Royal Oak Model UN Runs It Own Virtual Conference
The fourth annual Model UN training conference run by Royal Oak High School for area schools went both virtual and international this past weekend. Over 100 students from eight schools from the US and Canada competed in international debate, with Royal Oak’s team as organizers, technology managers, parliamentary chairs, and research support.
Sophomore Jane Barnett headed up the student team at the conference as its Secretary-General. Forming her leadership team were Hava Szarafinski, Millie Kocis, Erin Snyder, Nina Hall, Alex Garcia, Alex Dukhan, and Allyson Gilliland. Another dozen students on the Royal Oak team served as teachers and chairpersons across four committee rooms. This year’s topic were the many dimensions of ocean conservation, from warming oceans to promoting sustainable fishing.
“Working on SuperMUN has been a truly unique experience,” says Barnett, entering only her second year on the team. “It’s definitely scary to be testing a new website and trying a whole new approach to Model UN, but I’m so glad that we were able to make it work. Model UN is such an important way for students to think internationally and connect with others, so our club is proud to have helped students do that, even in these unprecedented times.”
“Our ‘SuperMUN’ conference began years ago for our own team to learn how to do Model UN,” said Jennifer Crotty, a team advisor. “But a few years ago we began to offer it to any local school to join us. Now we’re offering it to everyone.”
This is the first virtual Model UN in the Michigan area and served as a “testing ground” for ideas for future conferences. The larger Southeast Michigan Model UN Association of 70 public schools and university programs which Royal Oak founded 25 years ago will use the model for future conferences beginning next month. And the Royal Oak conference also partnered with a German start-up company to beta-test a new conference app that may soon be used around the world. It was a learning conference for the competing schools, their advisors, the conference organizers, and the business partners.
“At that level, it was a huge success,” said Steve Chisnell, one of Royal Oak’s advisors. “We have been preparing ideas and approaches for the conference since last May when it was clear the pandemic would not be short term. As awkward as it sometimes is to teach 100 people a new program all in one or two days, it’s also made us new friends in distant places.” The team competed “in” Greece just last weekend and will debate in a Singapore-based conference in early December.
Sophomore Jane Barnett headed up the student team at the conference as its Secretary-General. Forming her leadership team were Hava Szarafinski, Millie Kocis, Erin Snyder, Nina Hall, Alex Garcia, Alex Dukhan, and Allyson Gilliland. Another dozen students on the Royal Oak team served as teachers and chairpersons across four committee rooms. This year’s topic were the many dimensions of ocean conservation, from warming oceans to promoting sustainable fishing.
“Working on SuperMUN has been a truly unique experience,” says Barnett, entering only her second year on the team. “It’s definitely scary to be testing a new website and trying a whole new approach to Model UN, but I’m so glad that we were able to make it work. Model UN is such an important way for students to think internationally and connect with others, so our club is proud to have helped students do that, even in these unprecedented times.”
“Our ‘SuperMUN’ conference began years ago for our own team to learn how to do Model UN,” said Jennifer Crotty, a team advisor. “But a few years ago we began to offer it to any local school to join us. Now we’re offering it to everyone.”
This is the first virtual Model UN in the Michigan area and served as a “testing ground” for ideas for future conferences. The larger Southeast Michigan Model UN Association of 70 public schools and university programs which Royal Oak founded 25 years ago will use the model for future conferences beginning next month. And the Royal Oak conference also partnered with a German start-up company to beta-test a new conference app that may soon be used around the world. It was a learning conference for the competing schools, their advisors, the conference organizers, and the business partners.
“At that level, it was a huge success,” said Steve Chisnell, one of Royal Oak’s advisors. “We have been preparing ideas and approaches for the conference since last May when it was clear the pandemic would not be short term. As awkward as it sometimes is to teach 100 people a new program all in one or two days, it’s also made us new friends in distant places.” The team competed “in” Greece just last weekend and will debate in a Singapore-based conference in early December.
Royal Oak Model UN Earns High Honors in Greece Conference
In its first major conference of the team’s 25th Anniversary Year, The Royal Oak Model United Nations team debated virtually in Patras, Greece, against hundreds of students from Europe. The conference ended with all of the team finding commendation for their work.
Two of Royal Oak’s students, senior Connor Brezenski and junior Alex Garcia, each earned Best Delegate awards for their work. Junior Aaron Purrenhage also was recognized by his committee peers as a Keynote Speaker. The awards distinguished the ROMUN delegates among more than 500 students from several countries. The Royal Oak team was the only US team to debate.
