our students.
Register for the event today as an individual or organizational sponsor!
5:00-6:00 PM: Open Reception at MIA Galleries
6:00-6:45 Opening Remarks, Recognition of Sponsors, Conversation & Meal at tables
6:35-7:00 Student Debate
7:05-7:30 pm Interview of Mayors by Students, Student Reflections
7:40-8:05 pm Interview of Sec. of State Steve Simon
8:05-8:15 pm Champion of Change
8:30 pm Conclusion
2024 Champion of Change
In 2018, we launched our Champions of Change awards to honor the changemakers in our community who model courageous leadership and inspire our students. Congratulations to Rep. Cedrick Frazier, our 2024 Champion of Change! The Champion of Change Award recognizes his great commitment and investment in public service. He was chosen based on his significant track record of championing change, and living out the MNUDL mission “to advocate for your community.”
We are incredibly excited to honor Rep. Frazier and thank him for his work in education, criminal justice reform, and workforce development.
Past winners include:
- 2018: Representative Ilhan Omar
- 2019: Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
- 2020: Justice David Lillehaug
- 2021: James C. Burroughs II (Children’s Minnesota)
- 2022: National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
- 2023: MN Attorney General Keith Ellison
- 2024: Rep. Cedrick Frazier
Join Leaders in Law, Education, and Beyond Who Support Our Work
Thank you to our sponsors!
Organizational Sponsors
- Media Sponsor: The Minnesota Star Tribune
- Hogen Adams: $7,500
- Minnesota Humanities Center: $7,500
- Zimmerman Reed: $7,500
- Entenza Law Firm: $5,000
- Lathrop GPM: $5,000
- Little Law LLC: $5,000
- Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP: $5,000
- National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL): $5,000
- Taft: $5,000
- Allianz Life: $2,500
- Adam Garen & RBC Wealth Management: $2,500
- Blaze Credit Union: $2,500
- Briol and Benson: $2,500
- Dorsey: $2,500
- Faegre Drinker: $2,500
- Greenberg Traurig: $2,500
- Greene Espel: $2,500
- Gustafson Gluek PLLC – Minneapolis: $2,500
- Nilan Johnson Lewis: $2,500
- Shavlik Family Foundation: $2,500
- Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A: $2,500
- Zelle LLP: $2,500
- University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism: $1,000
Individual Sponsors
Alex Thiele | George Dow | Jill Skogheim | John & Joan Evans (Augsburg graduates) | Karon Garen | Mark Raderstorf | Meg Luger-Nikolai | Richard Ginsberg | Steve Liss | Veena Iyer
Event Details
Join us at the beautiful Minneapolis Institute of Arts on the evening of Wednesday, September 18th from 5-8:30 PM!
Before You Go
The dress code for the event is business formal.
If you did not select a meal upon registration, you will be served the chicken meal selection by default. Any allergies, if not already communicated, should be emailed to mnudl@augsburg.edu ASAP.
You will need a device to vote for the winner, so make sure you bring your phone or a computer!
How to Get There
Our reception and debate will happen in the Target Wing of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404.) When you enter the MIA from the entrance connecting the Children’s Theater Company and Minneapolis Institute of Arts, you’ll walk through the glass doors and into a courtyard with roses. The Target Wing is at the end of the courtyard. Greeters will be stationed to help ensure you find your way. The courtyard is outdoors and there is potentially rain in the forecast as you leave the event, so we advise bringing an umbrella. Coat check will be available.
We’ll have staff members there to hand out your name tag on the first floor of the Target Wing. The reception will take place on the 3rd floor of the Target Wing, and you’ll get a chance to enjoy select galleries, music, and hors d’oeuvres before the debate begins at 6:00 PM.
Parking Information
The main entrance to Mia is located on Third Avenue South between 24th and 25th streets. The parking ramp is just south of the museum between 25th and 26th streets. Additional surface parking is located at the corner of 24th Street and Third Avenue South, and at the corner of 25th Street and Third Avenue South.
Surface lot at 24th Street and Third Avenue South
Enter the upper level from Third Avenue, just north of 24th Street. Enter the lower level one block east, at Clinton Avenue, just north of 24th Street. This lot is under camera surveillance and is patrolled by museum security staff. Call boxes are located on both levels at both exits. If you need assistance or have car trouble, you can be immediately connected to Mia Security at the touch of a button.
Surface lot at 25th Street and Third Avenue South
Enter this lot from either Third Avenue or 25th Street.
Parking ramp at 25th Street and Third Avenue South
Enter all levels of this ramp from Third Avenue. For all lots, a campus escort is available by calling Security: 612.870.3003.
Parking Rates and Instructions
A modest fee for parking enables Mia to maintain this important amenity for our visitors. For the ramp and the surface lots, flat daily rates are as follows:
- Surface Lots $10
- Surface Lots (Event Rate) $12
- Parking Ramp $12
- Parking Ramp (Event Rate) $18
Please follow instructions at the pay stations. Event rates may apply during performances at the Children’s Theatre and for special Mia events, such as Art in Bloom. Violators will be towed to Wrecker Services, 612.330.0013. For all lots, a campus escort is available by calling Security: 612.870.3225.
Handicapped Parking Arrangements:
Handicap parking is available on 3rd Ave, 24th St, on the first floor of the parking ramp and the 24th St and 3rd Ave surface lot.
What to Expect
Four of our debaters will compete in a 2-on-2 debate about pressing issues related to Artificial Intelligence. You’ll get a chance to vote for a winner at the end of the debate!
The purpose of the event is to kick off our 20th Anniversary, promote dialogue on AI, and raise funds for the Minnesota Urban Debate League!
We appreciate you joining us for the event, and for your meaningful support of our programming. You’re helping local students improve their academic outcomes, grow in confidence, and gain the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their goals as leaders of today and tomorrow.
Why Debate?
Mission Driven
Join us in-person in September to make your investment in our youth leaders, advocates, and future policy makers. The Minnesota Urban Debate League supports students to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, active global citizens, and effective advocates for themselves and their communities. We serve more than 1,300 students in multiple districts across the Twin Cities Metro.
Programming includes:
- High School MSHSL Debate
- Middle School Policy Debate
- Spanish Debate League
- East African Debate
- Financial Literacy Leadership Debates
- Summer Speech & Debate Camp
Your sponsorship ensures students across the metro area will have access to this leadership pipeline program.
Why Debate?
In our program, debaters learn to deeply research and advocate for multiple angles of crucial contemporary issues. Students gain skills in debate that set them up for success in the classroom and in life. Research shows that debaters vs. non-debaters have higher MCA reading scores, GPAs, ACT scores, graduation rates, and acceptance to college. Your sponsorship dollars ensure students in the Twin Cities Metro can access this transformative activity.
Our vision is that the benefits of debate should be available to every Minnesota student. Help us amplify student voice and achievement. Sponsor a table today.
