Virtual Cafeteria

By: Elina Palapattu

As we all know, meals during a typical MUNUM conference are a highlight of the day! We all look forward to the large selection of restaurants, stores and coffee we are fortunate to have at the conference. Some of my favorite MUN memories were during the lunch session, talking with other delegates, and bonding over our love for all the food that the cafeteria has to offer. Food and lunches are obviously something that we can't fully recreate in the virtual setting, so I decided to ask delegates what they ate for lunch. I interviewed people from my own committee (IPC) as well as some DISEC members on what they chose to eat for lunch. To my surprise, many people got very creative with our lunch break! Many of the people I talked to ordered out for lunch or made a cool dish, so I hope that reading this article inspires you to try something new for lunch- whether it’s recreating our usual delicious MUNUM cafeteria at home, or trying a restaurant recommended in the article:)

From sandwiches to sushi, the delegates at this conference had a variety of different foods. Out of all the people I talked to, 68% of them ate out for lunch. Philippines from DISEC had a veggie sandwich with hummus and pickles, from a restaurant in Dixboro. The restaurant is called Moonwinks, and the delegate absolutely recommends this restaurant and sandwich for anyone nearby. Jimmy Johns was another popular option- three people chose their classic sandwiches. The delegate from Spain stated that he was very hungry, having a “jimmy johns sub, with loaded baked potato soup, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, and pizza rolls.” One of my IPC committee members had sushi from Godaiko (restaurant in Ann Arbor), which she recommended and loved. Restaurants other delegates ate at include: Panera, Subway, Chick fil A. Three of my other IPC members ate pizza and two others ordered chinese food and ramen. I hope this long list and varieties of food gives you an idea of something new to try- and if not keep reading for some options you can have at home!

Although the majority of delegates chose to eat out for lunch, some decided to make something at home- and some even had breakfast. I interviewed two delegates from California (DISEC), and both had breakfast during our break due to the time difference. The Netherlands had an egg sandwich and tea for breakfast, while Germany had a spinach omelet. Both sound delicious! A rapateuor from DISEC ate in her dorm, and had cottage cheese, grapes and takis. Other foods people ate at home include a soft butter croissant and tacos. Although we are in the middle of a crazy time right now, it was so interesting to hear what people ate during our virtual conference; and I can’t wait for future years where we can all gather in the cafeteria and share MUN stories again!

The Heart and Soul of U of M

By: Adi Balaji

The Working Paper interviewed various members of the MUNUM staff to gain insight into life at the University of Michigan. We wished to connect with the members at a personal level to understand the draw of U of M, its special quirks unique to it, and the individual experiences of students studying here. We were happy to receive a huge amount of input on why this university has so much charm to it, and why the students enjoy their lives here. Here is a transcript of the interview that details Umich students’ favorite things at the school, about Ann Arbor, and more! Please note that the interview questions were addressed to the room as a whole.

WP: Hello and good morning! Thank you very much for having me here to interview you guys! Jumping straight into it, my first question to you is, out of the hundreds of amazing schools throughout the United States, why choose U of M?

Anna Recknagel, Deputy Secretary General of Internal Affairs: I chose Michigan for a plethora of reasons. I chose it since it’s close to home, which is nice. But I also because it had all the programs that I wanted in a school: I wanted science programs, a strong arts program, a strong history department, and I got to have all 3, which is great. I also wanted a big school: I wanted the football games, the basketball games and the school spirit. I really like Ann Arbor as a city, and I really like Michigan as a school for this.

Drew Stark, Secretary of Publicity: I was looking for a school that had a lot of opportunities in the sciences, as that was something I wanted to do continue from high school. The university having its own hospital and many research opportunities was a really big draw for me. One big reason I ended up here is because most of my extended family are Spartans, and really pushed for me to go to Michigan State. I just wanted to rumble some feathers in the family. So here I am.

WP: So you’ve got the house divided thing going on at home. Pretty interesting. While we’re on the topic of big school culture, football games and schools spirit, my next question to you is, how would you describe the social life at U of M? What do you and other students do for fun around here?