The team’s individual awards were also a powerful statement on the quality of the team’s work. All three students represented the small Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While many at the conference initially expected the delegation to quietly align itself with the United States, Royal Oak quickly demonstrated how a small voice might have an enormous impact on a wide range of topics. They debated the future for climate refugees, the precarious peace process in Libya, and the corrupt election process in Belarus.
Because of the time difference, the Royal Oak team began debate as early as 3:00am each morning until 8:00am, followed by strategy sessions. In preparation and debate for the conference, the students also held conversations with experts in international policy from Greece.
“This conference was like few we’ve attended,” said one of the team’s advisors, Jennifer Crotty. “Our delegates had a great opportunity to understand how European countries viewed the United States, and we earned their respect through the thoughtful and sincere quality of our debate.”
When Brezenski arrived at the debate at 2:30am on Sunday morning, his chair quickly invited him onto the virtual stage to answer questions by European students about the recent US election. “They wanted to know how the electoral college worked,” he said, “because it was so different from what they knew.”
Royal Oak Awards at GLIMUN 2019
Once again, the Royal Oak Model UN team has earned top awards at the annual Great Lakes Invitational conference. Debating more than 500 students from more than 15 schools, ROMUN was singled out for several honors.
Top Honors go to Jake Wilcox for Best Delegate, representing Rwanda in the Special Political Committee. And the Best Delegation award goes to our Russian Federation team of Sophia Papp, Mandy Morello, and Hannah Ziegler. In addition, several of our team were selected as Major Speakers. Of the 35 speakers chosen for this award, 9 were ROMUN: Mandy Morello (2 times!), Sophia Papp, Kat Mooney, Connor Brezinski, Jack Rickle, Jackson Wicka, Hava Szarafinski, and Alex Garcia.
Congratulations to our entire team for their excellent work across 4 days of debate!
Top Honors go to Jake Wilcox for Best Delegate, representing Rwanda in the Special Political Committee. And the Best Delegation award goes to our Russian Federation team of Sophia Papp, Mandy Morello, and Hannah Ziegler. In addition, several of our team were selected as Major Speakers. Of the 35 speakers chosen for this award, 9 were ROMUN: Mandy Morello (2 times!), Sophia Papp, Kat Mooney, Connor Brezinski, Jack Rickle, Jackson Wicka, Hava Szarafinski, and Alex Garcia.
Congratulations to our entire team for their excellent work across 4 days of debate!
Royal Oak Model UN Wins Highest Honors, GLIMUN 2018
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In its first major conference of the year, The Royal Oak Model United Nations team earned most of the major individual and team awards at the four-day Great Lakes Invitational Conference.
Two of Royal Oak’s delegations, India and Syria, each earned Best Delegation awards for their work in the General Assembly. The awards distinguished the ROMUN students from over 150 other delegations from 15 schools from four states and Mexico. |
Representing India for the General Assembly award were Head Delegate Spencer Barrer (2019), Sydney Connors (2019) and Abby VanHaitsma (2019). The Syrian team was represented by Head Delegate Sophia Papp (2020), Hannah Ziegler (2020), and Mandy Morello (2020).
The team’s individual awards were also a powerful statement on the quality of the team’s work; ROMUN was recognized in four of the six major conference committees. Barrer once again earned a Best Delegate award in the Special Political Committee arguing against political extremism; Connors earned Honorable Mention (2nd Place) for her arguments to protect civilians in conflict zones in the Disarmament Committee; Hava Szarafinski (2021) as Ethiopia earned Honorable Mention for her arguments protecting women against violence; and Jake Wilcox (2020) earned Honorable Mention in the prestigious Security Council: representing Kazakhstan, Wilcox negotiated treaties and directives regarding the situations in Myanmar and North Korea.
Finally, nearly half of the team earned Major Speaker honors for the week, recognizing their significant roles in presenting key arguments, the most in ROMUN history:
“The awards are wonderful,” said one of the team’s advisors, Steve Chisnell. “But I am so impressed with 100% of the team’s dedication to the principles of the internaional process, law, and attention to detail. Despite some heavy attacks (and even some personal ones), they were steadfast and forthright.”
The team’s next conference is at Metro Detroit Model UN in January during the school’s holiday break. It will also compete in the prestigious and enormous Univ of Chicago national conference in February representing Palau. The students raise 100% of the conference and travel fees themselves through a variety of events, including sponsorships. To find out more about ROMUN, see photos of the conference, and sponsor its work, go to romun.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@ROMUNNews).
