Link to Donate to GW Model UN: https://give.gwu.edu/model-un-program-at-gwu

In this episode of Around the Circuit, we dive into the intricate world of Model United Nations (MUN) at George Washington University (GW) with Parth Badhwar, the head delegate of GW's competitive Model UN team. Badhwar shares insights into the team's philosophy, emphasizing being good delegates with a competitive edge while maintaining a positive image on the circuit. We explore GW's Model UN program's structure under the George Washington International Affairs Society, which supports various initiatives, including the Model United Nations team, and learn about the unique leadership model tailored by each head delegate.

Fundraising is a significant challenge, as GW Model UN receives no monetary support from the university, necessitating tens of thousands of dollars to be raised annually for competition participation. Badhwar highlights their current efforts to raise $10,000 through community support, underscoring the impact of every donated dollar.

The episode delves into the selection and training process for GW's Model UN team, the strategic decisions behind conference attendance, and the logistics of managing a large and diverse team across numerous events. Badhwar discusses the importance of fundraising to alleviate the financial burdens on team members, enable broader participation, and maintain the enriching tradition of Model United Nations involvement at GW.

Podcast Notes:

• Guest: Parth Badhwar , Head Delegate, GW Model UN Team
• Key Topics:
  • Philosophy and goals of GW's MUN team: competitiveness balanced with camaraderie and integrity.
  • Structure and leadership of GW's MUN program within the larger International Affairs Society.
  • Fundraising challenges and efforts to support team activities without university funding.
  • Recruitment, training, and team composition strategies for national and international conferences.
  • The significance of MUN in developing skills relevant to political and international affairs careers.
• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to support GW's Model UN team by donating to their fundraising campaign. Every contribution helps reduce costs for team members, ensuring wider access to Model UN's valuable experiential learning opportunities.
• Advice to High School MUN Delegates: Parth advises high school students to fully engage with MUN to develop essential skills and consider continuing Model UN in college for its profound personal and professional benefits.
• Closing Remarks: The episode closes with an appreciation for Parth's insights and a reminder to listeners to check the show notes for the link to support GW's Model United Nations team.

Resources:

• GW MUN Team Fundraising Page: https://give.gwu.edu/model-un-program-at-gwu
• For further MUN training and resources, visit allamericanmun.com.

We sit down with Rolando Kattan, the president of the Yale International Relations Association (YIRA) and a third-year student at Yale. Kattan takes us through the journey of YIRA, Yale's largest student organization known for its significant contribution to the Model United Nations (MUN) community. He sheds light on the origins, missions, and expansive reach of YIRA's flagship project, YMUN, emphasizing its role as a global platform for projecting Yale's educational values.

Kattan details the structure of YIRA as an independent, nonprofit student organization, highlighting its various branches, including academic journals and outreach programs like Hemispheres. He discusses the logistical and financial challenges of expanding YMUN internationally, the strategic decision-making behind such expansions, and the organization's dedication to making MUN accessible to students worldwide through substantial financial aid.

The conversation transitions to Kattan's personal journey from a high school MUN delegate to becoming the president of YIRA, exploring the skills and experiences that have shaped his leadership. He stresses the importance of Model UN in developing critical skills applicable beyond the conference rooms and acknowledges the pivotal role of MUN advisors in students' lives.

This episode not only celebrates the impact of Model UN on fostering diplomacy and global awareness among young leaders but also highlights the unsung heroes behind the scenes, inspiring listeners with stories of ambition, challenge, and community.

Podcast Notes:

Guest: Rolando Katan, President, Yale International Relations Association (YIRA)

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to YIRA: Overview of Yale's largest student organization and its mission to extend Yale's educational mission globally.
• YMUN: Insight into YIRA's flagship project, its history, impact, and the expansion of the YMUN conferences around the world.
• Organizational Structure: Discussion on YIRA's unique status as an independent, nonprofit student organization and its various branches.
• Challenges and Expansions: Kattan shares the challenges faced during the international expansion of YMUN conferences and the strategies implemented to overcome them.
• Personal Journey: Kattan discusses transitioning from a high school MUN delegate to the president of YIRA, including the skills and experiences that influenced his leadership.
• The Role of MUN Advisors: A tribute to the significant impact of MUN advisors on students' personal and professional development.
• Financial Accessibility: YIRA's commitment to making MUN accessible through financial aid and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in MUN participation.

Key Quotes:

• "Model UN as a platform for projecting Yale's educational mission globally."
• "The essence of what we do is to make Yale education more accessible."
• "Leadership in YIRA involves navigating challenges with a focus on diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution."
• "MUN advisors are the unsung heroes in the Model UN community."

In this episode of MUN AMA, we dive deep into the multifaceted world of Model United Nations, focusing on the experiences of seasoned delegates and their journey through traditional and fantasy committees. Frank and Gab share advice for newcomers and veterans of Model UN, shedding light on the essential skills for success, the unique challenges faced in different committee formats, and the intriguing world of fantasy committees.

Frank and Gab share their thoughts on how parents can effectively communicate with their students participating in Model UN conferences. Parents often struggle to connect with their students because they don't understand the activity and only have a vague understanding of the jargon used.

The conversation then shifts to traditional vs. fantasy committees' distinct challenges and opportunities. While traditional committees demand a deep understanding of real-world issues and the positions of assigned countries, fantasy committees offer a creative twist, requiring delegates to navigate fictional scenarios with the same diplomatic acumen. Frank and Gab recount their personal experiences in both types of committees, offering listeners a glimpse into the strategic thinking and adaptability required to thrive in these diverse environments.

In the last question, Frank and Gab grapple with the cost/benefit analysis of high school Model UN rankings. Should they exist? How should they be calculated? What benefits and drawbacks exist when ranking high school Model UN teams?

Podcast Notes:

• The Essence of MUN Success: Discussion on key skills for MUN, including research, public speaking, and resolution writing.
• Traditional vs. Fantasy Committees: Insights into the different dynamics and skill sets required for success in both types of committees.
• Deep Dive into Fantasy Committees: Guests share their experiences with fantasy committees, offering a look at the creative and analytical challenges these committees present.
• Advice for MUN Participants: Practical tips for preparation, effective debate, and networking within the MUN community.
• Challenges for Newcomers: Strategies to overcome common obstacles faced by new MUN delegates.
• Closing Thoughts: Summary of key takeaways and final advice from our guests.