INTRODUCTORY PACKETMUN 2009-2010 Season

MODEL UNITED NATION 2009-2010THE INTRODUCTORY PACKET & WELCOME TO THE TEAM

On behalf of the 2009-10 MUN leadership, welcome to the team! Whether or not you’re “on the fence” in regard to your decision to join, we’re happy that you picked up this packet. We’re looking for serious, dedicated and savvy individuals like you to help drive the team into a successful year.

This packet contains various materials which you will need to read to understand what it will mean to participate in the program this year. It includes (but is not limited to):

1. Commitment ContractA document containing the various requirements you must agree to if you intend to participate.

2. Schedule of Events & Fundraising InformationA list of conferences and events we are currently planning to attend, as well as a list of dates and deadlines for our various fundraising activities.

3. Personal Letter Writing Campaign InformationA guide to formulating personal letters to send to friends and family soliciting small donations for your MUN expense account. Additional materials to add to your letters will also be included.

4. Business & Corporate Letter Writing Campaign InformationGeneral information about Model U.N. intended as a supplement to answer your questions about the program, and about joining the team.

Remember, you and your teammates will be the reason for the team’s success. Fundraising will be completely student driven, and preparation and organization of finances and competition materials will be the duties of the officers and team collaboratively.

Most importantly, the leadership would like to impart upon you its dedication to the establishment of program which it hopes will gain regional and national notoriety for its skill and superior professionalism. Joining the team this year will place you on the “ground floor” of our attempts, and provide you with the opportunity to have your hand in the creation of an exceptional tradition for Murrieta Valley High School.

Good luck in your endeavors, and we hope to see you at our first meeting, the date of which will be decided upon soon (contact team leadership for more information).

Best regards,

Taylor Hains – President – taylorhains@murrietavalleymun.org

David Leonard – V.P., Public Relations – davidleonard@murrietavalleymun.org

Katya Abelsky - V.P., Domestic Relations – katyaabelsky@murrietavalleymun.org

Diana Hess – Adviser – dhess@murrieta.k12.ca.us

MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2009-2010COMMITMENT CONTRACT

The following document consists of a list of commitments you will be required to make as a Murrieta Valley High School Model United Nations team member. Please read all clauses carefully, and consider whether or not you can truly make this kind of commitment. This contract is binding, and you will be held to your decision to sign it.

i. Preface

This commitment contract is broken down into five sections, each of which contains information on specific tasks you will need to perform, meetings and other events you will need to attend, and attire and various other sundries you will need for competition.

When reading this, please consider that our Model United Nations program is a team effort; it requires the combined effort of everyone involved to excel, and exist.

I. Meetings

A. Lunch

Beginning in September, weekly lunch meetings, at both lunches, will be held in Mrs. Hess’ room. As a team member, you will be expected to be at all meetings. It is understandable that you will be absent from a few; however, if your absences become excessive, you may jeopardize your “starting” position in competitions, and your place on the team.

B. After school

Beginning in September, bi-monthly after school meetings will be held at numerous places; while many meetings will be held in Mrs. Hess’ room, some may be held at a team member’s house, or at a comparative location. All team members will be expected to attend every after school meeting; the time and date will be set with the schedule of the majority of the team in mind. However, we will not be able to take every single person in to account; if you have numerous other after school commitments, please, keep this in mind.

II. Preparation

A. Study of your country

For each conference, as well as during preseason practice, all team members will be expected to spend time outside of the meetings studying pertinent

information and topics regarding the country they’ve been assigned. The tools you use (web based or physical encyclopedias, informational websites, books on each specific topic) will be up to you to decide. All team members will be given some initial instruction and guidance on how to find information on certain issues; however, it is expected of you to evolve past the need for help, and be able to seek out important information on your own.While the time you are expected to study outside of meetings is up to you, it is absolutely necessary for you to be fully informed on all topics assigned. This independent study will allow you to form a basis for discussion with our team, and eventually for competition.