The team’s individual awards were also a powerful statement on the quality of the team’s work; ROMUN was recognized in four of the six major conference committees. Barrer once again earned a Best Delegate award in the Special Political Committee arguing against political extremism; Connors earned Honorable Mention (2nd Place) for her arguments to protect civilians in conflict zones in the Disarmament Committee; Hava Szarafinski (2021) as Ethiopia earned Honorable Mention for her arguments protecting women against violence; and Jake Wilcox (2020) earned Honorable Mention in the prestigious Security Council: representing Kazakhstan, Wilcox negotiated treaties and directives regarding the situations in Myanmar and North Korea.
Finally, nearly half of the team earned Major Speaker honors for the week, recognizing their significant roles in presenting key arguments, the most in ROMUN history:
- Athena Barrer (2021)
- Spencer Barrer (2019)
- Brooke Blackwell (2019)
- Connor Brezenski (2021)
- Sydney Connors (2019) -- two recognitions
- Mandy Morello (2020)
- Maria Pacifico (2019)
- Alex Padfield (2019)
- Sophia Papp (2020)
- Anja Peters (2020)
- Jack Rossbach (2021)
- Hava Szarafinski (2021)
- Abby VanHaitsma (2019) -- two recognitions
- Hannah Ziegler (2020)
“The awards are wonderful,” said one of the team’s advisors, Steve Chisnell. “But I am so impressed with 100% of the team’s dedication to the principles of the internaional process, law, and attention to detail. Despite some heavy attacks (and even some personal ones), they were steadfast and forthright.”
The team’s next conference is at Metro Detroit Model UN in January during the school’s holiday break. It will also compete in the prestigious and enormous Univ of Chicago national conference in February representing Palau. The students raise 100% of the conference and travel fees themselves through a variety of events, including sponsorships. To find out more about ROMUN, see photos of the conference, and sponsor its work, go to romun.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@ROMUNNews).
ROMUN Awards at Oakland University
Our team closes out its primary debate season with honors at the 3rd annual OUMUN. Spencer Barrer earned the Best Delegate award for his work in Security Council as the United States, and Sophia Papp and Abby VanHaitsma each earned awards of Excellence for their work as the US in Disarmament and Social & Cultural committees. Collectively, the team earned points towards a team award, narrowly missing one of the top conference awards. A huge congratulations to Ruhenna from FitzMUN for her prestigious Gavel Award!
As exciting, we found new friends in the newly-formed Warren Fitzgerald HS team, FitzMUN, coached by our co-advisor Ms. Crotty, and up-and-coming member from 8th grade Lilli Lesperance joined our team for the weekend! Welcome, friends!
As exciting, we found new friends in the newly-formed Warren Fitzgerald HS team, FitzMUN, coached by our co-advisor Ms. Crotty, and up-and-coming member from 8th grade Lilli Lesperance joined our team for the weekend! Welcome, friends!
ROMUN Team Earns Awards at University of Michigan Model UN
Royal Oak Model United Nation returned this weekend from its four-day debate conference at The University of Michigan with several awards.
Honorable Mentions (essentially 2nd place) in committees of 60 to 130 students were earned by senior Henry Smith, representing Saudi Arabia in Disarmament, senior Heather Rose representing Palestine in the Arab League, and sophomore Sarah Skaleski representing Uruguay in the Environment Programme.
Verbal Commendations (3rd place) in large committees were earned by senior Ethan Bradley, representing Niger in the African Union, junior Spencer Barrer representing Uruguay in the Special Political committee, sophomore Kat Mooney representing Tanzania in the African Union, and freshman Jack Rossbach representing Venezuela in the Environment Programme.
The conference debate began Thursday evening and ended Sunday afternoon, the delegates working during meals and debating as many as 14 hours each day. Over a quarter of the team earned awards at the event and the team scored high marks in five of the seven committees in which it debated. The conference hosted nearly 800 students from 37 private and public schools across the Midwest.
Honorable Mentions (essentially 2nd place) in committees of 60 to 130 students were earned by senior Henry Smith, representing Saudi Arabia in Disarmament, senior Heather Rose representing Palestine in the Arab League, and sophomore Sarah Skaleski representing Uruguay in the Environment Programme.
Verbal Commendations (3rd place) in large committees were earned by senior Ethan Bradley, representing Niger in the African Union, junior Spencer Barrer representing Uruguay in the Special Political committee, sophomore Kat Mooney representing Tanzania in the African Union, and freshman Jack Rossbach representing Venezuela in the Environment Programme.
