Model United Nations Program

For Middle School Students

California YMCA Youth & Government has offered the Model United Nations (MUN) program to middle school students throughout the state since 2001. Middle school students or "ambassadors" come together in delegations and participate in the program with peers from across California. They are given the opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills, and make new friends. The three-month program includes two in-person events*, a 1-day training and the culminating 2-night Model United Nations Summit.  There, delegates represent assigned countries as ambassadors and work to solve global issues with the skills they have acquired.

*There will be one of each conference in Northern California and Southern California.

Delegations

Students participate in the program through their local delegations. Delegations are formed through YMCAs, schools, or other youth-affiliated programs. Delegations are encouraged to host weekly meetings that begin in January, and are led by an adult Advisor. Within their delegations, delegates research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions. The main focus for the 23rd MUN will be the Sustainable Development Goals as we pass by the midpoint of the timeline for the 17 goals.

Some groups may hold their weekly meetings virtually while others will be in person. This will depend on the local guidelines of each delegation so be sure to check with your local YMCA regarding their in person meeting policies.

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

Southern California

  • 1-Day Training - March 2024
  • Location TBA
  • Summit- Friday April 26-Sunday April 28, 2024
  • Camp Pali Mountain, Running Springs, CA


Northern California

  • 1-Day Training - March 2024
  • Location Sacramento Central YMCA
  • Summit- Friday May 3-Sunday May 5, 2024
  • YMCA Camp Jones Gulch

Delegates can expect a curriculum that includes a thorough orientation of the overall MUN program and its program areas, as well as cultural acceptance, public speaking, and leadership skills. Programs will have a strong emphasis on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Delegates also receive an introduction to the staff, role training, and a chance to meet other middle school students outside of their local area.

When attending the Model United Nations Summit, ambassadors take on the roles of their country’s UN representatives, committee chairs, and presiding officers. They get to put their research and newfound knowledge to work as they perform their roles and explore how the United Nations is run. In this unique experience, they deal with international issues that affect our world. Delegates leave this experience with greater knowledge of the world around them and social skills that they can use for life!

Contact your local YMCA to sign up with a delegation or let us know if you need help locating one.

For delegation information, please contact Lisa Daddario, Associate Executive Director at LisaDaddario@ymcaLA.org.

For program information, please contact Ali Sheaffer, Associate Executive Director, at AliSheaffer@ymcaLA.org.