Model UN provides a unique experience for students who take interest in debates over national issues, simulating real world conferences, and improving persuasive speaking skills.
Students enrolled will step into the shoes of ambassadors from states within the United Nations (UN). Delegates will prepare drafts, strategize, and negotiate to propose solutions to assigned conflicts, while navigating the Parliamentary Procedure laid out by the UN.
According to the Masco model UN club website, their goal is “mobilizing ‘international cooperation’ to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.”
Chosen delegates are assigned a person to represent and a few topics to research thoroughly. They are responsible for gaining a clear understanding of the matter to adequately reflect their assigned role’s stance regarding the subject.
US History teacher Laura Greeley, one of the program’s leaders, believes that this preparation is key to a delegate’s success.
“Students must be motivated to work independently to research and write in preparation for conferences. Then, during the conference, they must speak persuasively in front of large crowds and collaborate in small groups,” she said.
According to Greeley, students do not need to perfect these skills before joining but should be eager to learn and grow.
Sophomore student Oliver Deeks, who attended their first Model UN meeting last month, said, “I am really excited to meet new people and find new friends. I am also excited for BosMUN.”
The final culmination of all work in the club is during conferences. Conferences are a simulation of a real world UN conference where all delegates, somewhere between 20 to 200 club members from all over Massachusetts meet to represent ambassadors and debate social and environmental topics. Alliances are formed, conflicts are resolved, and solutions are proposed to benefit the global community.
The Model UN calendar at Masco is structured to be friendly to those enrolled in other clubs.
“Team members participate in conferences on weekends roughly once a month,” said Greeley.
In preparation, those attending a particular conference will meet after school or during M-Block to finalize their research and strategize their approach. They will also meet monthly for extended evening meetings to practice parliamentary procedure.
For students interested in joining Model UN, the best advice is to practice and be willing to put extra prep work in to ensure you excel at conferences. Greeley recommends that students use supplied study guides on Parliamentary Procedure and background materials for each committee. These resources are invaluable as they give delegates insight into both the processes and language of the United Nations as well as the specific global challenges they will be tasked with solving.
Returning member junior Hudson Schmieder said, “I usually very briefly looked at my person/country’s position. I break it into different parts and work individually. I try to ask questions about my position, too.”
He agreed that research is an essential part of participating in the club.
Model UN at Masco is more than just a school club. It’s a transformative experience that builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and instills a deep understanding of international relations. As students represent nations and negotiate with peers from around the region, they are not just learning about diplomacy–they are practicing it, preparing themselves to become the next generation of global leaders.