The conference debate began Thursday evening and ended Sunday afternoon, the delegates working during meals and debating as many as 14 hours each day. Over a quarter of the team earned awards at the event and the team scored high marks in five of the seven committees in which it debated. The conference hosted nearly 800 students from 37 private and public schools across the Midwest.
Royal Oak Model UN Wins Top Honors, GLIMUN 2017
In its first major conference of the year, The Royal Oak Model United Nations team nearly swept the major individual and team awards at the four-day Great Lakes Invitational Conference.
Royal Oak’s Russian Federation delegation earned Best Delegation awards for its work in each of the two major UN bodies, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The awards distinguished the ROMUN students from over 160 other delegations from 15 schools from four states and Mexico.
Representing Russia for the General Assembly award were Head Delegate Heather Rose (2018), Emma Ristau (2018) and Spencer Barrer (2017). For the ECOSOC award, the Russian team was represented by Braden Porterfield (2017), Megan Mueller (2017), and Colin Sharpe (2017).
The team’s individual awards were also a powerful statement on the quality of the team’s work; ROMUN was recognized in five of the six major conference committees. Barrer earned a Best Delegate award in the Special Political Committee arguing the Yemen civil war; Porterfield earned another Best Delegate for his arguments in protecting Fisheries and Mining in the UN Environment Programme; and Sharpe earned Best Delegate for his arguments redefining democratic and authoritarian regimes. In addition, Rose earned an individual Honorable Mention (second place) while arguing for a review of East Asian Security, and Will Mester (2017), representing Cuba, earned an Honorable Mention for his debate of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Finally, the team earned a number of Major Speaker honors for the week, recognizing their significant roles in presenting key arguments: Rose, Porterfield, Sharpe, and Mester were all recognized for their work here as well as Sophia Papp (2019), representing Namibia, for her arguments around Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Debates began as early as 8:00 each morning and lasted until 10:30 at night followed by late night strategy sessions. In preparation for the conference, the students from ROMUN each prepared two small researched papers, essentially policy briefs, for their countries, more than 100 pages in all.
Royal Oak’s Russian Federation delegation earned Best Delegation awards for its work in each of the two major UN bodies, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The awards distinguished the ROMUN students from over 160 other delegations from 15 schools from four states and Mexico.
Representing Russia for the General Assembly award were Head Delegate Heather Rose (2018), Emma Ristau (2018) and Spencer Barrer (2017). For the ECOSOC award, the Russian team was represented by Braden Porterfield (2017), Megan Mueller (2017), and Colin Sharpe (2017).
The team’s individual awards were also a powerful statement on the quality of the team’s work; ROMUN was recognized in five of the six major conference committees. Barrer earned a Best Delegate award in the Special Political Committee arguing the Yemen civil war; Porterfield earned another Best Delegate for his arguments in protecting Fisheries and Mining in the UN Environment Programme; and Sharpe earned Best Delegate for his arguments redefining democratic and authoritarian regimes. In addition, Rose earned an individual Honorable Mention (second place) while arguing for a review of East Asian Security, and Will Mester (2017), representing Cuba, earned an Honorable Mention for his debate of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Finally, the team earned a number of Major Speaker honors for the week, recognizing their significant roles in presenting key arguments: Rose, Porterfield, Sharpe, and Mester were all recognized for their work here as well as Sophia Papp (2019), representing Namibia, for her arguments around Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Debates began as early as 8:00 each morning and lasted until 10:30 at night followed by late night strategy sessions. In preparation for the conference, the students from ROMUN each prepared two small researched papers, essentially policy briefs, for their countries, more than 100 pages in all.
Model UN Meets with Namibian Government, Wins National Honors
The Royal Oak Model United Nations team returned from the New York National High School Model UN conference (NHSMUN) with a team Award of Excellence, marking it in the Top 10 teams amongst the 100+ American and international schools there. In all, more than 2000 students attended the conference held at the New York Hilton and United Nations Headquarters.
Ten students from ROMUN’s team represented the Republic of Namibia, largely an African success story in democracy-building and development. They also had the honor of meeting with Secretary Lahya Shikongo of the Namibia Mission to the United Nations to compare policy notes. The ROMUN students had previously drafted nearly 150 pages of researched policy statements on topics ranging from insuring press freedoms to restructuring development loans.
While in New York, the team found some time to explore the city, including a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, the Museum of Modern Art, and a Broadway show, all while avoiding winter storm Stella.
This is the third time in 21 years ROMUN has attended the national-level conference and the third time it has earned a team award. The team competed previously in 1998 and again in 2003.
