| United Nations Association of Greater Oklahoma City |
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| United Nations Association of the USA Greater Oklahoma City Chapter P.O. Box 60856 Oklahoma City, OK 73146-0856 Contact Us |
| Created January 2, 2012 Webmaster |
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Model United Nations
“Model UN is helping me
understand the world, and
I want to do things, and
take every opportunity
to help the world.”
--A 2011 Model UN Participant
understand the world, and
I want to do things, and
take every opportunity
to help the world.”
--A 2011 Model UN Participant
January, 2012
Model United Nations is "an academic
simulation of the United Nations that aims
to educate participants about current events,
topics in international relations, diplomacy
and the United Nations agenda." (Wikipedia).
But, Model UN is more than a program or a conference or an exercise.
It has a history that goes back nearly 100 years -- even before the founding of
the United Nations. As a concept, it is not owned or controlled by any single
organization. In a sense, Model United Nations is a movement. A team sport
that emphasizes cooperation as much as competition. A global phenomenon.
In the United States, it is estimated that over 90,000
students take part in Model United Nations (MUN)
conferences.
Worldwide, the number of participants is over half a
million -- and, it is growing. Model UN conferences
are offered to students in many nations around the
world, including Argentina, Austria, Canada, Cuba, the
Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Germany,
Ghana, Kenya, India, Italy, Netherlands, Pakistan, Russia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkey, and
Uzbekistan (among others).
It can fairly be said that Model UN is a cultural experience on a planetary scale -- a component of the global
culture of peace that is growing in our world.
From a Student's Point of View.
Model UN participants can be students in
middle school, high school, or college. Even
elementary students have occasional
opportunities to participate in MUN activities
in some locations. Graduate students,
doctoral students, university alumni and
professionals have taken part.
There are various formats for Model UN conferences. Sometimes, the conferences are offered in a 1-day
format -- to make it easy for students and teachers to attend. Often, the conferences are 2- or 3-day events
involving travel to a regional or national competition. Students prepare for their conference by practicing in
school-sponsored classes and / or clubs.
From a student's perspective, the appeal of Model UN is easy to
appreciate. MUN conferences give students the chance to meet
interesting people and make new friends. They learn new things
about the world -- gaining perspectives that may go unnoticed in
their usual experience.
For many students, the role-playing aspect of Model UN is
motivational. They enjoy the chance to exercise power (even in a
fantasy form) and to explore a different reality from their own.
Many students also enjoy the fun conversation, the inevitable
silliness, and the good food.
Academic and Development Advantages for the Student.
At its heart, Model UN is an exercise in leadership development,
communications, team-building, critical thinking skills, debate,
policy-making, parliamentary procedures, and creative problem-
solving.
"Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats,
investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then
develop solutions to world problems." (Wikipedia)
The skills that are gained by Model UN participants add to their
capacity to perform as good students -- and, ultimately, to act as
good citizens who are able to contribute as productive members of a
modern global society.
The UN Association's Support for MUN.
"Model UN is supported by many organizations, private groups, non-
governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations and national
governments." (Wikipedia)
Throughout the world, it is common for United Nations Associations to
support Model UN programs and activities. In our own country, for example, the UN Association of the USA
(UNA-USA) is the primary supporter of MUN activities.
UNA-USA serves as a clearing house of Model UN resources for participants and conference organizers.
Resources are offered for classroom teachers, students, and volunteers.
You can review a list of UNA-USA Model UN resources here:
www.unausa.org/modelun
In addition, the UNA-USA's Global Classrooms program offers professional
development workshops for educators as well as four curricula on peacekeeping,
human rights, sustainable development, and the Economics of Globalization.
Supporting Model UN in Oklahoma.
To bring the benefits of Model UN to more Oklahoma students, our Oklahoma City chapter of the United
Nations Association has made a commitment to expand MUN opportunities in the Greater OKC area (Central
and Western Oklahoma).
