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Extracurriculars

Are you interested in politics or international relations and looking for a club that lets you do you hands-on activities? Have you heard of Model UN but aren’t sure exactly what it is?

Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about what Model UN is, what participants in it do, and how to decide if it’s the right extracurricular for you to join.

What Is Model UN?

Model United Nations, often referred to as Model UN or MUN, is an extracurricular most commonly for high school students, but also available to college and middle school students.

Model UN is a simulation of UN organizations such as the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, UNICEF, and others. Its participants take the roles of ambassadors from various countries and debate current issues. Model UN was developed in the 1950s as a way to give students hands-on learning in international relations, diplomacy, and the United Nations. Over 400,000 students around the world participate in Model UN each year.

What Do Model UN Participants Do?

The core of Model UN is its simulations of UN conferences where students (known as Model UN delegates) role play as UN ambassadors and delegates. If you join Model UN, you will be doing a variety of activities, including researching, debating, and coming up with solutions with members of other countries. These simulations occur at Model UN conferences, which can be regional, national, or international. Conferences can have anywhere from 30 to over 3,000 participants.

When your Model UN team joins a conference, your team will be assigned a country and an issue relevant to that country that is currently being discussed in the UN. You can request a certain country, but you are not guaranteed to get it. For example, you may be chosen to represent Nicaragua at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). At the conference you attend, you will have to convince the other delegates to make decisions in your country’s favor.

If you have a larger Model UN team, you may be assigned multiple countries or issues, and the team will break into smaller groups to cover each one. Conferences occur throughout the year, but you will be given at least a few weeks, and usually several months, to prepare your position before you attend the conference.

Before the Conference: 

In order to prepare for conferences, delegates must study the country and the issue they have been assigned and become well-informed on both.  Most conferences require you to write a position paper that outlines your country’s position on the topic as well as suggestions you have for how to resolve the issue.

If you’re representing Nicaragua for the ECLAC, you will need to research topics such as what sectors have the largest impact on the country’s economy, long-term and short-term economic trends in Nicaragua, if there are groups largely excluded from contributing to the economy (such as women or certain ethnic groups), who Nicaragua’s primary trade partners are, what the country imports and exports, and multiple other topics. After discussing these issues in the position paper, you will have to come up with ways to improve Nicaragua’s economic situation.

UN General Assembly Hall in New York City

During the Conference:

Students will be organized based on the committees or councils they are part of, so all the members of the ECLAC would meet together. Each group will have a chair who will moderate the discussions. The chair is often an older student or adult.

Delegates then give a speech outlining their country’s position on the issues and offering possible solutions. Most of this information will come from your position paper.  After each delegate has presented their country’s position and potential solutions, there are question and answer sessions and debates (known as “caucusing”).

The main goal during the conference is for your committee to develop a written resolution. After you have discussed different countries’ viewpoints, debated, and agreed on solutions, the entire group will work together to write the resolution. The resolution will explain the issue your committee is focusing on and give a series of guidelines in order to solve it.

After the resolution is written, the committee will vote on it. If your resolution passes, that is a mark of your committee’s ability to work together and compromise well.  Awards are also often given out at conferences to top delegates in each committee. These are often delegates who had well-designed position papers, debated effectively, worked well with other members, and took an active role in developing the written resolution.

How Can You Start a Model UN Group at Your School?

If your school already has a Model UN group, you can probably join it the way you would join any other school club.

If there is no Model UN club at your school, then you can also start your own. We have a guide that gives step-by-step instructions on how to start your own club , and we also have some specific tips for starting a Model UN club below.

First, you’ll need a teacher to act as the adviser for your Model UN club. When you apply to start a Model UN team, your school may assign a teacher, but, if not, consider asking a social studies teacher who likely has a strong background in the issues that Model UN discusses.

After you have recruited members and set up meeting times, the next step is to choose which conference(s) to attend. Currently, over 400 conferences take place all over the world. You can search online for conferences, and a list of larger conferences is also available here. For new clubs, you may want to choose a conference that is close to your school in order to make traveling easier and less expensive.