Ten students from ROMUN’s team represented the Republic of Namibia, largely an African success story in democracy-building and development. They also had the honor of meeting with Secretary Lahya Shikongo of the Namibia Mission to the United Nations to compare policy notes. The ROMUN students had previously drafted nearly 150 pages of researched policy statements on topics ranging from insuring press freedoms to restructuring development loans.
While in New York, the team found some time to explore the city, including a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, the Museum of Modern Art, and a Broadway show, all while avoiding winter storm Stella.
This is the third time in 21 years ROMUN has attended the national-level conference and the third time it has earned a team award. The team competed previously in 1998 and again in 2003.
OUMUN 2017 Honors
ROMUN took more awards at this year's conference at Oakland University. The two-day event of 16 schools found ROMUN earning several of the highest honors at the conference:
- Kevin Philips (2017) earned Best Delegate as China in the prestigious Historical Security Council
- Jonah Kubicek (2019) earned a Superior rating as Brazil in the Disarmament Committee
- Asher Howarth (2020) earned a Superior rating as China in the Environmental Committee
- Spencer Barrer (2019) earned an Excellent rating as Brazil in the Economics Committee
- Lara Muschel (2020) earned an Excellent rating as China in the Security Council
Top Awards at GLIMUN 2016
Royal Oak Model United Nations earned the highest honors at this past weekend’s Great Lakes Invitational Model UN Conference (GLIMUN), a Best Delegation award for India, students junior Henry Smith, junior Braden Porterfield, and sophomore Laura Lynch.
In addition to the team award, several individuals of ROMUN’s team earned high accolades. Senior Brendan Slusser won a (first place) Best Delegate honor for his representation of Egypt in the Science and Tech Committee, junior Megan Mueller won an Honorable Mention for Burkina Faso in the Disarmament Committee, and Henry Smith also won Honorable Mention for India in Special Political Committee. Finally, senior Olivia Decker earned Honorable Mention in the prestigious Security Council as Egypt.
Finally several on the ROMUN team were honored as Major Speakers at the conference: juniors Henry Smith, Megan Mueller, Heather Rose, and Adrienne Parks.
In all, 18 schools from around the US and from Mexico competed, a total of over 400 students.
In addition to the team award, several individuals of ROMUN’s team earned high accolades. Senior Brendan Slusser won a (first place) Best Delegate honor for his representation of Egypt in the Science and Tech Committee, junior Megan Mueller won an Honorable Mention for Burkina Faso in the Disarmament Committee, and Henry Smith also won Honorable Mention for India in Special Political Committee. Finally, senior Olivia Decker earned Honorable Mention in the prestigious Security Council as Egypt.
Finally several on the ROMUN team were honored as Major Speakers at the conference: juniors Henry Smith, Megan Mueller, Heather Rose, and Adrienne Parks.
In all, 18 schools from around the US and from Mexico competed, a total of over 400 students.
OUMUN 2016 Honors
Royal Oak Model United Nations took several Superior debate awards at this weekend's Oakland University conference, the first competition that university has held.
Earning the award of Superior Delegate at the conference were Kevin Phillips as Qatar and Joe Zalewski as the United Kingdom in the Human Rights Committee, and Jonah Kubicek as Iraq in the Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee. Also earning honors was Claire Ronan with an Honorable Mention as the United Kingdom in the Economic and Finance Committee.
Earning the award of Superior Delegate at the conference were Kevin Phillips as Qatar and Joe Zalewski as the United Kingdom in the Human Rights Committee, and Jonah Kubicek as Iraq in the Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee. Also earning honors was Claire Ronan with an Honorable Mention as the United Kingdom in the Economic and Finance Committee.
THSMUN 2016 Honors
This weekend's Troy "scrimmage" conference found two of ROMUN's team earning top awards:
- Junior Kevin Phillips earned an Outstanding Delegate award representing Russia in a debate on ethnic minority rights; and
- Freshman Spencer Barrer earned an Honorable Mention representing Russia in a debate on the use of drones.
SEMMUNA BHHS 2015
The team spent a December Saturday at a Bloomfield Hills SEMMUNA scrimmage event! Beautiful new building and fun debate!
GLIMUN 2015: Top Honors
Once again, Royal Oak Model United Nations has taken the top awards at the annual Great Lakes Invitational Conference event this past weekend. The team earned several individual awards and the Best Delegation award.
