Lenox Memorial Middle and High School

Lenox High School Model United Nations

Articulation of Goals:

The Lenox Model United Nations Club’s primary goal is the preparation of students to become effective delegates to the Model United Nations Conferences held in worldwide.

Students prepare to become delegates for these conferences in a variety of way. First, students study the history and functioning of the United Nations. Also, students learn the rules of Parliamentary Procedure and practice their skills in formal simulations during the school year. Delegates (students who have chosen to participate in a conference) are required to give prepared speeches that reflect their assigned country’s position and be able to articulate their country’s concerns at informal and formal caucuses. Fourth, students must take the role of the UN delegate for an assigned country, research their countries views and issues, and role-play their delegate assignment from their countries perspective, not their own. This activity, of course, is the meat of the matter. It requires extra diligence and effort beyond the in-class academic work. Delegate research and representation gives the students a look at present-day global issues not available through course work.

Expected Results

The results are significant. Delegates learn to find their voice in committee; engage in negotiations and draft resolutions which address a myriad of contemporary issues. Moreover, delegates test their academic prowess against other delegates in other high schools around the world. In some cases, our delegates have received honors for their participation. However, our goal is not to receive awards but to assimilate the understanding and value of confrontation and compromise. There is a sense of empowerment that cannot be qualified. Most delegates are surprised at how good it feels to speak before their peers and be taken seriously. There is no better way to learn than to stand on one’s own.

Community Support

We will be starting our seventh year of existence at Lenox High School. We continue to benefit from the support of parents, especially the parent-chaperones who are the right-arm of conference preparation and attendance. We could not survive without them. Within Lenox High School, Dr. Walker and Mr. Hurley along with the support staff, have guided decisions and assisted with this program throughout the year.

Educational Opportunity

The Model United Nations club has strengthened our students in many ways. The opportunity to interact with other delegates from around the world is invaluable experience. This alternate learning experience builds sophistication regarding global issues such as health, arms control, border disputes, genocide, and U.N. policymaking, to name only a few; and it strengthens their confidence as participants. The self-assurance delegates attain derives from real interface with others, individual and cooperative learning, and most importantly, the responsibility of their role as delegate.

Financial Commitment

Parents will be informed as soon as possible regarding the cost of the conference. Looking back at previous conferences, it has cost as much as $450 which covered transportation, fees and activities. Meals are not included in the fees or costs of the conference. Students should expect to pay for their meals.

Advisor’s Role

I am the advisor of the LMUN club and, in this role I will be planning the contents of the meetings and preparations for our trips to conferences. This year,2008, LMUN will be attending the UNA-USA Model United Nations Conference in New York City on May 15-17,2008. Our delegates are preparing to represent The Republic of Dominica.

Thank you,

Robin Nardi, MUN Advisor