Role playing and simulation gives students, especially teenagers, opportunities to experience “real world” affairs. The Model UN Club at Tallwood High School resembles the renowned United Nations, a popular career involvement for those interested in the debating of world affairs. The Model United Nations Club allows for students to role play by conducting procedures, creating resolutions and goals for the future, and recognizing world topics/ events through discussions that mimic those of the UN.

The essence of the club is to prepare for a HSMUN, or High School Model UN, conference. As the name states, these conferences are held to model those of the UN, but on a level so that high schoolers can participate. The Model UN Club at Tallwood meets often throughout the month to prepare for these conferences that are held at two local Virginia colleges, William and Mary and Old Dominion University. These conferences are open to any Virginia high school that has a Model UN Club, signs up to participate, and agrees to pay the fees. From there, the club begins to learn and develop their roles within the role playing element. Whether on a double delegate or a single delegate, one must complete research in order to prepare and maintain an understanding of their country and its insight.

In an interview with one of the co sponsors of the club, Mrs. Voegeli, I inquired her role and the participants’ role in the club.

What is the Model UN Club and what are the students’ roles?
“Students get together to prepare for two MUN conferences we attend at William and Mary and ODU. They have to prepare in advance because MUN is a large role-play/simulation. Student participants are known as delegates. They are presented with their assignments in advance, along with a topic or topics that their committee will discuss. Topics range from climate change to economic development.”

Along with Mrs. Voegeli, I interviewed a student in the club, Cypress Utley, on her insight of the club.

What are some skills that the students exhibit in the club and conferences?
“The purpose of this club is to allow students to have the opportunity to increase their understanding on other countries and the world, to practice research and public speaking skills, and to gain valuable experience on negotiating with people who may have different opinions and interests in mind.”

Who can join MUN Club at Tallwood?
Anyone can join students from all grades are welcome to join, and although the majority of members are in the academy, people who aren’t in it are welcome to join as well. It’s advertised more in GSWLA classes, but that shouldn’t stop non-academy students from joining.

Click here to access other articles in Volume 3, Issue 5 of The Roaring Gazette.