By Andrew Salerno
Model UN, one Branford High School’s newest clubs, is for those who enjoy the feel of real time educated debates, and learning experiences they can share with friends.
Model UN is a United Nations simulation club, similar to how Model Congress is a congress simulation.It’s a program that is designed to promote knowledge of current international affairs of all different subjects, its organizers said.
The group was officially started this year by founder Spencer Mariotti, and three other sophomores who serve as the club’s cabinet. It is being advised by Mr. Gruendel, who attends all meetings and directs the general discussions.
The group met last week for a practice debate based on the United Nations. The topic discussed at the time was how to deal with the issue of ISIS in the Middle East, Mariotti said.
The gist of the club is that participants portray a country who speaks with other counties about international issues and debates until a conclusion or solution is reached. Members get to choose the country they’d like to be, and from there they research their country’s views on the upcoming issue being debated on.
A panoramic view of the first Model UN practice debate last Friday held in the lecture hall. Photo by Spencer Mariotti.
Mainly these debates take place at a conference, which is held at different locations as a competition where the school’s team tries to win against the other schools. Conferences are often away, so they usually feel like a miniature trip with all of the other members. They’re a great learning experience, and greatly help with verbal and confidence skills.
“Model UN was always something a lot of people including me had wanted to do before, so I’m really excited that the ball is finally rolling for us,” said Mariotti. Before this school year, this was just an idea that Mariotti had in his head. He contacted Mr. Gruendel though, and now his club is a reality. Already, Model UN has over 50 plus members.
They’re planning on going to three different conferences, which will be UCONN, Trumbull, and Stamford.
Editor's Note: Andrew Salerno is a member of the Model UN club.
