Resources and FAQs

Delegate Resources

What is MUN?

Model United Nations is an academic club that allows students to understand and solve global issues, represent different countries and the UN authentically, and improve research, debate, and collaborative skills. Delegates who are a part of MUN are able to attend conferences in which they will represent a country and select a committee and issue to solve. Delegates will have a chance to collaborate with others to present solutions and attempt to pass them in the form of resolutions. 

 

What is a committee?

A committee is a small group of the United Nations that works to solve specific problems and is staffed with specific countries. Some examples of committees include: WHO - world health organization, SC - security council, CSW - commission for the status of women.

 

What is a crisis?

Crisis committees are simulations of an event in real-time, where delegates strive to solve multiple issues simultaneously. In a crisis, delegates represent an individual person rather than a country.

 

What is parli pro?

Parliamentary procedure is the specific language used in committees. Parli pro may change based on the conference. A parli pro sheet for your reference is attached below.

 

What is a position paper?

A position paper is exactly what it sounds like; it is a paper (usually 1-2 pages) that describes a delegate assigned country’s position on the topic which is being debated in their committee. Position paper writing guides and award-winning examples are attached below. A conference may require a position paper to be submitted in order to be eligible for an award at that conference.

 

What is a resolution?

A resolution is a document with a specific structure that is written in a committee by a group of delegates who have similar ideas for how to solve a problem. Resolution writing guides and examples are attached below.

The following documents are provided to help delegates hone their MUN skills:

Conference Uniform/Dress Code

The Model UN Uniform

• Model UN members should wear Professional Attire as their uniform to conferences. Professional Attire is that which a student would wear to a job interview in a business office position.
  
  • Tops: A pressed, button-down short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt or blouse. No sleeveless shirts/blouses permitted.
  • Bottoms: Dress slacks or skirt in a solid color.
  • No shorts, capris or blue jeans (denim).
  • Skirts must be no shorter than two-to-three inches above the knee. Mini-skirts and short dresses are not considered to be “professional attire” as defined in these guidelines.  
  • Accessories:
    • Closed-toe dress shoes that can be walked in comfortably are required.
    • No sandals, no tennis shoes, no boots. 
    • Dressy “pump” style shoes that are open-toed are permitted. 
    • Excessively high heels (more than 2.5") are not permitted.  
  • A tie/bowtie, necklace, or fashion scarf
  • Dress shoes (no tennis shoes or boots).
  • Optional: A full suit or dress appropriate for a professional interview. Solid color preferred.
  • If slacks, suit or dress is not a solid color, the design should be subtle (e.g. pinstripes).
  • No party dresses or casual summer/informal dresses. Long or short sleeves are required for dresses, or a blazer may be worn over a sleeveless dress as long as it is not removed at any time. Dresses must be no shorter than two-to-three inches above the knee. Mini-skirts and short dresses are not considered to be “professional attire” as defined in these guidelines.

• Model UN members who are participating in a conference may wear professional attire AND their delegation flag pins to school the day of the conference (or the day before the conference if they will be missing school the day of the conference). See the definition of Profession Attire above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What forms of communication are used to keep members and parents informed about Model UN happenings?

• Students should watch the Secondary Announcements slides, especially on Fridays. Parents/guardians can also access the Secondary Announcement slides here. Additionally, letters, Commitment Sheets, Permission Forms, etc., are sent home to parents/guardians.
• Both students and parents/guardians have access to this website, which is kept up to date. Please submit comments, suggestions, and questions about the website to [email protected].
• Links to Model UN Social Media can be found under the navigation on the right side of this webpage. For the safety and security of our community, please remember not to tag students or use students' last names when a photo or video of that student is included. Please note that the Code of Conduct is strictly adhered to when it comes to social media and technology. Model United Nations members know that whatever is recorded is permanent and could go viral, so they should always represent themselves, their organization, and their school with pride and integrity.
• Model UN Team App: Coming soon.

 

Can Model United Nation Members letter (earn a letter jacket and Model UN patch)?

 

What if my student has dietary restrictions?

• Students in 6th-12th grades are expected to know their own dietary restrictions, check labels and advocate for themselves. However, if a student needs special meals while traveling for a conference, parents/guardians should pack those meals for day-trip conferences or contact that hosting facility for longer conferences to arrange special meals. Model United Nations sponsors and chaperones are not responsible for coordinating special meals or the delivery of special meals.

Conference Participation Fees

Conference participation fees will be invoiced by MySchoolBucks. If you have not already done so, please set up your MySchoolBucks account. Invoices for your 2022-2023 Conference Participation Fees will appear in your MySchoolBucks account once issued.

Need help with MySchoolBucks? Please visit this webpage.

 

For each conference, an estimated amount will be provided (see Conferences). For those conferences that require travel expenses, there will be a Conference Participation Fee Deposit and a Conference Participation Fee Balance. The Conference Participation Fee Balance will include travel expenses. (MySchoolBucks also charges users a 4.9% processing fee. Families who wish to pay conference participation fees by check instead of on MySchoolBucks should email [email protected] for those payment instructions. The fee deadline still applies, and there is a $25 charge for each returned check.)

 

Financial Assistance

Meridian wants all interested and eligible students to be able to participate in MUN conferences whenever possible. Some conferences offer financial aid, and in some situations, Meridian is able to offer financial assistance to those who qualify. To inquire about financial assistance for Model UN conference participation fees, please email [email protected]; please include in your subject line: "MUN [insert conference name] financial assistance."