It’s possible for a Model UN team to sign up for multiple conferences, but if your team is just starting out, you may want to begin with only one or two conferences a year to make sure members aren't overwhelmed with work. Also, because new teams usually don't get first pick for what country they'd like to represent, if you'd like to represent a larger country like China or the US, you have a better chance of getting your first choice at a smaller conference. Be aware though that representing a larger country often requires more research and preparation.

Once you have a conference selected, your team will be assigned at least one country and committee to represent.  You can now divide up roles and begin researching.

What Are the Benefits of Joining Model UN?

Now that you know what Model UN is, what are the benefits of joining it? Model UN can be a great addition to a resume or college application, and I've discussed four of its most important benefits below.

Benefit #1: Hands-On Experience in Politics, International Relations, and Current Events

If you are planning a career in international relations, politics, or you’re simply really interested in these topics, Model UN is one of the best extracurriculars you can join because it gives you hands-on experience in these areas.  Most of the time, students interested in these subjects can only learn about them in class or by reading on their own.  While this is a great way to get more information, it usually isn’t a very interactive experience.

Model UN involves many of the same activities that actual UN delegates participate in, which is a great way to learn how different countries and committees work together to solve problems.  Model UN conferences also focus on current issues, so you will be learning about relevant current events that are likely being discussed and debated around the world.

Hands-on experience can make understanding ideas and concepts easier, looks stronger on college applications because it requires more work, and is often more fun to participate in as well.

Benefit #2: Improve Public Speaking and Debate Skills

During a Model UN conference, you will spend a lot of your time giving speeches and debating with other delegates, which can really improve your skills in these areas.

Public speaking and debate skills are useful for almost every career, so no matter what kind of job you want in the future, boosting your skills in these areas will likely benefit you down the line.

Benefit #3: Learn Teamwork Skills

Every step of Model UN requires teamwork, whether it’s dividing up research assignments, writing a position paper, or creating a speech. At the conference, teamwork becomes even more important because you must work with the other delegates to come up with solutions that everyone is happy with and write a resolution paper together.

Model UN delegates often gain experience in conflict resolution, consensus building, and negotiations, which are teamwork experiences many other clubs don’t offer.

Strong teamwork skills are very important to colleges because they want to admit students who will work well with their classmates and other students on campus. Having strong teamwork experiences such as the ones you can get through Model UN can help strengthen your college applications.

Benefit #4: Possibility of Travel

If you participate in Model UN, there is also the possibility of traveling to new cities or even new countries.  Model UN conferences are held around the world, and if your team can afford to travel to a foreign conference, you can get the added benefits of exploring a new place and culture, as well as meeting students from other countries.

If you join Model UN, you may get to travel to some exciting places for conferences.

So  should you join Model UN? If you have enough time in your schedule and are at all interested in international relations, politics, debating, or public speaking, then Model UN can be a great extracurricular to get involved in because it includes a lot of hands-on, relevant work and can be a strong addition to college applications. If you're still unsure, drop by a meeting at your school to get a sense of what joining the club would be like.

• Model UN is a club for middle school, high school, or college students whose members simulate UN committees.
• Model UN members are assigned at least one country and committee. They research the country and the relevant issues to prepare for a conference.
• At the conference, students representing many countries and issues come together to debate their positions and agree on solutions.
• Model UN is a great extracurricular for students looking to learn more about politics, current events, or international relations and for students who want to improve their public speaking or debate skills.
• You can learn more about Model UN here.

What's Next?

Looking for other after-school activities? We have a list of over 200 extracurricular ideas , and it's sure to include something that interests you!

Considering community service or volunteer work? We have a guide to the nine best places to do community service!

Interested in more opportunities for travel? Read our guide on volunteer abroad programs and learn if they're really the best option for you.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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How to Write a Position Paper for Model UN

Last Updated: May 24, 2023 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 13 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 40,715 times. Learn more...

Model UN is a great way to find global solutions for global problems and it is a great way to improve many skills. But Model UN is not only about debating and discussing resolutions, it is also about preparation. The position paper is one of the most important parts of preparation. It will define your position at the beginning of the debate and will exhibit the resolutions and ideas of the country you represent.

