UPPER ELEMENTARY
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Working Sessions
The students participate in two Working Sessions in English where they apply committee protocol to pressing societal questions with their peers, engaging them to think creatively about global issues that specifically affect young people while gaining confidence in the process.
Student Meet-ups
Students become socially familiar with the MMUN international peer community while they have fun together at social events like Community Meet-Ups where they have informal exchanges and do activities which contribute to their sense of belonging to a larger international community beyond their classroom.
COORDINATOR MEETUPS
Teacher and Parent Coordinators registered for the program, also have the opportunity to meetup twice within the year to discuss best practices with MMUN staff and other coordinators who are also preparing students.
YLP WORKSHOPS
Parents, Observers and Chaperones are supported with workshops on topics such as Fostering Global Ambassadorship, Practicing Negotiation Outside of Committee, which offer guidance for how to help their student delegates as they prepare for committee debate and negotiation.
Conference
To culminate the program, students attend an international conference of their choice where they work together and socialize (over 8 days for an online conference and 4 for onsite conferences). The final result is a transformational experience as they negotiate with their peers on the solutions to world problems, witnessing the impact of their voices and vision.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Registration, Opening Ceremony & Welcome Dinner
Check-in to receive your credentials, updated schedule and event details during on-site registration. With pomp and circumstance, the formal Opening Ceremony starts with the Parade of Nations. Inspirational words from UN Ambassadors, music and stories shared by young social entrepreneurs and activists are highlights of the opening night followed by the Welcome Dinner. The delegates are inspired and energized for the next days’ committee sessions.
COMMITTEE SESSIONS BEGIN
Students, teachers and parents peruse the culture and history of each of the nations represented at the conference, in a Hall of Nations visual display.
Each “delegation” designs a creative display of what they have learned about the country they represent.This process involves artistic expression side-by-side with research.
Parents, teachers, and chaperones have the opportunity to observe the proceedings in each of the committee rooms. Workshops by a variety of relevant speakers are held at the conference venue in the morning and afternoon.
Committee sessions begin with introductions by Bureau Members. The Bureau reviews the Rules of Procedure, conducts roll call, presents the topic at hand, and then formally opens the floor for delegations to present their speeches.
The speech is an opportunity for students within a delegation to explain their country’s position on a topic and the solutions they propose.
The delegates work to express their positions and hear the opinions of others, engaging in formal and informal discussion, negotiation and collaboration.
Once a draft resolution is finalized, voted, and reaches consensus within the committee, the members silently vote for a three delegate “Closing Bureau” to present it at the Closing Ceremony.
In the evening, students participate in a Cultural Performance event, watching or performing musical numbers or skits that represent their own culture or the culture they learned about.
COMMITTEE SESSIONS CONTINUE
Equipped with operational knowledge and useful tools for negotiation, the student delegates continue to run the committee sessions for a second day, usually completing the first topic and then moving enthusiastically onto the second.
Adults are impressed with the fact that the young students work independently with only procedural guidance offered by the Bureau. In the evening, they attend the conference socials where they have relax and fun with new found friends.
Closing Ceremony
During the ceremony, the Closing Bureaus for each committee summarize their draft resolutions before all of the other delegates, parents, and teachers. The committees vote or pass their draft resolutions by consensus to finalize a resolution, and the committee stands to receive resounding applause for successful cooperation.These young people experience the thrill of successful negotiation and collaboration. All resolutions are published on our website for participants to review and are forwarded to the UN Secretary General.
The formal Closing Ceremony is certainly the culmination of four months of persistent work at home and in school, two days on-site during the conference. More than these, it is a right of passage for young people who have experienced that they have both an individual and collective voice. Every student – from the shy and quiet ones to the bold and courageous – leave the conference with better sensitivity to the needs of other people and are armed with the awareness of their abilities to impact the world.
Key Dates
OPENING OF REGISTRATION
September 17th, 2024 10:00 AM ET
EARLY FINANCIAL COMMITMENT DATE
October 16th, 2024
YEAR-LONG PROGRAM EVENT RESERVATION & HOTEL SELECTION DEADLINE
October 16th, 2024
PAYMENT DEADLINE
December 11th, 2024
POSITION PAPER & OPTIONAL ACTIVITY SUBMISSION DEADLINE
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MMUN POLICIES
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READ OUR GENERAL POLICIES
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SDG DESIGN
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ONSITE CLOSING CEREMONY DETAILS
The FAO is an organization in constant operation and therefore the use of the FAO Plenary is not guaranteed for the closing ceremony.
Transportation to the Closing Ceremony at the FAO is included if the FAO grants MMUN access.
In the event that we do not hold our Closing Plenary in the FAO Plenary, participants are entitled to a refund of $1.92. Because of the difficulty to process such small amounts, we will donate these funds directly to UNICEF.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
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SONGWRITING
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PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Please arrive to the hotel by 3pm CET on Day 1 in order to ensure adequate time to complete registration and Hotel check-In. For all departures please don’t plan on leaving the hotel before 2pm CET on Day 4 (final day).
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
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VISA
TOUR BROCHURE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend purchasing optional travel insurance for your peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Allianz, as the world’s largest insurance carrier, extends coverage beyond our refund policy for related expenses. This policy is available for purchase by US residents who are participating in an onsite MMUN conference – please fill the widget below for travel insurance coverage pricing. Travel insurance coverage is provided by Allianz and YFBW is not responsible for policy terms, pricing, or travel insurance claims.
For any questions regarding travel insurance please contact raphael@montessori-mun.org