As a start, we have created a Facebook group -- "Model UN in OK" -- which is intended to foster
communications among people who want to help promote Model UN in schools and colleges throughout
the state. You can join the group here:
www.facebook.com/groups/245279455497277/
Additionally, we are making plans to organize Model UN
conferences for high school students -- with the first one
scheduled to take place in March, 2012.
(It will be a UN Security Council simulation).
This is a new endeavor for our chapter, and we are
looking for collaborators who can help us by volunteering
their time and/or making a contribution of resources
(financial or non-financial).
If you are a parent, teacher, community volunteer -- whether or not you are a member of UNA-USA --
we invite your participation in our efforts.
To get involved, please contact:
Ambassador Kenneth Tillett
Instructor of Political Science
SWOSU -- Social Sciences
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
Phone ... (580) 774-7134
Email … Kenneth.tillett@swosu.edu
simulation of the United Nations that aims
to educate participants about current events,
topics in international relations, diplomacy
and the United Nations agenda." (Wikipedia).
But, Model UN is more than a program or a conference or an exercise.
It has a history that goes back nearly 100 years -- even before the founding of
the United Nations. As a concept, it is not owned or controlled by any single
organization. In a sense, Model United Nations is a movement. A team sport
that emphasizes cooperation as much as competition. A global phenomenon.
In the United States, it is estimated that over 90,000
students take part in Model United Nations (MUN)
conferences.
Worldwide, the number of participants is over half a
million -- and, it is growing. Model UN conferences
are offered to students in many nations around the
world, including Argentina, Austria, Canada, Cuba, the
Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Germany,
Ghana, Kenya, India, Italy, Netherlands, Pakistan, Russia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkey, and
Uzbekistan (among others).
It can fairly be said that Model UN is a cultural experience on a planetary scale -- a component of the global
culture of peace that is growing in our world.
From a Student's Point of View.
Model UN participants can be students in
middle school, high school, or college. Even
elementary students have occasional
opportunities to participate in MUN activities
in some locations. Graduate students,
doctoral students, university alumni and
professionals have taken part.
There are various formats for Model UN conferences. Sometimes, the conferences are offered in a 1-day
format -- to make it easy for students and teachers to attend. Often, the conferences are 2- or 3-day events
involving travel to a regional or national competition. Students prepare for their conference by practicing in
school-sponsored classes and / or clubs.
From a student's perspective, the appeal of Model UN is easy to
appreciate. MUN conferences give students the chance to meet
interesting people and make new friends. They learn new things
about the world -- gaining perspectives that may go unnoticed in
their usual experience.
For many students, the role-playing aspect of Model UN is
motivational. They enjoy the chance to exercise power (even in a
fantasy form) and to explore a different reality from their own.
Many students also enjoy the fun conversation, the inevitable
silliness, and the good food.
Academic and Development Advantages for the Student.
At its heart, Model UN is an exercise in leadership development,
communications, team-building, critical thinking skills, debate,
policy-making, parliamentary procedures, and creative problem-
solving.
"Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats,
investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then
develop solutions to world problems." (Wikipedia)
The skills that are gained by Model UN participants add to their
capacity to perform as good students -- and, ultimately, to act as
good citizens who are able to contribute as productive members of a
modern global society.
The UN Association's Support for MUN.
"Model UN is supported by many organizations, private groups, non-
governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations and national
governments." (Wikipedia)
Throughout the world, it is common for United Nations Associations to
support Model UN programs and activities. In our own country, for example, the UN Association of the USA
(UNA-USA) is the primary supporter of MUN activities.
UNA-USA serves as a clearing house of Model UN resources for participants and conference organizers.
Resources are offered for classroom teachers, students, and volunteers.
You can review a list of UNA-USA Model UN resources here:
www.unausa.org/modelun
In addition, the UNA-USA's Global Classrooms program offers professional
development workshops for educators as well as four curricula on peacekeeping,
human rights, sustainable development, and the Economics of Globalization.
Supporting Model UN in Oklahoma.
