Washington Literary Society and Debating Union

Club Description

The Washington Society was formed in Pavilion VII, now the Colonnade Club, in 1831 in dedication to the continual exercise of effective speech and intellectual exploration. The Society, affectionately referred to as "The Wash," holds weekly literary presentations and debates driven by its membership. As a free speech and debating society, The Wash helps its members to develop a deep appreciation of the art of oratory through workshops, competitions, and social events. We also engage our peers, the Jefferson Society, in debate three times a year, at the Harrison Cup humorous debate and the Ethics Debate in the Fall, and again at the Smith-Simpson Foreign Policy Debate in the Spring.