Model United Nations is a program working towards helping students better understand global issues. Skills that students can develop include public speaking, diplomacy, critical thinking, working with others and engaging thoughtfully with the world around them. Social studies teacher and Model United Nations (MUN) advisor Robert Northrup explains more and MUN what a MUN conference is in the interview below.
Q: What is MUN?
A: MUN, or Model United Nations, is an internationally based sort of debate society.
Q: How is MUN different from Speech & Debate?
A: Instead of winning by going back and forth, there are traditional allies, enemies and points of view that you must know to have a proper diplomatic simulation.
Q: How long would you prepare for a MUN Conference?
A: Our kids, I would think, their estimate would be an hour or two prior to the event if you’re sort of well-versed in international affairs.
Q: Who are delegates?
A: Delegates are the ones debating. They all have placards, which are namecards that they hold up to speak.
Q: What is the role of the chair?
A: To control the flow of the debate.
Q: How many people are in a conference?
A: In CCWA (Cleveland Council on World Affairs), there’ll be 10 committees of anywhere between 20 and 50 people.
Q: How would you convince others on your side or reach a compromise?
A: Therein lies the rub of the whole thing. How do you do that, right?
Q: Why would someone join MUN?
A: I think it gives them a greater awareness of the world. As a world history teacher, this is something I would like to see. People know where things are and so on.
Q: Which types of majors would people go to MUN for?
A: Public policy– we see a lot of public policy. We see a lot of people who are in public service, actually.
Q: How would you win the best delegate?
A: You would be well spoken, you would have the facts at hand, but you would also be able to work with people so that you have a level of diplomacy that is part of your character.
Model United Nations continues to provide students with opportunities to engage in global issues & diplomacy. With CCWA Spring, set for today, MUN students are preparing to debate, collaberate and apply their understanding of international affairs in a conference setting.