To bring the benefits of Model UN to more Oklahoma students, our Oklahoma City chapter of the United
Nations Association has made a commitment to expand MUN opportunities in the Greater OKC area (Central
and Western Oklahoma).
As a start, we have created a Facebook group -- "Model UN in OK" -- which is intended to foster
communications among people who want to help promote Model UN in schools and colleges throughout
the state. You can join the group here:
www.facebook.com/groups/245279455497277/
Additionally, we are making plans to organize Model UN
conferences for high school students -- with the first one
scheduled to take place in March, 2012.
(It will be a UN Security Council simulation).
This is a new endeavor for our chapter, and we are
looking for collaborators who can help us by volunteering
their time and/or making a contribution of resources
(financial or non-financial).
If you are a parent, teacher, community volunteer -- whether or not you are a member of UNA-USA --
we invite your participation in our efforts.
To get involved, please contact:
Ambassador Kenneth Tillett
Instructor of Political Science
SWOSU -- Social Sciences
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
Phone ... (580) 774-7134
Email … Kenneth.tillett@swosu.edu
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"When you first enter
a debate chamber
and listen to the
delegates go, you
can’t help but freak
out. My first time,
I was a wreck: I had
sweaty palms,
butterflies in my
stomach, and a racing
pulse. It was insanely nerve-wracking
for me to put my hand up to speak, and
standing in front of thirty critical,
intelligent fellow delegates can be very
daunting (especially when they pick
your argument apart at the seams).
But it's also a hell of a rush. Getting up
to talk is like getting hit in a game of
paintball; with every hit—or, in this
case, with every speech you give—it
hurts less and you become less afraid,
and before you know it, you're no longer
nervous at all! By the end of the
conference, your insecurities will have
disappeared, and you will feel freaking
amazing."
-- "10 Reasons Model UN is Awesome"
Sparknotes.com
a debate chamber
and listen to the
delegates go, you
can’t help but freak
out. My first time,
I was a wreck: I had
sweaty palms,
butterflies in my
stomach, and a racing
pulse. It was insanely nerve-wracking
for me to put my hand up to speak, and
standing in front of thirty critical,
intelligent fellow delegates can be very
daunting (especially when they pick
your argument apart at the seams).
But it's also a hell of a rush. Getting up
to talk is like getting hit in a game of
paintball; with every hit—or, in this
case, with every speech you give—it
hurts less and you become less afraid,
and before you know it, you're no longer
nervous at all! By the end of the
conference, your insecurities will have
disappeared, and you will feel freaking
amazing."
-- "10 Reasons Model UN is Awesome"
Sparknotes.com
Bill Bryant, President
Greater OKC Chapter
United Nations Association of the USA
P.O. Box 60856
OKC, OK 73146-0856
Phone ... (405) 760-5322
Email ... wildbill73107@cox.net
Greater OKC Chapter
United Nations Association of the USA
P.O. Box 60856
OKC, OK 73146-0856
Phone ... (405) 760-5322
Email ... wildbill73107@cox.net
OR
For More Information:
Check out these articles and videos ...
Check out these articles and videos ...
(1) Model UN Program Inspires Underprivileged Kids
Excerpt: “They are talking about world issues that adults can't even begin to scratch
the surface of understanding – they not only understand the issues but they are ready
to debate the issues. It really shows a level of educational engagement that we need these days.”
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/community/2011/10/12/model-un-program-inspires-inner-city-kids/
(2) Model UN: A Students' Perspective
Excerpt: "We had a fantastic group of students from all over the Greater Boston area participate in UNA-GB’s
Invitational Model United Nations Spring 2011 Conference. Here is a sample of what students had to say about
the day...."
http://unagb.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/model-un-a-students-perspective/
(3) How Model United Nations Can Help You Get Into College
Excerpt: "While not everyone who does MUN makes it their main activity, many invest a considerable amount
of their time and energy into it. Model United Nations is a large part of their personal growth as a high school
student, and they can leverage their MUN experience to get into college."
http://bestdelegate.com/how-model-united-nations-can-help-you-get-into-college/
(4) Model UN Advancing Tomorrow's World Citizens
Excerpt: "Given today’s geopolitical climate, an emphasis on global education is expanding — education that
enables students to think inter-culturally, helps them understand multiple perspectives and generally prepares
them to live as world citizens. The Model U.N. program at the Lab School is one example...."
http://inews6.americanobserver.net/articles/model-un-advancing-tomorrows-world-citizens
(5) Model UN: Building a Legacy for the Future of International Relations
Excerpt: "In its beginning, Model UN participants were mostly students at select colleges in the United States.
