Chiaravalle Storms Model United Nations

by: Ember Medack, Isu Reed, and Teagan Springer

In November 2014, Teagan Springer, Ember Medack, Isu Reed, Ava Deiden, Ben Baker Katz, Leo Mancini, Jack Barton, and Julian Avar Campopiano ventured to the Chicago Historical Museum for their first middle school Model United Nations Conference. It was a new experience for Chiaravalle Middle School.

After working on their position papers which concerned current situations in their country they picked, they were able participate in the meeting. There were four different committees, including SOCHUM, the social rights and climate control committee, FAO, the food and agriculture committee, and the UN security council. The committee leaders informed us about what we would be discussing during the conference. We gathered in our committees, and were given problems that we needed to collectively find solutions to, keeping in mind what is in the best interest for the country that we were assigned to represent.

This event also included work into research and preparation. We had to be familiar with our country’s views on many different topics, as well as our economic positions, and main trade exports. We were presented with packets, that gave the history and views of our country, and when there was a problem that we were aware of, we had to write a resolution, and get majority of the countries to sign, agreeing with the proposal. This procedure is very similar to the one executed by real United Nations representatives, and it was a good practical life experience to give us some exposure to politics and public affairs.

At the end of the conference, they presented speakers with outstanding delegate awards, and multiple of the Chiaravalle students received these awards. Leo, who won an overall outstanding delegate award including a certificate and a book about the topics that his SOCHUM committee discussed, Julian, got an amazing negotiator award, Ava, for receiving outstanding negotiator award and Teagan, who got an amazing speaker award. Overall, it was a valuable experience, and the Chiaravalle students look forward to participating again next year.

Learn more about Chiaravalle Montessori at www.chiaravalle.org