"Model UN was what really sparked my interest in international relations and ultimately my career choice." (MV-U, Class of 1999)
History
Started in 1995 at Dondero High School in Royal Oak, MI as the Dondero Model United Nations (DMUN). The team has elevated itself to a level of prestige and has gained much regional, national and international acclaim. In 2004 DMUN became ROMUN with the addition of members from Shrine of the Little Flower High School and Royal Oak Kimball High School. In 2005, ROMUN expanded from the high school level to add a middle school team at Keller Middle School as well; Addams Middle School joined the organization in 2006. The teams were combined as Royal Oak consolidated as a ROMS Model UN and the high school team, ROMUN.
"Model UN allowed me to become a better public speaker, enhanced my debating skills, and encouraged me to look at multiple angles to every issue." (DG, Class of 1998)
ROMUN Today
Today, ROMUN has expanded with many active participants from all around Royal Oak. ROMUN works in cooperation with businesses and organizations in the area. Working in cooperation with the Royal Oak Farmers Market and other groups in Royal Oak, ROMUN has raised thousands of dollars for UNICEF. The team travels both nationally and internationally, traveling every second year abroad (recently, ROMUN members went on a trip to China) and nationally on the off-years (ROMUN will soon attend the National High School Model UN conference in New York City). Members are constantly designing new advocacy trip ideas around the world.
"Model UN has introduced me to travel opportunities that I would have never had or thought I could do otherwise." (BZ, Class of 1999)
Awards
ROMUN has gained many awards, both for individual delegates and for the team.
International acclaim at conferences in Ireland (1999) and Greece (2001)
International volunteerism and advocacy in Costa Rica (2004), Scandinavia (2006), China (2008), Peru (2010), Turkey (2012), and Guatemala (2013)
National Award Winners in California, Washington D.C., and New York (1998, 2000, 2002, 2003)
Key meetings with diplomats and policy-makers in Washington D.C., New York, San Jose (Costa Rica), Helsinki, Copenhagen, Beijing (1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008)
Invited to debate in over 40 countries.
Plus numerous other awards in local conferences
Conferences and Trips
Michigan & Midwest Conferences: Our team attends several regional Model UN conferences annually. Here is where we've been:
The team travels to national and international conferences, meets with foreign diplomats, and involves itself in international service projects.
1995: Club founded with one conference attended at Hope College
1998: National High School Model UN, New York City (NHSMUN)
1999: St. Andrews Invitational Model UN, Ireland (SAIMUN)
2000: West Coast Invitational Model UN, Annaheim, CA (WCIMUN)
2001: Athens Model UN, Athens, Greece (AMUN)
2002: George Washington University Model UN (GWUMUN)
2003: National High School Model UN, New York City (NHSMUN)
2004: GRAIN Conference of Farmers of Developing Nations, San Jose, Costa Rica 2005: Berkeley Model UN, Berkeley, CA (BMUN)
2006: EU and UNDP Meetings, Helsinki & Copenhagen, Scandinavia
2007: High school consolidation year.
2008: Meetings on economic security of China at Peking University, People's Republic of China, Beijing, China
2010: Peru; orphanage volunteerism and Salkantay trek
2012: Turkey; service work in Cappadocia region
2013: Guatemala; Interact service trip
2015: Costa Rica, Interact service trip
2016 : Italy diplomacy trip (planned)
"Model UN reminds me that there is a greater world beyond our comfort bubble and that all people need the opportunity to be recognized and heard." (JK, Class of 1998)