A debate (French débattre: to beat down) is a kind of disputation that, unlike the discussion, follows formal rules and usually is used in preparation for a vote. Debates are a significant element of democracy in associations and they usually take place during general meetings about the agenda items.
When conducting a debate, it is important to facilitate lively discussions and not to restrict the members’ freedom to state their positions, yet to respect the time frame for each topic. Active participation by the members expresses a vivid commitment to the association.