Eric Payerle, USG for Crisis Committees: That’s an excellent question. You mentioned football games, so I’m in the marching band of U of M, and most of my spare time goes into marching band activities, especially during the fall. Fall in Ann Arbor is especially special because a lot of the students can enjoy the atmosphere, and go around to nearby cider mills. Going to the Arb in the winter (Nicholas Arboretum) is especially fun because you get to trudge through the snow, it’s a nice trip to make. 

Shannon Hickey, Secretary of Programming: A good thing to do for fun in U of M is joining a lot of clubs and organizations here. I figure skate with the club team, I’m in a sorority and MUNUM, of course, and so finding those communities where you can really bond with people is really helpful and is a big part of my social life.
Anna Recknagel: I definitely agree with being more involved with clubs and organizations. I found communities in MUNUM and the musical theater organization, which are both really fun. For me and my friends, we just try to find fun things to do around campus whether it’s football games, restaurants here, which are really fun, the arts events, and more. The performing arts events often have really big names come in, and it can be very entertaining.

WP: While we’re on the topic of restaurants and downtown Ann Arbor, what’s your favorite place to eat at Ann Arbor?

Ryan Jansen, Deputy Secretary General of External Affairs: For me it’s undoubtedly Baba Dari, since I absolutely love mediterranean and middle eastern food. You really can’t beat a chicken shawarma and hummus.

Celince, Secretary of Training: I also really love mediterranean options, so my favorite restaurant is Jerusalem Garden. It’s got really amazing variety!

WP: Absolutely, it’s got a really amazing environment, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. 

Hannah Albee, USG to Specialized Committees: The Tomukun Korean BBQ place is just, chef’s kiss! 

The entire room also agreed that Zingerman’s is an amazing place to get food and coffee, but only if you’re with your parents, and when they’re paying for all of it.

Drew Stark: Mani Osteria is the absolute best place to go for their Pizza and Arancini, but once again only if you’re with your parents as they drain your pockets a little bit.

WP: Of course we can’t forget to talk about ice cream, and I see in the chat that everyone agrees that Blank Slate is one of the best places to get ice cream in Ann Arbor.
Drew Stark: As someone who works in Blank Slate, my totally unbiased opinion is that Blank Slate is THE best ice cream place in Ann Arbor.

Ryan Jansen: There’s just a freshness to Blank Slate’s ice cream, and the diversity of flavors- I think there’s a caramel latte flavor- is what makes it worth it.

WP: My next question is, what’s one unique, quirky or fun thing about U of M that makes it worth coming here?

Zaid Haque, Secretary of Tech: One unique thing is that you won’t find a man in a wolf costume playing the violin on the corner of State street anywhere else. You won’t find it at any other university. 

Anna Recknagel: There’s also Reggie B. Reggie B is the love of my life. I have a pretty strong obsession with him.

WP: Thank you for your input! That sounds hilarious! My last question to you guys is, how has COVID affected life at Umich, other than distanced learning?

Ryan Jansen: Well I’ve been at home for both semesters, so not just distanced learning, but also distance from everything else: the community and friends, and trying to overcome that was pretty tough. We have to be creative and take advantage of zoom, and this kind of teaches us to appreciate people more. 

Shannon Hickey: I think the social aspect of college was the most challenging with distance learning. Staying away from friends and nice interactions in general can create anxiety, and all of us are trying to adapt to that and trying to get used to incorporating people outside our bubble.

WP: Well, that’s all the questions I have for you today. I cannot thank you enough for your time today. Thank you very much for organizing this conference for us. I really appreciate your input on life at U of M and your personal experiences being here.

If you are interested in what makes U of M special and want to ask your own questions to Michigan students log onto the staff panel tonight at 5:30 PM. Find the link at https://www.munum.org/student-panel.

