Longview Students Use Democratic School Experience at Model UN

Brewster, NY — Eight middle and high school students from Longview School ventured into New York City this week to participate in the National High School Model United Nations. This is a natural fit for these students who are accustomed to participating in democratic meetings each week at their school. Longview is one of about 100 democratic schools around the country. These schools are not democratic in the sense of being Democrat versus Republican, but in the sense that the students are integrally involved in the decision-making at the school. Adults who remember their high school student governments are typically surprised to learn that, at Longview, students do not simply decide on issues such as the colors for the school dance or the options for a senior trip, but are actually debating and passing the rules that maintain the smooth functioning of the school.

For the last six weeks, students have been learning about how the UN functions and what its priorities are. These are reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, which lay out 17 priorities for how to create a better future for everyone on the planet. This week, pairs of Longview students represented Spain, the country they were assigned to, by participating as delegates in various UN committees: Koryn Lindhjem and James Thesing in the International Atomic Energy Agency; Zachary Clarke and Kayla Thielking in the World Tourism Organization; Harry Howell and Viola Velonis in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations; and Simonne Clarke and Ryann Weakley in the United Nations Environment Assembly. The students advocated for resolutions on issues ranging from combatting vector-borne disease using radiation-induced sterility in mosquitoes, to reducing the carbon footprint of peacekeeping missions.

Participating in this conference is consistent with Longview’s focus on the teaching of skills. The shift in education from memorization of information to the development of skills is still in process in many schools, but Longview consistently makes this a priority. While this is certainly true in academic classes, it is also integrated into the real-world learning that permeates the Longview model. Students are supported in learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Participation in the democratic structures of the school is just one way this is accomplished. In addition, students participate in a Clerkship system in which they share all the work of running the school with the 1:1 support of the teaching staff. By holding jobs with responsibilities such as paying the school bills, keeping the school attendance record, repairing the school building, and mediating interpersonal conflicts, students are not just doing busywork but are essential in keeping the school running smoothly.

One of the highlights of this week’s trip was the session held in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters. Sitting in the chairs of modern-day ambassadors and hearing from both representatives of the UN Secretariat and a current diplomat from South Africa, the students could see where their diligent work with the Model UN could lead.

With the support of the Longview students, numerous resolutions were passed at this 4-day conference. Some of these resolutions will be discussed with actual UN staff, and those that are considered most promising could end up shaping international policy. For the Longview students though, having the opportunity to debate pressing global issues with other middle and high school students from around the world will likely stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Longview School is a K-12 non-profit, NY State-recognized private school which has been pioneering student choice in education since 2001. It is located on Main Street in Brewster, 100 yards from the train station. In its small, family-like environment—30 to 40 total students—Longview follows a democratic model that empowers children to take on real-world responsibilities as they grow to become independent, responsible, educated, happy adults.

National Model United Nations (NMUN) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances understanding of the United Nations and contemporary international issues. The organization positively affects the lives of participants and prepares them to be better global citizens through quality educational experiences that emphasize collaboration and cooperative resolution of conflict. NMUM envisions a world comprised of civically engaged people who strive for peaceful, multilateral conflict resolution and equitable, sustainable human development.

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