Still confused about MUN? Forgot that one part of committee? Don't worry, we got you covered with our Frequently Asked Questions. If you would like to have your question answered, send us an e-mail at [email protected].
What is the purpose of MUN?
Model United Nations is an academic competition team that travels to other schools, collaborating with fellow high schoolers in order to develop realistic solutions that solve real world issues. We get to work with fellow high school MUNers and try to solve problems that happen in the world around us. If that sounds complex, don't worry, it's easier than it sounds. Once you see it in action, it makes a lot more sense.
You say this is good for college apps...how?
Say a college admissions officer is looking at two identical applicants. Both have great test scores, rigorous class loads, great extracurriculars. But one of them has MUN on their app. The admissions officer is statistically more likely to choose the applicant with MUN on their resume.
Why is that?
If you're a part of MUN, you're telling the officer that you have regularly committed to this club, since you've gone to our conferences. You're showing them that you're able to respectfully work with others; you're mature enough to discuss major topics, like a refugee crisis; you're creative enough to create solutions to problems in real life; you're good at public speaking; and so much more.
Why is that?
If you're a part of MUN, you're telling the officer that you have regularly committed to this club, since you've gone to our conferences. You're showing them that you're able to respectfully work with others; you're mature enough to discuss major topics, like a refugee crisis; you're creative enough to create solutions to problems in real life; you're good at public speaking; and so much more.
Is every topic made up of only one person?
To put it simply, no. A committee will usually be composed of one or more delegates from multiple schools. When you attend a conference, you will be put with students from Santa Margarita, Cerritos, Tustin, etc.
Do we get to choose our countries?
Yes and no. When we register for a conference, that school will send us our country assignments. What a school will typically do is assign one or two countries for each topic for a school. For example, if we went to Tustin, they might give us Brazil and Germany for the committees they have offered. You have the ability to choose between countries if we have more than one country available at a conference, but you cannot choose whatever country that you want to represent.
How do I research for an obscure country with no policy on *topic*?
Sadly, we won't always get the bigger, more popular countries, and we get countries like Cameroon (who?) or Kazakhstan (she doesn't even go here?!). A good tip to get around this problem is to see what kinds of views they tend to take on or the views of countries surrounding them. Countries usually get put into "blocs," which are groups of member states with similar views and are located within a particular region. Even if the country itself does not explicitly state their perspective, you can definitely infer from context clues what views they might hold.
What happens if I can't attend a conference?
No worries! The great thing about MUN is that it's meant to be flexible with your schedule. If you have a cross country race the same weekend as Cerritos, no problem. There's always the next conference! MUN works with you, and you work with MUN.
Do we get breaks during a conference?
Yes! Depending on the conference, you can have anywhere from 1-2 breaks. There are the rare conferences where they don't allow you to have breaks, but the chances of us attending one are unlikely. Your chairs are human too! They need a break every once in a while.
Why is the club fee $250?
$50 goes towards your shirt, your banquet fee at the end of the year, and GriffMUN. The other $200 go towards four conferences, each costing $50. The $50 covers your bus and delegate fee. If you feel that the $250 fee is too much to pay upfront, please talk to Ms. K about setting up a conference-by-conference financial plan or receiving potential financial aid from the Booster Club. No student should be prevented from attending a conference due to financial constraints.
Why are your club meetings on Mondays?
Monday, MUNday, funday!
Why do we have to do attendance?
Attendance is a way for us to check that our students have been attending lunch meetings and actively participating. This information is useful for end of the year activities, such as choosing who gets on board or awards at banquet. Furthermore, we sometimes post surveys in our attendance to determine where the students' interests are. This is a club for the people, by the people, not a dictatorship!
What if I'm a shy person? Is MUN meant for me?
Of course! MUN is for everyone - no matter how shy or social. MUN is a great way for introverts and extroverts to challenge themselves by engaging in complex debate or simply by engaging in debate in front of people. Some of the shyest people have gone through this program, and they are just as successful as other members in our club.
P.S. Multiple Secretaries General who have run the club throughout the years are actually introverted! Many aren't fond of public speaking, but they will rise to the challenge!
P.S. Multiple Secretaries General who have run the club throughout the years are actually introverted! Many aren't fond of public speaking, but they will rise to the challenge!