Starting Model UN Through A Computer Screen

By: Sophia Rich

Every year, high-school aged delegates from all over the country come to Ann Arbor to attend the annual Model United Nations conference at the University of Michigan. MUNUM takes place at the beginning of the high school conference season and tends to set the tone for the rest of the year’s conferences. This weekend is notably memorable for first year delegates, primarily freshmen. In addition to all the skills and experiences these first-year delegates pick up in committee, participation in naturally occurring, unscripted events allow for these delegates to get a good understanding of the MUNUM culture! Due to Covid-19, the 2021 MUNUM conference has been moved completely online. Although everyone leading the conference this year has done a great job, this year’s conference is inevitably different than years in the past. For this column, I wanted to take a deeper dive into what it’s like to go through your first real Model UN conference virtually!

For all delegates, your first Model UN conference can be extremely overwhelming. Now imagine going through this brand new experience in a virtual setting, as much as we try to lessen the tension, these digital interactions often feel forced and robotic. I had the opportunity to talk to a few first-time MUNUM delegates and get a glimpse into their experience in committee this year. I started off by asking these delegates about their level of comfort speaking and participating in their committee. I got a wide range of answers but most delegates found that their first time speaking was the hardest bit it kind of took off from there. Alexandre Morrison, a first year delegate in UNGASS, shared with me that, “It’s hard to start speaking in a committee, but once I first spoke, it became easier. One time kind of builds momentum and helps me gain confidence while doing it.” A lot of delegates I chatted with also expressed some level of difficulty trying to remember parliamentary procedure, they said that sometimes they hesitate to speak up in committee because they don’t always know exactly how to phrase it. When reflecting on these answers from a personal perspective, I found that this specific piece of MUN doesn’t really differ from in-person conferences to virtual conferences. I encouraged these delegates to just go for it! I reassured them that their chairs are always supporting them and would be willing to help remind them of proper parliamentary procedure.

The area in which these freshman delegates expressed their feelings of missing out was the recreational side of MUN. When asked if they made friends or reached out to other delegates, a lot of them hesitated, they told me that the recreational moments felt awkward and they had trouble connecting with other delegates. Parini Rao, a freshman delegate from Greenhills School, told me that, “It’s weird having to start Model UN online. I’ve never done it before, so it’s also been hard to really understand what it is like solely through zoom. Since we are online I feel like we’re missing out on other team bonding moments and being involved.” I think Parini summed up the freshman experience pretty well. Although a lot of these first-time delegates felt a little unsure at first they are all extremely thankful for the MUNUM staff for putting this conference together! Yes, MUNUM feels different this year but everyone I talked to still had a great weekend and can’t wait to come back next year!

The Real Times People of the Year: MUNUM Staff!

By: Bella Kephart

It is an understatement that MUNUM XXXIII is a smashing success. Putting on an amazing conference like this one is no easy feat, however. It takes a lot of vision, hard work, and focus from the whole team: the Secretariat, the Under-Secretary General, Secretariat Assistants, Directors, Assistant Directors, and Rapporteurs. Here’s a little peek behind-the-scenes at the people that made it all happen. 

Interrogation Questions: 

1. Why did you choose to become a part of MUNUM Staff?

2. Do you have any previous Model UN experience?

3. What is the most stressful part of your job?

4. What is the most fun part of your job?

5. What types of people would you recommend for this job?

6. What is your major?

7. Does your phone have a gender? If so, what is it?

Victim #1: Ryan Jansen, Secretary of Programming

Meet Ryan Jansen, a sophomore double-majoring in Political Science and Philosophy with slick Warby Parker glasses. Model UN is something that has been really important to him all throughout high school, and he was excited to help provide this amazing experience to others. He would say the most stressful part of his job is making sure the conference meets their pledge goal for United World Schools, and when things unexpectedly go wrong (a general trend throughout the staff). The best part is getting to hang out with the rest of the staff. In order to do his job, Ryan doesn’t recommend any specific type of person for his job, but he does recommend that you have an honest passion and dedication for whatever you want to do. Ryan’s phone does not have a gender. 

