Model United Nations Training Webinar Notes

Introduction

Speaker: Laura Beth Goldsmith, Executive Director of Partnerships at Best Style Yet
Topic: How to prepare for your first or next Model UN conference
Participants: Students, teachers, administrators, and parents from various locations

Participants introduced themselves in the chat
Includes middle school teachers, high school teachers, students, administrators, and parents
Notable locations: Chicago, Texas, Miami (FL), New York, Honduras

Experience: 17+ years in Model UN, started in high school
Education: Political Science and Community Building at Emory University, Master's in Management from Harvard University
Passion: Global issues, teaching, understanding diversity, traveling (60+ countries)

Introduction to Best Delegate's new guide for preparing for model UN conferences
Covers steps for both in-person and virtual conferences
Includes a step-by-step checklist
Q&A session at the end
Additional resources and guides

Students simulate world leader roles, addressing global issues
Develop skills in public speaking, diplomacy, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, advocacy
Experience includes:
- Research
- Debate
- Negotiation
- Resolution writing
- Parliamentary procedure
- Giving opening speeches
- Moderated and unmoderated caucuses
- Resolution presentation and voting

Learn the Basics: Read the new guide, watch training videos
Review Background Guide: Understand the committee topic, read end-to-end
Research Committee Topic: Understand the problem, causes, effects, impacts
Research Country Profile: Know government, allies, geography, economy
Country Policy Research: Use the SPEAR method (Speeches, Programs, Events, Agreements, Reports)
Brainstorm Solutions: Identify issues and brainstorm solutions
Write Opening Speech: Include a hook, a point, and an action
Review How to Write Resolutions: Ensure proper structure and format

Power Searching: Use site-specific searches in Google to find relevant, credible information
Opening Speech Structure: Hook, Point, Action
Resolution Writing: Header, preambulatory clauses, operative clauses
- Header: Committee name, topic, sponsors
- Preambulatory Clauses: Italicized first word, end with a comma
- Operative Clauses: Underlined first word, end with a semicolon (except the last one, which ends with a period)

AI in Research: Use AI tools like ChatGPT as an aid, but verify information with credible sources
Practice Simulations: Best Delegate offers private and public practice sessions
Conference Procedures: Note-passing and laptop use policies vary by conference
ESL Participation: Understand vocabulary and abbreviations
In-Person vs. Virtual: Both have benefits, include both in learning plans
Generating Club Interest: Utilize teachers, make meetings fun and engaging

Best Delegate Website: New guide for 2023, student resources, video library
**Upcoming Events: **
- Workshops: October 14th (Various topics)
- Webinar: October 26th (Resolution Writing)
- Conference: November 4th (Virtual Model UN)