Normal Form

• For example: "Introducing new alternative energies will help to reduce emissions, slowing the release of emissions that contribute to global warming and helping to prevent the continued melting of glaciers and sea-level rise being experienced around the world. It will also support the American economies that are trying to make businesses from alternate energy production. If these services are also established in Africa, there would be increased work opportunities and better economic outcomes."

Human Rights Topics

Economic Topics

Health Topics

General Format

Community Q&A

• Don't focus too much on one thing, try to go over everything quickly but effectively. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Make it persuasive, convince everyone. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Don't make it very long or you will lose people's attention. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Don't make it very short or you will not look serious. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.nmun.org/assets/documents/nmun-pp-guide.pdf
• ↑ https://www.uml.edu/fahss/model-un/resources/position-paper.aspx
• ↑ https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/programs/model-united-nations-of-alaska/delegate-information/position-paper.cshtml
• ↑ https://naimun.modelun.org/position-papers
• ↑ https://sites.dartmouth.edu/modelun/conferenceinfo/position-paper-guidelines/

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MODEL UN GUIDE

Model United Nations (MUN) simulations are popular exercises for those interested in learning more about the UN. Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide participate every year in MUN at all educational levels – from primary school to university. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in MUN as students.

But did you know that many MUNs do not follow the actual rules and practices used at the UN? Also, while many MUNs frequently vote, most decisions adopted by the real General Assembly are made by consensus.

That is why the United Nations Model UN Programme created a guide to teach MUN teams how to bring their simulations more in line with the way the UN actually works. You can online guide or -->check out our publication, The United Nations Guide to Model UN , the UN’s first guidebook on how to participate in or host an authentic simulation of the UN. It is now available in English , French , and Portuguese .

Meanwhile, read about exciting efforts to accurately simulate different entities of the UN, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) . 

Model United Nations

• How to Organize a MUN Conference
• Get the Model UN Guide Book
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Model UN Research & Citation

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Ask a Librarian

We're here to help! Reach out to Mrs. Hooper or Ms. Fox for assistance with research, writing, and citations:

Email us at  [email protected]

 Mrs. Hooper                Ms. Fox

BUSUN Formatting Guidelines

These guidelines are provided by BUSUN for position papers:

Position papers should be 1-2 pages in length per topic, written in size 12 Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins.

Position papers should be submitted in .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format. Files should be titled in the following format: School_LastName_Position (e.g. "BrownHS_Smith_USA.pdf").

Citations and works referenced should be clearly listed at the end of all position papers. We prefer that these references be formatted in Chicago or MLA style. BUSUN takes plagiarism seriously — plagiarized content may result in delegate disqualification from awards, or in serious cases, entire delegations may not be invited in future years.

Position papers should contain:

Relevant historical actions

Current policies on the topic

Potential solutions you intend to propose in committee

Responses to ‘Questions to Consider” from background guide

Delegation should write a position paper for all topics assigned to their committee - this may not hold true for all specialized or crisis committees. Please consult your committee background guide for more information.

If you unsure how to cite a source, check the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) website for examples. They have guides for both CMOS and MLA style. And when in doubt, ask a librarian for help!

Noodletools can help you manage and create your bibliography: 

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8.2 Model United Nations and Your Resume

Back to Handbook Contents page.

Excellent participation in a Model UN conference can be impressive when applying to internships, volunteer programs, graduate school or a job, particularly when they have a global, communications or political dimension to them. When you speak in an interview, write a cover letter or produce your resume, consider including the following applicable skills that you have gained by participating in the Model United Nations course at Pace University (fill in the underlined slots with the information relevant to your experience).

• Worked with a partner on a position paper and served as a delegation at a national conference simulating the United Nations
• Attended a national Model United Nations conference and acted as a delegate from the Argentine Republic
• Conducted extensive research on a particular country to develop a position on topics Including illicit animal trade, sustainable energy initiatives, and climate change
• Collaborated with a working group to create a comprehensive paper on the topic of sustainable energy initiatives
• Delivered formal and impromptu speeches to a large group of people
• Negotiated with a group of people on what to include in a working paper addressing the topic of “ Sustainable Energy for All ”
• Led a working group of 15 people in the efforts of creating a draft resolution on the topic of “ Sustainable Energy for All ”
• Practiced rules of procedure during formal committee sessions
• Developed an understanding of how the United Nations operates through simulation
• Practiced diplomatic skills when working with people that have a common goal of solving the issue at hand