Victim #2: Sofia Urban, Secretariat Assistant

Next up we have Sofia Urban, a freshman studying Biopsychology, Neuroscience, and Cognition. Sofia has been participating in Model UN since her freshman year in high school, and she loved having the opportunity to empower students and talk about real issues. The most stressful part of her job is its ambiguous nature, and having to fill in wherever she’s needed and think on her toes. With that being said, her favorite part of her job is filling in for rapporteurs in various committees. In order to be a good Secretariat Assistant, Sofia recommends being flexible, focused, and task-oriented, as well as conscious of the big picture. Sofia’s phone is a female, and is her soul sister.

Victim #3: Charles Rinderle, Under-Secretary General of Crisis

Although I’m convinced that Charles is secretly CIA, he claims to be an ordinary junior studying Russian and Romance Language & Literature, with a minor in Ukrainian. He joined Model UN as a freshman in high school, and has also participated on the Model UN travel team. He sometimes gets stressed out by all the random crises he has to deal with, but loves having a hand in every pot and getting to be a crisis actor for all of the crisis committees. His phone does not have a gender.

Victim #4: Kelly Higgins, Director of International Press Corps

Everyone, meet my boss lady, Kelly. Kelly is a junior studying Political Science and Environment. Kelly also participated in Model UN all throughout high school, and when she got to college it was the first club she wanted to join. The most stressful part of her job was the first day of the committee. “I felt like I had no idea what I was doing, and I wanted to be respected but also approachable,” she explained. Her favorite part was getting to know all of the delegates and the staff. This staff LOVES people. In order to be a director, Kelly recommends having charisma, crisis management abilities, and leadership and (some) organizational skills. Kelly’s phone does not have a gender, but her car is a female named Rachel Green.

Victim #5: Hannah Kuriakose, Assistant Director of International Press Corps

Introducing Hannah, a junior studying International Studies, Environment, and Writing. Hannah joined Model UN when her and her friend were looking for a club that pertained to international affairs. She was most stressed during the first day of conference when delegates were churning out articles and she had to edit quickly. However, she absolutely loved getting to meet everyone and watching each edition of The Working Paper come together. Her phone also does not have a gender, but her car does.

Victim #6: Delaney Dahlstrom, Rapporteur for International Press Corps

             Lastly, we have Delaney, a junior studying English. Delaney was first pulled into the Model UN vortex when her friend Grace recommended it, saying how her writing background would be a perfect fit in IPC. Her biggest worry was making sure the MUNUM conference was a good balance between a learning experience and a good time for delegates. She loved getting to know everyone. In order to be a good rapporteur, Delaney recommends having fast and efficient editing skills, good communication skills (especially with young adults) and the ability to work well as a group. Delaney’s phone is a boy.

Thank you to ALL of the MUNUM XXXIII staff for making this conference possible. All of you are amazing, intelligent human beings and all of the delegates are so grateful for all the work you have put in. We appreciate you!

A Short Summary of Events

By: Jane Swartz

5. Mini-Pete Buttigeig 

We’ve all seen him. He looks like a younger Pete Buttigeig. That’s honestly all I have to say here.

4. James Bond

Discussions of spies arose in the Security Council, prompting the United Kingdom to bring in their top man: James Bond. He joined the fray on Friday night, and topped it off with a wig and a Russian accent.

3. The Fifteen-Page Directive

Mexican Independence moved onto the Constitution-building half of their session, and confusion ensued as the husband of the deceased Mariana Rodriguez del Toro had written a fifteen page directive on how to format the new government. This was then simplified to two pages because it was too hard to understand.

2. ADHOC Inquisition

Suspicions of foul play involved in the Better Napalm leak prompted the committee to conduct an inquisition on six of those in the room. And when did it happen? Around twenty minutes before the dinner break, delegates flying into a frenzy of questioning. If you heard yelling on the third floor, it was definitely them.

