The United Nations (UN) was founded after World War II as a way to foster peace among nations. It consists of 193 different member country states and abides to the principles of the United Nations charter, or the treaty that was made between the original countries that joined the United Nations. The United Nations has remained a symbol of peace between nations and meets regularly to discuss common problems to find solutions that all of humanity can benefit from.
In high schools across the world, Model UN is a way for students to learn about the United Nations by representing different countries at conventions. According to a website focused on providing Model UN resources, bestdelegate.com, students who participate in Model UN role play as a delegate from a country and attempt to solve issues in the real world with the policies and perspectives of their country.
Model UN teams are given a country before they attend a Model UN conference. Anyone can create a team and attend a conference for their education level.
Derek Maus, the sponsor of Democracy in Action at our school, would love to see Model UN at our school and lists many reasons why.
“Personally, I think a Model UN would be a lot of fun to have at Kickapoo, and it would give students a chance to experience first hand how nations hold diplomatic relations,” Maus said.
The only problem with wanting this club is that students have to want this club too,
“The way we decide the creation of clubs is usually based on student interest. If enough students ask about a club, we try to find a sponsor for it and then get the message out for students to join if they’re interested.” Maus said
Jennifer Wells, a Government and Politics teacher at our school, adds that Model UN would benefit students greatly.
“It’s a neat program that would provide some wonderful learning experiences. Students are exposed to different political systems and complex issues facing the world today, while gaining cultural awareness, critical thinking and negotiation skills. It also promotes civic engagement as students advocate for policy or societal changes.” Wells said.
There are multitudes of benefits students can receive from participating in this club, especially for students who participate in speech and debate or Democracy in Action.
“We have a very politically active population of students here at Kickapoo, and I’ve seen how they truly care about the world around them. So personally, I think if enough students ask about it, and interest in it grows, a Model UN would be a great addition as a social studies club,” Maus said.
Maus also added that joining Model UN can help students gain a scholarship. Rho Kappa Honor Society is a social studies scholarship. It is offered to students at our school if they earn five social studies credits and are a member of a social studies club. They must apply to earn this scholarship, and by having a second social studies club that isn’t Democracy in Action, students can have a choice in what club to engage in.
Ultimately, it is up to students to create a Model UN club. Teachers at our school are willing to help support this club if enough students are interested in Model UN.