Royal Oak’s delegation of Russia earned top honors as Best Delegation in the General Assembly The group included Russian Head Delegate Emma McNorton (2016) as well as Alexandru Niculescu (2017) and Henry Smith (2017). In addition to the award, Russia earned additional honors: Niculescu, Smith, and Matt Harmon (2016) were each awarded Best Delegate in their committees, the top individual award for the conference. Joe Zalewski (2016), was honored to be one of three keynote speakers at the conference’s Opening Plenary.
Several other ROMUN members earned honors at the event: Ben Hedge (2017) representing Cuba; Alex Woznicki (2016), Sean Tarr (2016), and Claire Ronan (2017), all representing Togo; Leah King (2017), Harmon, Smith, and Niculescu, representing Russia, all earned Major Speaker Honors. The team took eight of the 30 places awarded in this category.
“I could not have asked for more from the entire team,” says team advisor Steve Chisnell. “Our newest delegates were highly engaged and came on strong, and our veterans persevered against strong opposition. It’s hard to be a seeming enemy of the West and still persuade dozens of people,” he said, referring to the Russian victories.
Royal Oak’s delegation of Russia earned top honors as Best Delegation in the General Assembly The group included Russian Head Delegate Emma McNorton (2016) as well as Alexandru Niculescu (2017) and Henry Smith (2017). In addition to the award, Russia earned additional honors: Niculescu, Smith, and Matt Harmon (2016) were each awarded Best Delegate in their committees, the top individual award for the conference. Joe Zalewski (2016), was honored to be one of three keynote speakers at the conference’s Opening Plenary.
Several other ROMUN members earned honors at the event: Ben Hedge (2017) representing Cuba; Alex Woznicki (2016), Sean Tarr (2016), and Claire Ronan (2017), all representing Togo; Leah King (2017), Harmon, Smith, and Niculescu, representing Russia, all earned Major Speaker Honors. The team took eight of the 30 places awarded in this category.
“I could not have asked for more from the entire team,” says team advisor Steve Chisnell. “Our newest delegates were highly engaged and came on strong, and our veterans persevered against strong opposition. It’s hard to be a seeming enemy of the West and still persuade dozens of people,” he said, referring to the Russian victories.
SEMMUNA XX: ROHS Hosts Massive Global Debate
One thousand students and their teachers converged on Royal Oak High School Saturday to debate global issues. The event was the Southeast Michigan Model United Nations Association conference (SEMMUNA), the largest youth debate event in Michigan.
"Somehow, though, we lost track of the Southeast Michigan part," says Steve Chisnell, Royal Oak teacher and outgoing Director of the Association. "Today we're pulling in schools from the west side of the state, as well. Kalamazoo is here, East Grand Rapids, West Ottawa, and others." In all, 35 public and private schools attended the event.
The students debated over 30 issues through the day in small committees using formal parliamentary procedure, similar to the methods used by the real United Nations. Royal Oak junior and Secretary-General for the conference Olivia Decker says that it was a lot to keep track of. "We debated the Iran Nuclear Deal, Isis and Boko Haram, and many topics around human rights."
Decker addressed the body several times during the event, challenging them to find topics that not only felt just, but would work pragmatically while protecting the rights of minorities. One group of committees she charged with creating "effective measurements of plan success and fair monitoring procedures" to ensure that a plan was implemented; to another group she demanded plans meet a zero-growth budget, an obstacle all too real in today's political scene nationally and globally,
"Watching the faces of student delegates hearing those challenges was priceless," said Chisnell. "Olivia expressed confidence that they would succeed, but she was uncompromising in what she wanted. Their jaws dropped. They were confused about the new bar for success."
And not very committee succeeded, which is another way Model UN echoes real world politics. Unlike traditional debate, students do not square off against one another as pro/con speakers to score rhetorical points that judges will rule upon. Instead, in Model UN, students represent different countries in the UN and argue from that country's perspective, trying to persuade the other students to vote for their position.
"Compromise is essential," says Matt Harmon, a Royal Oak senior who served as Under-Secretary-General. "And sometimes it's a battle between policies and egos." About 20 ROHS students and several teachers worked behind the scenes to student-led event successful.
All in all, the students debated for six straight hours, including a working lunch. At some Model UN conferences the debates will last over several 12-14 hour days. SEMMUNA is a training and season warm-up conference, the equivalent of a football season scrimmage event.
This 20th annual SEMMUNA conference also marks the end of Directorship by Steve Chisnell who has served since the Association's inception in 1995. "It was only about 60 students then," reflects Chisnell, who advised the students at closing ceremonies that they were learning lessons both in personal power and in democratic responsibility to engage the world.
"After a year or two in Model UN," Chisnell said, "you join the top 5% of Americans in your understanding of global politics," citing a United Nations Association study. He thanked the Association for 20 years of "serious fun."