1. Pedro’s Happy Birthday Candy Grams

Everyone knows about Candy Grams, one of the charity fundraisers. You pay a dollar, and you get to send someone, friends, chairs, or advisors, a little note and a piece of candy. Most people get one or two, but Pedro Sanchez, of the International Olympic Committee, received two orange envelopes full of them on his birthday, Sunday. This unusually high volume was the result of a collaborative effort from many delegates at the conference, originally spread by those from Pedro’s school, Kalamazoo Central.

Top Three OTPs at MUNUM

By: Charlotte Howald

Couple: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York & Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

Committee: U.S. House of Representatives

Nominated by: Grace Meng of New York

Reason: Both representatives are achieving their dreams and both proudly walk to the beat of their own drum.

Confirmed?: Yes! 

Quote: “We’re both beautiful people and the hottest people in the House.” - Fitzpatrick

“We really work well together as a team. We have great ideas and are very compatible.” - Cortez

Couple: Wendell Hulcher (Mayor of Ann Arbor) & Arthur F. Brandstatter (Chair of the Police Administration Department

Committee: Ad-Hoc

Nominated by: Dr. Robert Elderfield (Head of Committee on Research Politics)

Reason: [The couple] does a lot of suspicious work together. 

Confirmed?: Yes!

Couple: Raúl Roa García (Minister of Foreign Affairs) & Elena Mederos (Minister of Social Welfare)

Committee: Castro’s Cabinet

Nominated by: Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Governor of the Central Bank)

Reason: Getting Married

Confirmed?: Yes! Marriage was at 11 am this morning at a Casino.

Quote? “I want to divorce my husband, I have fallen deeply in love with one of my cabinet members, Raúl Roa. I have written many love letters and made flirty glances at him which are being reciprocated. I want the Divorce Papers NOW.” - Mederos

Cookie Monster’s First Appearance Since 2008

By: Shriya Beesabathuni

We all love the Cookie Monster, but his last appearance was in 2008, or was it? Would you believe it if I said that he was spotted at MUNUM XXXIII? Saturday, January 18, 2020, the Cookie Monster was spotted in a committee at the MUNUM conference. This committee will stay un-named as the Cookie Monster will be at risk if the committee is revealed. In short, the Cookie Monster was spotted when an IPC member was looking for a good story. While in the committee room, the IPC member noticed something suspicious as a delegate was secretly covering their mouth, mid-committee. In order to inspect further, the IPC member moved closer. They soon realized that the delegate was reaching behind and below their chair to get one of their hands in a bag. The bag contained, you guessed it, cookies. Keep in mind, these cookies were not theirs. The Cookie Monster gained a new friend as the delegate soon returned to their place in their committee and gave the large bag of cookies to the Cookie Monster. Not only are these iconic sweet treats the favorite dessert of the Cookie Monster, but they are also perfectly baked with each unique ingredient that makes them the most-loved snack, just like all the unique delegates make MUNUM the most-loved conference of all time. 

GAs, Specialized, and Crisis, Oh My!

By: Bella Kephart

For new delegates, choosing a committee can be daunting. General Assemblies, Specialized, Crisis — what does it mean? Listening to delegates explain the nuances of various committees can often sound like Inner Party Members talking in Newspeak, but once explained, you will find that there is a committee for everyone, whether you enjoy a fast-paced or easy-going environment. Let’s break it down in plain English. 

The most quintessential representation of Model United Nations can be found in a General Assembly. These are marked by their large numbers of delegates, each of whom represents a country. Delegates in a General Assembly are usually fighting for attention with minimal success. Daises tend to strictly adhere to parliamentary procedure, and the committees as a whole tend to tackle general issues rather than specific scenarios. For anyone who wants to try Model UN but is hesitant about networking and vocalizing strong opinions (or talking at all), a GA is a perfect fit. 