  Example of Model UN experience in a formal resume:

In an experience section:

Pace University                                                    New York, NY

Model United Nations Member                              Sept. 2013 – Oct. 2013

• Attended a National Model United Nations conference and acted as a delegate from the Argentine Republic
• Collaborated with a working group to create a comprehensive paper on sustainable energy initiatives

In a membership section:

Memberships

Pace University Model United Nations , Member                  Sept. 2012 – Present

Pace University Club/Organization, Member                         Sept. 2012 – Present

Jacqueline Kelleher for Pace University, 2013. Version 3.0 BETA. For information, permissions or corrections, contact Dr. Matthew Bolton, [email protected]

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Competitive Model UN Essay

Model UN is a competition for some. Fact. The goal of a resolution is diplomatic achievement. Lobbying and persuasion are part of the gave. People who practice Model UN want to learn to be more effective.That is not to say that a Model UN committee can’t be a warm loving place. It should be a place to experiment. It can also have the education seeker and the competitor in the same room. Also, the competitor should realize that this is learning for real life and not go too low and also make sure they are learning as well.

I admit that I was very competitive, but ask all of my students and you will hear that I don’t drive competition in my classes, and try to create a warm environment in the class. A place to experiment and learn. However, if not for my competitive drive I would never have got the habits, skills and information I do. Also, after my competitive days ended, and I stopped the ‘mental working out in the gym of the Model UN in the same way, all I was left with were the hard-earned skills.

Competitive or not, what comes easy goes easy and to get these skills you will need to work and work hard. I see a MUN culture where we improve each other by striving to be better. I see rooms where people aren’t taking advantage of shy first timers but a room of 20 delegates who all have 20 conferences under their belt evolving and improving their game to further refine their skill. I see the working on skills to make them memorable in a room of perfect speeches, I see a room where everyone does their prep on everyone else and comes with clashes and calls to action ready to engage. I see a room where after a speech everyone has a proper assessment of their fellow delegates and each speech has multiple layers of subtext and a different message is heard by 6 different people, and each interpretation intentional. 

These skills can only come from practice and drive and I feel that it doesn’t matter if you’re coming from competition or curiosity. As long as you aren’t immoral, and don’t bribe or get someone else disqualified, and play within the very stretched confines of the game, it doesn’t matter why you’re doing it. You will respect who is good and who is serious, whether they are competing or not. In the end, you will respect who is good and who worked hard. In the end, you might be friends with this person, and it will be because of the quality of their actions and not their intentions.

This book can be used for competitive Model Uners. This book can also be used by people who want to study and better understand the human psyche and what makes people tick. This book can be used by curious people who want to understand the complex world of Model UN. I don’t discriminate and think all should be accepted. If you put in the work, gain the skills and love what you do all the power to you. In Model Un people can get hurt, and sometimes we fail, get outmaneuvered and don’t achieve our goals, whether by being bested or because of mistakes we made. 

This is how things work in real life as well. Pain is part of the process. Model UN isn’t about a safe space from some aggressive or strategic diplomats. We are lucky that at the end of the day no one pays the price for our wrong choices, even if we unanimously decide to bomb a country or dismantle all the nuclear power plants in the world. The place to do with, with others, is the safe space and biosphere which you will not find anywhere else. This is the place to try and learn and experiment. This is the place to put yourself out there, lose and learn. I have seen students of mine get “destroyed” only to learn from it and, with a specific committee, I chaired in mind, watched all of my students who “lost” in that room ALL take the best delegate at the next conference they took part in.

The specific story I might recount later in this book but the moral here is clear to me. You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs and what you do here, both for those who put a little and those who put a lot, will last a lifetime. Don’t be afraid of hardship. Do your best and love what you do. It was this environment which changed my life and instead of thinking who is competitive or here for the wrong reasons, this who can I learn from. Who, when I watch them is an artist at work? When we engage with the greats, we become better. Engage with the greats. Even if they have different motivations than you do, or the same when it’s done you will have lessons and stories that you won’t find anywhere else. Go get them.

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