B. Write and revise multiple drafts of opening statements, positions, etc.

In preparation for conferences, all team members will need to complete multiple “drafts” of their opening statements, positions on certain issues, and other key documents which are needed in the actual competition. Rough drafts will be discussed in a Socratic method, with each team member constructively critiquing the work of the others. Personal analysis of your work is also expected, as is the ability to use appropriate grammar conventions and use the proper format. You will be doing a substantive amount of work to prepare for these conferences.

C. Public speaking

Model United Nations conferences require extremely well-honed public speaking skills. You will need to practice your delivery many times to achieve a finished, presentable product. You will be expected to memorize the issues and stances of your country that will constitute your statements.

III. Polishing

A. Team polishing days

In an effort to perfect materials, delivery, and overall performance, the team will be holding “polishing” days on a routine basis leading up to each competition. These team practices will take place outside of school, and all participants in the conference, as well as all team members who can, will be expected to attend. These polishing days will be your final practice for each competition.

B. Presentation of materials

All persons participating in the conferences who prepare materials will be expected to submit them, both in a typed draft form, and a performance form, to the group at large for constructive criticism and critique. Such presentations will aid all in perfecting their materials.

IV. Competition

A. Attendance of conferences

To attain a letter, and be confirmed as a member of the Model United Nations program, each participant will be required to attend at least half of the conferences the program attends each season.

B. Commitment to attend each conference

In the months leading up to each conference, team members will be expected to “commit” themselves to attend, if they are planning to do so. Those who do commit will be expected to attend; failure to do so may mean termination from the team. If, after paying the fees for the conference, you drop out of said conference, you will not receive a refund. C. Fees, dues, and fundraising.

Due to the district budget shortage, the program will require fundraising and contributions from team members. You will be notified in advance of any fees due, and fundraising opportunities will be available. You will not be disallowed from attending if you cannot personally afford fees, if at all possible.

D. Length of conferences

Some conferences will be multiple days, and may require an overnight stay in a hotel. A conference will, for the most part, not be a simple single day. If you start a conference, you must be committed to attending the entire conference. Most of these conferences will take place on weekends; information on dates will be made available at the first possible time.

E. Attire for conferences

Participants in conferences will be expected to dress in “western business attire,” or clothing that is appropriate for a formal setting. Specific details will be given, but generally women will be expected to wear either: (a) a “pants suit” or (b) a collared button-up shirt and a professional skirt or pants; men will be expected to wear either: (a) a suit, which is preferable or (b) a formal collared shirt and appropriately colored slacks – both instances will require ties. Questions regarding attire should be asked prior to submitting your intent to attend a conference.

Taking all of this into account, consider your ability to commit to this program. All of this will be required of you; if you are unsure, please be sure to relay your reservations to the leadership.

In return for your commitment, the program affirms its commitment:

I. To provide an intellectually stimulating experience which will foster skills in debate, discussion, and problem solving.

II. To, to the best of its ability, prepare each team member for success in all areas of post-high school life.

III. To give participants an enriching experience which will help them better understand the world, current events and geopolitical issues.

IV. To offer the potential rewards of: (a) a “varsity letter” and/or (b) a letter of recommendation from the club adviser for use in applications. (Both rewards are contingent upon your dedication to the program, and the discretion of the leadership. 60% or more of conferences must be attended.)

I affirm that I have fully read the above statements, and do agree to bind myself according to their content:

Signed,

X

Records Information (please print):

( ) ( )First Name Last Name ` Home Phone Cell

Phone

Street Address (and, if applicable, Apt. #) City ZIP Code

Email address Parent Email Address

* Please return this form completed to leadership or Mrs. Hess as soon as possible.

MODEL UNITED NATION 2009-2010SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

Please note: This schedule is wholly tentative. Events may be subtracted or added due to unforeseen future occurrences. You will be notified in the event of any changes.

August

13th – School starts

Introductory activities and meetings will be held in the month of August. Meetings will be at both lunch and after school; team members will be informed in advance, and are expected to attend.

September Various team polishing days will be held in September to prepare for “SOCOMUN.” All team members will be given prior notice, and will be expected to attend.

