Hi, As you know, the CUSA general elections will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday (February 8 and 9). All of us here at the Carleton University Debating Society would like to urge you to vote YES on referendum question #3 – we are asking for a very small $1.00 student levy. We need everyone to get out there and vote YES! Your support will ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to attend tournaments and participate in high level events, regardless of wealth, skill, or status. These are the principles the club is founded upon – we need your help to make sure it stays that way! Your support will also ensure that your debating society will continue to put on show debates and encourage the pursuit of public expression on campus. We have moderated several public debates in past years, such as the abortion debate and the highly successful, “Is There a God?” debate. Universities are founded on the idea of a free flowing exchange of ideas. Debate helps make this happen. So, please get out everyone you know and vote YES for DEBATE! It’s only a dollar and it will go a long way in supporting valuable student services on campus. For more information, visit http://www.carletondebate.org/yes or contact yes(a)carletondebate.org. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Why a non-refundable levy? This past year, student services have lost 25% of their budgets due to other people opting out of fees. With word that opt-outs may be moving online, student groups stand to lose up to 75% of their budgets, as what happened at Queen’s. This system is unsustainable and will eventually lead to the degradation of campus services and campus life. Many other groups will be asking to change their status from refundable to non-refundable as well. We recognize that to ensure that our campus has a true community spirit, clubs, societies, and services need to be vibrant and sustainable. This can only happen now with a non-refundable levy. Q: Where does the money go? The money will be used to fund the operations of the Debating Society. That means sending novices to tournaments to give them a taste of what debate is all about. It means improving Carleton’s reputation locally and abroad by sending teams to international competitions. It means providing the resources necessary to put on thought-provoking public debates on a regular basis here on campus. A dollar can go a long way! Q: Who can take advantage of the services debate provides? Everyone is welcome to join debate and with your support, you will ensure that debate continues to reach out to all groups on campus. We already have close ties with many student organizations on campus and are one of the most inclusive clubs out there. VOTE YES FOR DEBATE! Sincerely, The Debating Society