This guest article was submitted by Simon Goldsmith, the founder and Director of Training of LACES MUN.
When I founded Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) MUN in 2015, I could not have predicted the challenges of developing a MUN program without an adult advisor or coach. However, three years later LACES MUN has grown into a collaborative and dynamic club that engages students to think critically about global issues and diplomacy.
In 2015, LACES MUN began with four freshman members that competed in one novice conference. During its first two years, our team grew in size and experience, setting us up for future competition and permanent establishment. In October 2017, we hosted an Interclass conference designed to introduce our new recruits to MUN, and by the end of the 2017-18 season, our 14 delegates will have competed in six conferences around California.
The secretariat of LACES MUN has identified four major takeaways crucial to developing a fledgling student-run MUN program:
1. Build a Model UN Culture
New MUN programs often consist of delegates already devoted to other academic activities, so it is important to build the appeal of MUN through a distinct culture. At LACES we encourage social interaction among our team by eating together before and during conferences and by taking time at meetings to actually get to know one another. A tightly-knit team builds a unique MUN environment and encourages members to be dedicated to MUN research and preparation.
Building a MUN culture: LACES Advanced Delegates Eating Pho Before BMUN LXVI
2. Collaboration Over Competition
LACES delegates love MUN because we see the activity as a chance for us to collaborate with like-minded students and explore topics of international relations and development. True to the mission of the United Nations, and therefore MUN, we encourage our delegates to win awards through inclusive collaboration as opposed to ruthless competition. This approach to committee is not only more rewarding for the delegates who abide by it, but is strategic in terms of winning awards—LACES MUN has earned over 25 individual conference awards.
3. Diversify Your Portfolio
Over time, a new MUN program will accumulate advanced, intermediate, and novice delegates. In order to introduce beginners to MUN while still keeping more seasoned delegates interested, choose conferences and committees that will fit the experience level of the members of your team. For example, our novice delegates competed at a novice high school conference in January while our advanced delegates researched for a successful trip to UC Berkeley. At USC in March, our advanced delegates competed in Specialized Bodies, such as ICJ and Crisis committees, while our beginner delegates built their skills in General Assembly committees.
Diversify Your Portfolio: LACES Novice Delegates at Edison Novice 2018
4. Never Give Up
Establishing a high school MUN program requires organization, communication and frequent and immediate problem solving, but is a completely doable task for any individual or group of students willing to dedicate hard work and perseverance. Learn from past failures and challenges, and never give up on establishing a fun and competitive MUN program at your high school! In order to meet registration deadlines, organize travel, and prepare delegates for successful conferences, LACES MUN relies on its committed and self-taught secretariat.
Never Give Up: LACES MUN at BRUINMUN 2017
A major impediment to the expansion of MUN in high schools around the U.S. and the world is the attitude that establishing a competitive MUN program requires adult expertise and previous experience. I believe that LACES MUN breaks this mold, and that high school students around the world can do the same, spreading student interest in solving the most pressing challenges that face our planet.
In order to reach the LACES MUN secretariat with any questions about developing a MUN team, or to learn more about LACES MUN, visit lacesmun.weebly.com.