9th – Chic-Fil-A Fundraiser at Chic-Fil-A on Madison Ave., 5pm to 8pm20th – Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser, Applebee’s on Madison Ave., 7am to 11am26th – SOCOMUN Conference, 7am to 5pm

October

In preparation for the UCLA Model U.N. Conference, more polishing days will be planned. Those going to UCLA must attend all polishing days, which will be planned (as much as possible) around other major events.

2nd – Fundraising period #1 ends, UCLA registration fee due7th to 8th – UCLA Conference, times TBA

MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2009-2010FUNDRAISING INFORMATION, INTRODUCTION

To support the expenses of the program as a whole, and to provide you with the opportunity to raise as much of the funds as you can for fees associated with conferences and events, the leadership team has devised a tentative fundraising scheme for this season.

Fundraising opportunities will be in these areas:

I. Personal & corporate letter writing campaigns

See the following section(s) in this packet for guides and form letters.

II. On campus events

These events will include “international food day” and other sales opportunities centered around the general student body. Responsibilities in regard to preparation of food, setup, and service will be delegated in the time running up to each event. Help with these campaigns is required.

III. Restaurant “cooperative” nights

These Model United Nations-sponsored dining nights will be an opportunity for the program to partner with certain restaurants and gain a percentage of the profits from those families who have fliers or some other form of identification. As of right now, we are looking at having 3 to 4 of these kind of events. Announcement to friends, family and the student body in general is expected.

IV. Program sponsored dinners & banquets

Dinners and/or banquets are intended to be special nights in which members of your family and the community are invited to a large venue to enjoy food and entertainment, in return for a donation to our program. Duties such as recruitment of food donations, venue setup, and service and event support will be required of all team members. The current schedule may allow for only 1, and possibly 2 events of this size.

V. Miscellaneous small campaigns

These smaller campaigns, such as car washes and or food sales, may be set up periodically throughout the year. While their obvious benefit is the ability for quick deployment to gain needed funds, support will be expected from team members to make them work.

Remember, all of these fundraising events are for YOU! Budget constraints mean that all money will be raised by the program and for the program. If you do not participate in raising this money, you will be expected to fund your fees for each conference on your own. You must help out.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2009-2010PERSONAL FUNDRAISING LETTER TEMPLATE

[Not yet in its final form. If you need the template, ask or email:

David LeonardVice President, Public Relationsdavidleonard@murrietavalleymun.org]

MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2009-2010LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Office of the PresidentHeaded by: Taylor Hains, PresidentDuties: Manage subordinate offices, recruitment, approve and sign budget/checks, provide updates to adviser on a timely basis, assume any necessary powers not yet delegated to other officesSubordinate offices: Office of the Vice President (Public Relations), Office of the Vice President (Domestic Relations)

Office of the Vice President (Public Relations)Headed by: David Leonard, Vice President, Public RelationsDuties: Scout fundraising opportunities, keep contact with other programs and organizations, manage public appearance (within and outside of school), review budget and finances before submission to presidentSubordinate offices: Directorate of Finances

Office of the Vice President (Domestic Relations)Headed by: Katya Abelsky, Vice President, Domestic RelationsDuties: Organize practices and interteam events, disseminate news and bulletins to team members, monitor team progress in conference preparation, review documents and notes before dissemination to team, rally support and morale for conferences and eventsSubordinate offices: Directorate of Information

Directorate of FinancesHeaded by: TBD, Director of FinancesDuties: Create a budget, manage incoming and outgoing assets, coordinate expenditures with other offices, prepare fiscal reports on request, manage personal accounts and reconcile main account through percentage system

Directorate of InformationHeaded by: TBD, Director of InformationDuties: Aid in information dissemination, maintain team documents (including “history”), take notes in meetings and create agendas based discussion needs

Office of the PresidentTaylor Hains

Office of the Vice President (P.R.)David Leonard

Office of the Vice President (D.R.)

Katya Abelsky

Directorate of InformationTBD

Directorate of FinancesTBD