About CASCAID

Created in 2002, CASCAID is a community service program of the Western Debate Union. It is a chance for students to serve as Fellows or Interns for a community outreach advocacy training center. The program utilizes the training of debate students to work with community members in promoting critical thinking, research, advocacy, and communication skills in order to encourage greater participation in the sociopolitical process. One of the primary efforts of CASCAID is to sponsor an annual conference designed to bring advocates, academics and activists together to exchange ideas, both theoretical and practical.  The emphasis is on creating opportunities to share experiences, methods, and ideas related to building civil discourse and grassroots political action and awareness.

Mission Statement

CASCAID will assist persons from the community in developing advocacy skills by providing training and feedback, research assistance, and strategy consultation. CASCAID will prioritize issues of conflict resolution, ecological health and sustainability, resource equity, and social justice. CASCAID’s goal is to increase citizen participation and voice in governance and the policy-making process.