While speech and debate is a frequent club choice taken by many students who love to argue, there is a lesser-known but just as good option down the hall: Model UN (or MUN for short). Based on how the United Nations operates, MUN involves representing countries, debating international events and problems, and having a blast. Participants, called delegates, go to conferences and represent countries on specific topics. The twist though, is that you not only have to argue from the perspective of your country, but you also have to come up with a proposal for a solution, called a resolution. 

While it can be a lot of fun to debate, meet new people, and talk about world events, MUN also teaches essential life skills. Senior and co-president of MUN Anjali Dave said “[MUN] helped [her] be able to talk with others, and articulate [her] thoughts in ways that have helped so much” and that it’s “taught [her] a lot about the world and the work it takes to solve word issues”. 

Just like debate and mock trial, MUN helps a lot with public speaking and debating. However, unlike similar clubs, MUN teaches conversation skills, negotiating, cooperation, and leadership, and has a greater focus on international affairs. Additionally, while debating the topic and fighting for your country’s position, you also have to come to an agreement with other countries; a task that requires many more skills on top of that helps foster connections with the other people there. Senior Max Washington, the other co-president of MUN, emphasized how “Model UN is very unique because it forces you to adopt the perspective of a different country” and how that gives a person “a deeper understanding of the country and the topic as a whole”. 

In MUN, there are so many different topics that you can discuss, from hydroponics to the Cuban Missile Crisis. For example, one of Washington’s favorite MUN memories was when he was “representing a 16th-century British peasant in a crisis committee about piracy”. These specific, unique, and sometimes silly topics are common in MUN and are a huge aspect of what makes it fun. The combination of acting, collaborating, and debating makes it a great fit for everyone. 

MUN meets on Tuesdays at lunch in room 208 (Mr. Geremia’s room), so if this article managed to convince you, feel free to stop by and give it a try!