For delegates who are reading this and falling asleep (at the thought of being in a General Assembly, NOT the perpetual sleep deprivation that comes with conferences), Crisis committees might be a better niche. These are self-explanatory. It’s a crisis. All. The. Time. Just when you think you’ve found a way to mollify the citizens during a hunger strike, someone will assassinate the president…and incinerate their house. Each delegate is assigned to a real historical figure and is expected to make decisions based on what that person would have done. Crisis committees are fast-paced and may cause a delegate’s hair to gray prematurely. Enrique from Castro’s Cabinet said it best: “Sometimes you wanna cry, sometimes you wanna bash your head against the wall, and sometimes you’ll feel good about yourself.” For those who are new to Model UN, beware of joining a crisis committee right off the bat —  much like sparkling water, Crisis committees can be controversial, they either taste like a party in your mouth or TV static in liquid form.

Finally, Specialized committees are for anyone who wants a happy medium. Specialized committees are not nearly as large in size as General Assemblies, and tend to be more nuanced. Like Crisis, each delegate is assigned a character, but specialized committees do not have a fast-paced, panic-inducing, I’m-sweating-through-my-blazer atmosphere. However, with large groups of strong, opinionated individuals, conflict can arise.  According to Jordan Woart, who is representing Ray Blunt in the Senate (R-MO), “Specialized committees…get more ambitious delegates…which makes cooperation and bi-partisanism more difficult to accomplish.” 

In time, every delegate finds their calling. No matter what committee seems the most appealing, every type is necessary to create a functioning, productive government. Happy problem-solving!

Delegate Dance: Go Back or All Whack?

By: Shriya Beesabathuni 

The delegate dance was an experience with drastically different perspectives in the minds of delegates vs the minds of the staff. During committee, many chairs and directors emphasized that the dance is the best, and most hype time of MUNUM. Delegates, on the other hand, were skeptical of the quality of the dance.

Starting off, the dance was very dry, like, drier than the Atacama desert, the driest desert on earth, with two people on the dance floor. Then, the dance started to pick up as more delegates moved to the dance floor. The dance got hype, and then slowed down, picked up, slowed down, and this pattern continued. Many issues arose during the dance, including the song choices: the selection shied away from a newer setlist, in favor of songs from the early 2000s. There was also limited space to dance as it was hosted in a banquet hall, on a dancefloor enclosed by tables.

In other areas, less intense activities such as Kahoot trivia, and a movie provided a quieter environment. These toned-down activities were with smaller groups. 

The dance overall guaranteed a fun time with fellow delegates, even if you were sitting in the corner with your delegation, or living it up in the mosh pit.

A Nice Day? What’s that?

By: Quinn Riordan

Weather Report:

Snowing with a chance of death

- 63.4 degrees  

Hail (around the size of a bowling ball)

Ice (creating a glorified skating rink on campus)

Wind (strong enough to power the entire universe)

A nice day? In Ann Arbor? That doesn’t happen. The conference has been filled with walking a total of 500 miles in temperatures as cold and evil Jack Frost (or Nolan), all while wearing heels and tights. As our legs turn into icicles on the un-ending walk to Palmer Commons, we all contemplate the existence of the sun at all. As the snow accumulates to be taller than the buildings, the delegates slip and slide all about. As MUNUM continues, I can hardly remember what the sun looks like. I watch delegates walk into their committee sessions from the dark outside, dripping from the hail-rain mix with snow on their feet, and wonder how the outside used to be. The green on the trees and the grass, the animals running about, a blue sky. It all fades so quickly. Now, I can only see the white of the snow and feel the cold wind on my neck. The summer seems to be a dream but winter is here, and with it, possibly a new Game of Thrones finale, but most likely just the cold and tears.

Icons at MUNUM XXXIII

By: Shriya Beesabathun

Fashion is an expression, a motivator, an icon. This column will address the most iconic MUNUM XXXIII outfits, that could also be considered great acts of clout. During the opening ceremony, Drew, one of the secretariats, truly made a statement when he popped off in a classy floral blazer. The colors in the blazer perfectly complimented his skin tone and made him a true icon. 

Similarly, the director of the International Press Corps, Kelly, made a statement with her elegant appearance in a white turtleneck and blazer. She accompanied this sleek look with black plaid pants. Then, she paired the look with a sleek low bun, with a few pieces of hair out to frame her face, and vibed with a maroon lip. Now, are you an icon?