However, interest, participation in, and development of Model UN has grown functionally and expanded across
the world. Today’s Model UN participants are of all ages, coming from public and private schools in cities,
suburbs, and rural areas."
www.stanleyfoundation.org/articles.cfm?ID=698
(6) Students Learn Diplomacy through Model UN
Excerpt: “You learn leadership skills, how to talk to people, to write — it’s a very technical set of skills that
can be applied in a much bigger way.... You learn how to reach out to people of different backgrounds and to
bring people together. This is something that anyone, from any major, studying anything can really find their
niche in."
http://universe.byu.edu/index.php/2011/11/18/students-learn-diplomacy-through-model-un/
(7) UNA-USA’s Global Classrooms Presents DECORUM
Excerpt: "Two-days at the United Nations changed the lives of students from John Adams High School forever."
(View all three 10-minute episodes online at this webpage)
www.unausa.org/decorum
Excerpt: “They are talking about world issues that adults can't even begin to scratch
the surface of understanding – they not only understand the issues but they are ready
to debate the issues. It really shows a level of educational engagement that we need these days.”
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/community/2011/10/12/model-un-program-inspires-inner-city-kids/
(2) Model UN: A Students' Perspective
Excerpt: "We had a fantastic group of students from all over the Greater Boston area participate in UNA-GB’s
Invitational Model United Nations Spring 2011 Conference. Here is a sample of what students had to say about
the day...."
http://unagb.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/model-un-a-students-perspective/
(3) How Model United Nations Can Help You Get Into College
Excerpt: "While not everyone who does MUN makes it their main activity, many invest a considerable amount
of their time and energy into it. Model United Nations is a large part of their personal growth as a high school
student, and they can leverage their MUN experience to get into college."
http://bestdelegate.com/how-model-united-nations-can-help-you-get-into-college/
(4) Model UN Advancing Tomorrow's World Citizens
Excerpt: "Given today’s geopolitical climate, an emphasis on global education is expanding — education that
enables students to think inter-culturally, helps them understand multiple perspectives and generally prepares
them to live as world citizens. The Model U.N. program at the Lab School is one example...."
http://inews6.americanobserver.net/articles/model-un-advancing-tomorrows-world-citizens
(5) Model UN: Building a Legacy for the Future of International Relations
Excerpt: "In its beginning, Model UN participants were mostly students at select colleges in the United States.
However, interest, participation in, and development of Model UN has grown functionally and expanded across
the world. Today’s Model UN participants are of all ages, coming from public and private schools in cities,
suburbs, and rural areas."
www.stanleyfoundation.org/articles.cfm?ID=698
(6) Students Learn Diplomacy through Model UN
Excerpt: “You learn leadership skills, how to talk to people, to write — it’s a very technical set of skills that
can be applied in a much bigger way.... You learn how to reach out to people of different backgrounds and to
bring people together. This is something that anyone, from any major, studying anything can really find their
niche in."
http://universe.byu.edu/index.php/2011/11/18/students-learn-diplomacy-through-model-un/
(7) UNA-USA’s Global Classrooms Presents DECORUM
Excerpt: "Two-days at the United Nations changed the lives of students from John Adams High School forever."
(View all three 10-minute episodes online at this webpage)
www.unausa.org/decorum
| "Decorum" is a 3-part documentary series showing how students from a Queens, NY, high school were empowered and inspired by participating in Model UN. View all three 10-minute episodes here: www.unausa.org/decorum |
