Middle School Model United Nations  
  

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About MIMUN

Welcome to the website of the eight annual Middle School Model United Nations at the University of Michigan! Sponsored by the International Affairs Society, this one day program is designed to foster enthusiasm for, and increase students’ understanding of, international affairs through a simulation of the United Nations. Designed specifically for middle school students, this conference uses simplified rules of procedure, based on the high school and collegiate level's Robertson’s Rules of Order, to foster an atmosphere of constructive debate and cooperation in committee. Our experienced staff, many of which are also involved in the high school UMMUN conference and compete in the college circuit of MUN conferences, will help your students at every step of the simulation. Similar to other Model UN simulations, before the conference delegates will research their country’s positions on the topics that their committee will address. Then, during the actual MIMUN conference, students will actively participate in the process of debate and resolution writing in the attempt to solve some of today's most pressing international issues.

MIMUN is education through simulation. Model UN cannot be classified simply as a debate activity; instead, it is also a role-playing activity. MIMUN provides a unique educational experience that extends beyond any traditional academic apparatus incorporated in junior high school curriculums. By delving into their roles as diplomats to the UN, students gain a hands-on understanding of the intricacies of world diplomacy. Students are given the opportunity to see international relations in action, a far more exciting and comprehensive learning experience than any textbook or lecture can provide. Committee sessions are designed to be as realistic as possible. Universal acceptance of proposed solutions and unconditional willingness to compromise are lofty ideals which, however pleasant they may seem, are often unrealistic. One of the goals of MIMUN is to show students how international diplomacy really operates. While consensus is an important aim, it does not supersede policy. Thus at MIMUN we aim to show that it is the process, not simply the end, that is worth understanding.

Goals of MIMUN

MIMUN, and MUN activities in general, have many collective goals, including helping participants to gain a multicultural view of world affairs and to develop speech, debate and compromise skills. Interdependence is another important aspect of the Model United Nations experience. Because of the connectedness of our world, an understanding of the varying cultural, political, and economic factors that contribute to the differing policies and perspectives of nations is crucial in working towards international peace and stability. MIMUN strives to foster broadened understanding by allowing students to experience policies and perspectives other than those which exist in their own country.

Lastly, MIMUN strives to increase students’ awareness of the central importance the United Nations plays as a forum for international opinion. There are many who say that the United Nations, merely because it lacks noticeable enforcement power, is a useless bureaucratic waste of time and money. This opinion demonstrates a lack of understanding of the force of world opinion and of the subsequent importance of the UN as a mechanism for communication. Indeed, such an opinion would deny what every teacher knows: talking about a problem is often one of the first ways of recognizing a problem exists and of finding a constructive means to solve an issue without resorting to violence. As such, the UN can focus humanity's attention on issues that are seemingly intractable to those mired in them while at the same time appear too distant to worry about for those who can alleviate suffering. The United Nations thus provides a forum in which any nation, no matter how small, may address the entire world community for the benefit of all mankind.

Who We Are

The MIMUN staff is made up of college students who seek not only to facilitate the conference, but also to educate. From preparing background materials to working with the delegates during the conference, the staff is dedicated to the learning process. While MIMUN is a simulation of a formal process, we constantly striving to achieve the balance between professionalism and approachability, which we believe is essential for the success of our conference.

History of MIMUN

MIMUN is part of the umbrella group of international affairs orientated groups on campus. The oldest group on campus with a connection to the UN and MUN activities is the University of Michigan Model United Nations, or UMMUN. This group has been staging a yearly high school MUN conference for more than the past two decades. The International Affairs Society was created roughly 5 years ago by students involved in UMMUN to allow Michigan students to attend other collegiate level MUN conferences. However, it soon grew into the nexus for the growing scholarly interest in international affairs. IAS has spawned a number of distinct but interrelated sub-groups, such as MIMUN and then the Michigan Journal of International Affairs, both of which were created during the 2001-2002 academic year. Eric Moberg was the creator of MIMUN and the Secretary General of the club for its first year. Eric was followed by Joseph Torigian, who also was responcible for creating the MJIA and serving as its first Editor-in-Chief. Subsequent Secretary Generals of MIMUN have included:

  • Jason Berlow (2004-05)
  • Jared Cantor (2005-2006)
  • Jordan Marcusse (2006-07)
  • Jacky Ho (2007-08)
  • Kyle Morrison (2008-09)
  • Udit Chaudhry (2009-10)
  • Akshay Baliga (2010-Present)
 


 

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