The Model United Nations (Model UN) is a stimulating, educational, and fun club for high school students. Students who participate in Model UN will learn diplomacy, communication, public speaking, and teamwork. The Model UN delegates will have the opportunity to research, write position papers, debate, negotiate, and draft resolutions on current political matters.
The Model UN program also provides an opportunity for students to travel to various locations and participate in interscholastic competitions and conferences. This comprehensive guide will help you create a successful Model UN club at your high school.
1) Starting a Model UN Club
The first step in starting a Model UN club is to find a faculty advisor who can teach, assist, and supervise the club’s activities. Once you have found a faculty advisor, select a group of students and schedule an introductory meeting. During the meeting, discuss club goals, objectives, and activities. After the introductory meeting, explore the different Model UN organizations and conferences available in your area.
2) Understanding Roles in Model UN
In a Model UN conference, students act as representatives of countries and governments, and they debate issues from their respective country’s perspective. Model UN committees are divided into groups, including defense, peacekeeping, economic, environmental committee, and more.
3) Training Sessions
The key to a successful Model UN club is preparing students for conferences. Students should research, prepare position papers, debate, and negotiate to ensure they are ready for the conference. It is essential to provide regular training sessions for students to develop their communication skills, public speaking skills, negotiation skills, and ability to write a resolution.
4) Involve and Engage Students
Encourage students to engage in club activities, including delegating roles in conferences, developing case studies, and exploring current political issues. It is also essential to implement leadership and teamwork activities to ensure all students feel comfortable and participate in the club.
5) Prepare and Participate in Conferences
To ensure success in conferences, students should prepare for several weeks in advance, research and understand the assigned country, and develop a position on the issues at hand. It is essential to pay attention to the conference rules, guidelines, and procedures to avoid disqualification or penalty and to ensure the club represents well.
Starting a Model UN club is a great way to stimulate, educate, and entertain high school students. The various activities help students understand the role of international diplomacy, negotiation, and resolution drafting. The guide provides an overview of the steps needed to create a successful Model UN club, including finding a faculty advisor, executing training sessions, and preparing and participating in conferences. Good luck in creating a Model UN club, and we hope this guide helps you achieve your goals and aspirations.