Bloomfield Hills teacher Matt MacLeod takes the reins of SEMMUNA now. "Matt is a powerful force for us," says Chisnell. "He is expanding our reach and moving us from a southeast Michigan Association to a full all-state League. We're entering a new and exciting era for Model UN in Michigan, and I'm so proud that I was a part of that education for so many." More than ten thousand students from dozens of schools have attended SEMMUNA events since it began.
Real World Attention
Senator Debbie Stabenow attended Saturday's event, escorted by students, and she was able to visit the committees and speak with teachers. "You gave up your Saturday," she said to them, "for one of the most important kinds of learning. These are the students who will step into the world as real global citizens."
Senator Stabenow spent time speaking with the student conference leaders, observing the debates which she described as "focused and serious," and meeting with the conference Crisis Staff, who also--using Twitter--added complications to the issues debated. "I meet a lot of crisis makers in Washington," the Senator joked.
The conference keynote address was given by Professor Saeed Khan who teaches Middle East History and Islamic Studies at Wayne State University. "It was once true that military solutions were seen as a last resort," Mr. Khan told the students, "but it seems more and more that diplomacy is rarely given the opportunity to succeed."
Excepting the Security Council, the students in Model UN, like the actual UN, had to rely upon diplomatic solutions to achieve their goals.
Other visitors to the conference included Dr. Chrystal Tibbs, long time Detroit educator and women's rights advocate through the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority; and Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Royal Oak Schools Superintendent, along with Royal Oak school board members.
"Somehow, though, we lost track of the Southeast Michigan part," says Steve Chisnell, Royal Oak teacher and outgoing Director of the Association. "Today we're pulling in schools from the west side of the state, as well. Kalamazoo is here, East Grand Rapids, West Ottawa, and others." In all, 35 public and private schools attended the event.
The students debated over 30 issues through the day in small committees using formal parliamentary procedure, similar to the methods used by the real United Nations. Royal Oak junior and Secretary-General for the conference Olivia Decker says that it was a lot to keep track of. "We debated the Iran Nuclear Deal, Isis and Boko Haram, and many topics around human rights."
Decker addressed the body several times during the event, challenging them to find topics that not only felt just, but would work pragmatically while protecting the rights of minorities. One group of committees she charged with creating "effective measurements of plan success and fair monitoring procedures" to ensure that a plan was implemented; to another group she demanded plans meet a zero-growth budget, an obstacle all too real in today's political scene nationally and globally,
"Watching the faces of student delegates hearing those challenges was priceless," said Chisnell. "Olivia expressed confidence that they would succeed, but she was uncompromising in what she wanted. Their jaws dropped. They were confused about the new bar for success."
And not very committee succeeded, which is another way Model UN echoes real world politics. Unlike traditional debate, students do not square off against one another as pro/con speakers to score rhetorical points that judges will rule upon. Instead, in Model UN, students represent different countries in the UN and argue from that country's perspective, trying to persuade the other students to vote for their position.
"Compromise is essential," says Matt Harmon, a Royal Oak senior who served as Under-Secretary-General. "And sometimes it's a battle between policies and egos." About 20 ROHS students and several teachers worked behind the scenes to student-led event successful.
All in all, the students debated for six straight hours, including a working lunch. At some Model UN conferences the debates will last over several 12-14 hour days. SEMMUNA is a training and season warm-up conference, the equivalent of a football season scrimmage event.
This 20th annual SEMMUNA conference also marks the end of Directorship by Steve Chisnell who has served since the Association's inception in 1995. "It was only about 60 students then," reflects Chisnell, who advised the students at closing ceremonies that they were learning lessons both in personal power and in democratic responsibility to engage the world.
"After a year or two in Model UN," Chisnell said, "you join the top 5% of Americans in your understanding of global politics," citing a United Nations Association study. He thanked the Association for 20 years of "serious fun."
Bloomfield Hills teacher Matt MacLeod takes the reins of SEMMUNA now. "Matt is a powerful force for us," says Chisnell. "He is expanding our reach and moving us from a southeast Michigan Association to a full all-state League. We're entering a new and exciting era for Model UN in Michigan, and I'm so proud that I was a part of that education for so many." More than ten thousand students from dozens of schools have attended SEMMUNA events since it began.
Real World Attention
Senator Debbie Stabenow attended Saturday's event, escorted by students, and she was able to visit the committees and speak with teachers. "You gave up your Saturday," she said to them, "for one of the most important kinds of learning. These are the students who will step into the world as real global citizens."
