“My child is interested in Model UN. But I have no idea how my child gets started or how to support my child to continue doing Model UN!”
This is a very common sentiment expressed by parents who we’ve come across over the years. MUN may not be available or popular at their child’s school, so there isn’t a clear pathway on what to do next.
The easiest analogy I can make is that the role of a MUN Mom (or MUN Dad or MUN Parent) is similar to the role of a parent when a child is involved in a team sport or an extracurricular activity. You don’t need to know how to coach them in Model UN just like you likely wouldn’t be the one coaching them on how to play soccer or do speech & debate.
You just need to provide them with as many opportunities to “practice” and “play” in Model UN as possible.
Confidence, leadership skills, and global awareness are built through multiple interactive experiences in Model UN. These are traits built over time by attending training programs, participating in a MUN club or team, and competing at MUN conferences.
Here are five ways for Model UN Parents to support their child along their MUN journey:
1. Have your child join a Model UN club at their school and attend MUN conferences.
Students can join their school’s MUN club and go to MUN conferences together if their school has a team (read #2 below if there isn’t a school MUN club yet). This is akin to being on the school’s soccer team where there are regular practices, teammates, and matches against other teams — except those “matches” are called MUN conferences.
Take action: Most schools have an after-school extracurricular club fair around September. Usually students join the MUN team and sign up for MUN conferences then.
2. Provide the teacher with MUN Advisor training
If your child’s school doesn’t have a MUN club yet or doesn’t have a teacher serving as the MUN advisor, then the first step is to recruit a teacher to serve in that role and provide them with training at the MUN Advisors Institute. MUN Advisors Institute training also applies if the teacher is new to MUN (most teachers never did MUN as a student). This is akin to getting training and certification to become a soccer coach.
Take action: The next MUN Advisors Institute takes place in November and registration will be available at LearnMUN.com. Ask to see if the school has professional development or school activity budgets to pay for this. Alternatively, parents can pool funds together.
3. Sign up your child for the Best Delegate MUN Team.
In addition to joining their school’s club, or perhaps alternatively to starting a new club, students can join one of the Best Delegate MUN Teams that meet once a week for ten weeks to prepare for and attend two virtual Best Delegate MUN Conferences. This exposes them to some of the most passionate MUN students beyond their school. It’s akin to joining a private club soccer team with opportunities beyond the school.
Take action: The deadline to join the Best Delegate MUN Team in the Fall is on October 1st. MUN Teams go from October 18-January 19, and then Spring MUN teams take place between February-April.
4. Sign up to attend MUN Conferences as an independent delegate.
Many conferences accept individual students (students attending without a school MUN club). Students can gain more MUN experience and build up their MUN awards resume this way. This is akin to joining more soccer games or tournaments on your own to get more practice or playing experience.
Take action:
- Register for the virtual Best Delegate MUN Conferences. Options are available each month. The next registration deadline is October 5th.
- Or check out the Best Delegate MUN Conferences database to find more MUN conferences. In-person conferences usually require a parent chaperone.
5. Send your child to a summer MUN Institute or a Virtual MUN Institute in the summer.
These summer camps provide MUN students with the fundamental and advanced skills of public speaking, debating, negotiation, and leadership. It’s where the most passionate MUN students go to level up their skills and prepare to take on leadership roles with the guidance and feedback of experienced college MUN mentors. It’s akin to going to an elite soccer camp for world-class training.
Take action: Consider this as an option for next summer’s plans. The availabilities for the summer MUN Institute and Virtual MUN Institute will be announced in January.
**
Of course, there are many other ways parents can support their child beyond providing opportunities for “practice” and “play.” Some other roles that parents may take on include:
Parent Roles in Encouraging Preparation for MUN
- Having your child practice their MUN opening speech with you
- Stoking your child’s curiosity about world issues. Ask them to share or explain current events.
- Providing your child with resources about world issues and current events, such as subscriptions to newspapers or magazines that can help for their MUN research
- Encouraging your child to follow BestDelegate.com and dig through the numerous MUN resources on the website
- Providing space for your child to share how their conference went and to reflect on their experience
Parent Roles in Established MUN Clubs
- Serving on a MUN Parent Booster Club to help with fundraising for the MUN team
- Serving as a chaperone on MUN trips
- Providing logistical support for the MUN team as needed, especially if they are hosting their own conference
- Helping the team create a culture and identity, such as decorating the MUN room with flags, photos, and awards
- Helping students celebrate their success by hosting an end-of-year team banquet
**
Thank you for empowering your child to develop the skills and mindset to become a leader and change-maker in the world!
