The free-speech volunteers

The Battle of Ideas festival needs an army of volunteers ready for debate - join us!

On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October this year, those of us interested in thrashing out the big issues of our time will come together in Church House, Westminster, for the Battle of Ideas festival 2023.

Those of you who are old friends of the festival know how fast-paced the weekend can be, with 100+ debates, 400 speakers and 3,000+ attendees over 48 hours. This year, we have a lot to cover - from the threats (and potential) of AI to the future of energy production, the challenge of teaching social justice in schools to the moral quandary over surrogacy. We will be addressing the attacks on Israel and the rise of anti-Semitism worldwide, the issue of trans ideology in sport and the potential future for the UK under a Labour government. Click here to see the overview of our festival programme.

The debates include:

CHATGPT: CHEATING OR A NEW TOOL FOR LEARNING? · ISRAEL AT WAR · THE POLITICS OF NEURODIVERSITY: FASHION OR AFFLICTION? · SQUARE-EYED SCREENAGERS: ARE PHONES CORRUPTING OUR KIDS? · THE MORALITY OF SURROGACY · FROM REWRITING CLASSICS TO SENSITIVITY READERS: THE BATTLE FOR BOOKS · BOUNCING BACK OR BASKET CASE? THE STATE OF THE UK ECONOMY · FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS: SHOULD HECKLERS BE BANNED?· SEX AND DRUGS AND ROCK’N’ROLL: HAS MUSIC LOST ITS EDGE? · FROM DIVERSITY TO DEBANKING: IS ESG BAD FOR BUSINESS? · HAVE WE GIVEN UP ON SEXUAL FREEDOM? · BAD BOYS OF THE EU: DEMONISING POLAND AND HUNGARY ·EXTREME WEATHER: CAN WE ADAPT TO A CHANGING CLIMATE? · ANDREW TATE AND THE LOST BOYS · ARE WE TAXED TO DEATH? · FROM MIZZY TO SHOPLIFTING: ANTI-SOCIAL SOCIETY? · FEEDING BABIES: IS BREAST ALWAYS BEST? · ISRAEL: ANTI-SEMITISM TODAY · BREXIT: HOW CAN WE TAKE CONTROL?

In order for the Battle to run, we rely on the help of an army of volunteers committed to free speech and open debate. Every year, stewards in Battle t-shirts can be spotted up and down audience aisles handing out microphones and welcoming attendees at our registration desks. This year, we need even more help.

In exchange for making our festival run smoothly, volunteers get a free pass to the entire programme of events and celebratory drinks, allowing you time to explore the festival, meet esteemed speakers and tussle over the key moments of our time with fellow Battlers in the break times.

Alongside being part of the UK’s oldest and biggest free-speech festival, volunteering is great work-experience, and we are happy to offer references and help to anyone looking for experience. There is no age limit, qualifications or experience needed - all we’re looking for are people interested in free speech and open debate. Signing up to be a volunteer takes minutes, just hit the big green button below and fill out our form.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with volunteers coordinator Ella Whelan at volunteering@academyofideas.org.uk