Senator Stabenow spent time speaking with the student conference leaders, observing the debates which she described as "focused and serious," and meeting with the conference Crisis Staff, who also--using Twitter--added complications to the issues debated. "I meet a lot of crisis makers in Washington," the Senator joked.
The conference keynote address was given by Professor Saeed Khan who teaches Middle East History and Islamic Studies at Wayne State University. "It was once true that military solutions were seen as a last resort," Mr. Khan told the students, "but it seems more and more that diplomacy is rarely given the opportunity to succeed."
Excepting the Security Council, the students in Model UN, like the actual UN, had to rely upon diplomatic solutions to achieve their goals.
Other visitors to the conference included Dr. Chrystal Tibbs, long time Detroit educator and women's rights advocate through the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority; and Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Royal Oak Schools Superintendent, along with Royal Oak school board members.
MUNUM 2015
18 January 2015
ROMUN's mid-year conference at The University of Michigan challenged the team in new and unexpected ways as delegates met over 600 students from 30 schools. Despite some setbacks, several members of the team performed their personal bests.
Earning Verbal Commendations for their work were delegates representing Switzerland, seniors Connor Warneck and Joe Mangum. Earning Honorable Mention (2nd Place) for his representation of Libya was junior Matt Harmon.
Also demonstrating outstanding skill were junior Joe Zalewski, sophomores Olivia Decker, Leah King, Claire Ronan, and Gwen Hutchinson, and freshmen Henry Smith and Braden Porterfield.
ROMUN's mid-year conference at The University of Michigan challenged the team in new and unexpected ways as delegates met over 600 students from 30 schools. Despite some setbacks, several members of the team performed their personal bests.
Earning Verbal Commendations for their work were delegates representing Switzerland, seniors Connor Warneck and Joe Mangum. Earning Honorable Mention (2nd Place) for his representation of Libya was junior Matt Harmon.
Also demonstrating outstanding skill were junior Joe Zalewski, sophomores Olivia Decker, Leah King, Claire Ronan, and Gwen Hutchinson, and freshmen Henry Smith and Braden Porterfield.
GLIMUN 2014
7 Dec 2014
ROMUN's first major conference of the year found our new and energized team working hard across four days of debate in Kalamazoo. Representing Argentina, North Korea, Belarus, and Benin, we debated topics ranging from Kurdistan and Ukraine to GMOs and child soldiers.
Once again, ROMUN was honored with the highest award at the conference, Best Delegation for Belarus, represented by Sean Tarr and Ethan Bradley. Also noted were Major Speaker honors given to Ethan Bradley, Melissa Caren (DPRK), and Vivian Pendergast (Belarus).
"It's exciting to see the work of the team," said Steve Chisnell, the team's advisor. "I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year will bring us."
ROMUN's first major conference of the year found our new and energized team working hard across four days of debate in Kalamazoo. Representing Argentina, North Korea, Belarus, and Benin, we debated topics ranging from Kurdistan and Ukraine to GMOs and child soldiers.
Once again, ROMUN was honored with the highest award at the conference, Best Delegation for Belarus, represented by Sean Tarr and Ethan Bradley. Also noted were Major Speaker honors given to Ethan Bradley, Melissa Caren (DPRK), and Vivian Pendergast (Belarus).
"It's exciting to see the work of the team," said Steve Chisnell, the team's advisor. "I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year will bring us."
SEMMUNA 2014
3 Nov. 2014
ROMUN spent this past weekend at its annual SEMMUNA conference, which we coordinate, at North Farmington HS. With nearly 1000 delegates from 21 schools, it is now the largest conference in Michigan.
Special acclaim to Olivia Decker and Grace Cutler for organizing the conference, work that began last April.
ROMUN members Matt Harmon, Joe Mangum, Joe Zalewski, Connor Warneck, and Melissa Caren served as chairs, running several conference committees.
Finally, the team was awarded the SEMMUNA Gavel which names them (us!) hosts for the 2015 conference.
ROMUN spent this past weekend at its annual SEMMUNA conference, which we coordinate, at North Farmington HS. With nearly 1000 delegates from 21 schools, it is now the largest conference in Michigan.
Special acclaim to Olivia Decker and Grace Cutler for organizing the conference, work that began last April.
ROMUN members Matt Harmon, Joe Mangum, Joe Zalewski, Connor Warneck, and Melissa Caren served as chairs, running several conference committees.
Finally, the team was awarded the SEMMUNA Gavel which names them (us!) hosts for the 2015 conference.