What does a typical wash meeting look like?
Wash meetings begin at 8 PM on Thursdays and can last anywhere from 10 PM to 2 AM. Each meeting contains a debate and several literary presentations.
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Debates
The Washington Society uses a parliamentary-style format to debate both serious and humorous topics. Serious debates generally have two teams of two, three six minute speeches per side, and four cross examination periods. Humorous debates have two teams of three, with each participant given six minutes to present. Debate topics range from "whether we should ride cowboys in order to save horses" to "should the US should intercede on behalf of the Rhoyinga people in Myanmar." The wide range of topics ensures that everyone gets a chance to debate about something that interests them. There are weekly debate workshops to ensure that members are taught how to debate effectively. Officers and members with ample debate experience are always available to help members prepare for their debates. After every debate, members of the audience are given the opportunity to constructively comment on both the quality and sentiment of the debate and shed additional insight onto the topic at hand. |
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Literature
Literary presentations serve as an opportunity to contribute to the Society’s meetings. This is a chance to be creative and share your interests, talents, and ideas with the Wash community. One literary presentation is required to become a member of our society, but regular members are encouraged to present as often as they would like. Some members regularly present several times in each semester. Literary presentations can and have included:
Literary workshops are held each week at a time set by the Vice President to help anyone who is presenting practice and receive constructive feedback. In addition to regularly scheduled literary presentations, members can opt to spontaneously present by petitioning the chair at the end of each meeting. These ‘floor lits’ can be pieces read in reaction to other presentations, or they can be independently chosen in the same way that regular literary presentations are. |
What Kinds of Wash Meetings are there?
Aside from the typical Thursday night meetings, there are several important Wash Meetings, including...
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CONJUNCTI
This is the first meeting every semester that prospective members can attend. Here, prospective members can see a Wash meeting firsthand. |
SIGNING OF THE ROLL
This meeting is rooted in hundreds of years of Wash tradition. Here, prospective members declare their intent to fulfill the requirements to become an official Wash member. |
BANQUET
Alumni return to grounds every spring to celebrate the Society during a formal dinner featuring an Alumni v. Member debate and more. |
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ETHICS DEBATE
The Wash debates the Jefferson Society about an ethical dilemma. The most recent resolution was "Resolved: Limiting economic inequality ought to be a more important social goal than maximizing economic freedom". |
HARRISON DEBATE
The Wash debates the Jefferson Society about a humorous topic. The most recent resolution was "Resolved: You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold 'em". |
LITERARY COMPETITIONS
Members share both original and non-original work, competing for a monetary prize. |
... AND MORE!
What does the wash do outside of meetings?
Being a part of The Wash is more than just coming to Thursday meetings. The Wash holds regular social events, parties, and volunteer projects to build a strong sense of community between its members.
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