Model UN is an elective at Lively that has around 80 7th and 8th grade students. But, most Lively students aren’t sure what Model UN is, so today I’m going to show you what exactly the class is, how it works and why it’s so important.
First I asked Zella Bueche Pryor, an 8th grade Model UN student to explain what happens in the class, she told me that you do things like “run simulations, which are basically mock Model UN conferences.” She explained that these simulations are “usually not as serious and you don’t have to write as much for them.” This helps prepare them for conferences where students collaborate to solve global issues. “We write position papers, which are informational papers about current issues happening in the world, or even sometimes fictional issues,” said 8th grader Eliza Burkart.
Next, I spoke with Andres Nava, an 8th grade social studies teacher and Model UN teacher, he told me that a key part of the class is “student-led discussions about current issues”. One of his favorite parts of teaching the class is “getting to listen to the students discuss their opinions and seeing them lead discussions and find solutions to the real world problems.”
“The main thing that I want students to take from this class is that they have a voice and that they are the future of our country,” said Nava.
Burkhart said that she ”loves Model UN because it lets you share with others and get to hear other opinions” she also said that “it really helps improve public speaking skills.”
“It teaches the core roles of debate, how to make political arguments and teaches you how the UN works,” said 7th grader Nabil Zahid.
Sophie Lin, an 8th grader described the class as being “fun, chill and very independent, but you still have to rely on other people in your committees.” When asked how the class has helped her grow, Lin shared that “it has helped me overcome fears of public speaking and talking about my personal opinions, I’ve also learned a lot about other countries.”
Most Students think that Model UN has helped them grow as a person. “It’s helped me become a smarter, more well-rounded person,” said Pryor. “It’s improved my public speaking skills, my confidence and helped me learn about other people’s world views,” said Burkhart. “It has helped me learn about debate and how I can use that in life,” said Zahid.
In conclusion, Lively’s Model UN program not only gives students important skills like public speaking, debate, and global awareness, but is also a great way to build confidence and leadership.