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GCDC_How_to_Do_Model_UN

Model United Nations (MUN) is a flexible simulation activity that can be implemented in various ways, including as a classroom supplement, part of a class, a club, or during leadership camps. To start a Model UN club, it is essential to identify a faculty advisor, understand school guidelines, and set goals for student involvement and learning. Resources are available for preparation and guidance, and meetings should be held regularly to ensure consistent learning and practice.

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Kie Yook
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4 views

GCDC_How_to_Do_Model_UN

Model United Nations (MUN) is a flexible simulation activity that can be implemented in various ways, including as a classroom supplement, part of a class, a club, or during leadership camps. To start a Model UN club, it is essential to identify a faculty advisor, understand school guidelines, and set goals for student involvement and learning. Resources are available for preparation and guidance, and meetings should be held regularly to ensure consistent learning and practice.

Uploaded by

Kie Yook
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GETTING STARTED: MODEL UN FAQ

Model United Nations (Model UN or MUN) is a simulation activity and very flexible, allowing
different schools and groups to run it according to available resources and space. Some wish to
incorporate it into the curriculum/classroom while others find it works best as an extracurricular activity.
Having a Model UN club is not the only way to implement Global Classrooms DC (GCDC) programming
or bring Model UN to your students and youth. When determining which option is best for you group take
into account things like time, space, and goals/accomplishments.

What are the ways that I can implement GCDC?

As a classroom activity ~
Model UN can be used to supplement government, politics, history or other social
studies classes as a working example on how interactions in the international field work. Think of Model
UN as a lab, class presentations, debates, or other engaging ways for students to practice what they’ve
learned through curriculum and lessons you are already teaching (climate change, human rights,
international organizations, etc.)

As part of a class ~
Use GCDC units as part of a social studies class, Model UN elective, leadership or
civic engagement course. As a class, Model UN is usually focused around the makeup of the actual
systems that are merely referenced in activity and debate. Things such as the structure of the UN,
different NGOs, and how countries truly interact with one another in the Global Theatre is what should
be taught in the classroom, and how the UN serves as the most important global forum for member
states. Classes may also schedule trips to the United Nations in New York, as well as country Missions
to the UN and different NGOs.

As a club ~
Model UN clubs are becoming more common among middle and high schools. They
can meet after school, on weekends, or during lunch hour. Continue reading for more information on
starting a club.

As a part of a weekend leadership camp/group ~


Similar to a classroom activity or a class, use GCDC materials to educate youth and
make local global connections on issues, and help prepare global citizens while strengthening important
leadership skills such as public speaking and writing. A basic or introductory Model UN simulation can
easily be covered in a couple hours or over the course of a few sessions.

With friends ~
Model UN is awesome to do with old friends, and a great way to make new ones. The
best way to learn a skill is by teaching it, so a great way to implement the different elements of Model
UN including country positions and debate styles is to practice amongst peers. This can be done as
informally as at lunch; even ambassadors eat lunch together, while maintaining professionalism and
keeping their interests of their state in mind.

Where can I find more information?


There are several incredibly helpful resources to help you start a club, prepare for
conferences, and answer additional questions including the United Nations Association of the
United States of America (http://www.unausa.org), UNA--‐USA National Capital Area
(http://www.unanca.org), and Best Delegate (http://bestdelegate.com).
Don’t forget to contact us at GCDC if you have any questions! [email protected] or
202.223.6092
Starting a Model UN Club
Identify a faculty advisor who will teach/cover the material, supervise, and help prepare students
for conferences or mini-simulations in the class/space. Check to see if you need permission to start a club
at your school or if they have any guidelines you must follow (meetings, mission, number of students, etc)
before you begin recruiting members. You don’t have to attend or compete in conferences to have a
Model UN club.

How do I run a Model UN Club?


Once you’ve started a club there are several things you will be responsible for including a
club space, meetings, resources, and more. We are happy to provide you with assistance and answer
your questions about specifics including the MUN program and training – there are also countless
resources available online. You will find a few basic questions below that will help you plan and organize.

What do I need to do as a Model UN Club Faculty Advisor?


Aside from attending conferences with the students, the MUN Faculty Advisor helps
motivate the students, sign students up for Model UN conferences, and prepare and train the students for
conferences. Preparation for a conference is done in a number of ways, but first students must get
familiarized with the history of the United Nations, how the UN works, rules and procedures. From there
you will help your students research their country and conference topics, prepare position papers, learn
how to write a resolution, and practice opening speeches. Prior experience with MUN is not necessary
(although helpful), it is more important for the faculty advisor to be dedicated to the students and
committed the MUN meetings and training.

What goals should I make for my students?


Model UN provides many benefits for students, and keeping these benefits in mind during
meetings and conferences can help encourage the students and be a basis for what your club hopes to
accomplish throughout the year. A good process would be setting up a statement of purpose for the club–
what the club stands for and how you propose to achieve this – or having an open discussion with your
members on what they hope to accomplish, learn and what skills they wish to develop and strengthen over
the year.

How many students should be involved?


There is no one answer to this question. While some schools may be able to
accommodate large MUN teams, others do not have the personnel/time/space to maintain a large club.
There are benefits to having a small team, as well as having many students involved in the Model UN
experience. Determine the number you feel comfortable working with and the time you can provide the
students, and work with you school to figure out the best option for your space, availability and resources.

How often should I hold meetings?


Meetings should be held once to twice a week to maintain consistency in preparation
and learning the material, and help the information remain with the students’ week to week. This is
extremely flexible based upon your availability, and the resources available to you and the students.
Work with your schedule and your school to find the balance that works best for you and the students.
Be prepared to spend time reviewing material, or have students do out-of-school “homework” for the
club if you are only able to meet once a month.

How much work can students expect to do?


The best way to do Model UN is by doing, doing, and doing. Be prepared for a lot of
mini-simulations and practicing of writing papers, resolutions, and learning “how to speak Model UN.” If
you are interested in attending conferences there is also additional work in preparing for those
conferences.

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