Party, Party, Party

By: Allison Gerth

Last night the delegate dance took place at the Kensington Hotel. After a full day of committee and debate, the delegates were ready to have fun with their friends and change out of their professional-wear. The night was filled with music, dancing, and many people having a fun time. While there were complaints about the DJ and his choice in music, people still danced t and enjoyed themselves. 

At one point in the night, all of the delegates stopped dancing and started to sit down. A delegate who was at the dance stated that “we aren’t dancing to this cause the music is bad. We want the DJ to play good music.'' 

The staffers also enjoyed themselves during the dance as they did small dances with the other chair members on the outskirts of the room. Aside from the complaints about the music, numerous delegates and chairs had a great time at the MUNUM XXXIII delegate dance. Overall, it was successful and everyone able to relax and enjoy themselves with their friends after a long day of committee sessions. 

The Five Archetypes of Model UN

By: Bella Kephart

Each year, Model UN conference brings a plethora of new experiences, interesting committees, and unique groups of delegates. Even so, there are unmistakable archetypes that can be found at every conference. Here are a few examples. 

#1: The Gavel-Chasers

Welcome to the world of the binder-people. The scary people. The stay-up-until-three-in-the-morning-writing-speeches people. Gavel-chasers are in it to win it. They dominate every caucus, develop the most complex character arcs, and usually talk the most out of anyone. You can be sure that you’ll leave committee every day wondering what you’ve been doing with your life. Gavel-chasers are to be admired; they are the civil officers of the future, the lawyers, the activists. They’re going places. Plus, they are the life-blood of Model UN; gavel-chasers keep each committee session going. But for now, they’re just the ones throwing directives in your face and winning everything. Watch out for these delegates. Or else.

#2: The Slackers

When does committee start? How long until we can go get food? Wait, what country am I? If you’ve heard any of these questions on a frequent basis, they are most likely coming from the mouth of a Slacker. These delegates can be super fun to be around, but you can be sure that they haven’t written a position paper in advance or even read their background guide. Slackers are mostly just here to have fun-- to get dressed up, to walk around the city with Starbucks, and meet new people. If you ask, they’ll probably sign your directive or working paper-- just know they aren’t going to read it. 

#3: The Nappers

You guessed it. These are the delegates that sleep through EVERYTHING. Committee, meals, you name it. You can spot Nappers in their natural habitat, which seems to be everywhere. In the back row of a General Assembly, at a random table in the corner, or even on the floor. Don’t bother waking them up-- chances are they have been out for a while and have no idea what’s going on. But while coming to a conference just to sleep through it may seem lame, you have to recognize the talent it takes to doze off in the middle of a heated unmod. Serious props.

#4: The Newbies

Hello, dear little Model UN babies. Welcome to the terrifying world of overachieving high schoolers. It’s all going to be okay. When you see a Newbie, consider giving them a hug. Coming to a conference for the first time is the equivalent of jumping into a pit of fruit bats... that’s on fire. Although Newbie delegates may seem like the most terrified delegates of all, they are really the bravest. You got this, Newbies. 

#5: The Ones Who Bring the Flags

This fifth category encapsulates a wide variety of special snowflakes. Yes, delegates who fall in this category often do bring actual flags to committee, but also elaborate costumes, pins, and a generally disruptive aura. These people are here to wreak havoc, y’all. Often, delegates who Bring the Flags are actually some of the smartest delegates in the room. But you wouldn’t know it, because they’re the ones drafting directives about how they’re going to consolidate the middle third of the world into the Mega-East and breed silkworms to generate revenue, or how they’re going to eliminate a global superpower using nothing but an army of locusts, or anything along those lines. These people are straight-up weird, but they make things interesting. Flag-Bringers, you are strange. But we appreciate you.

No matter what category you fall into, or if you don’t fit into one of these categories at all, each delegate that comes to Model UN is valuable and necessary to make these conferences possible. Together, we can learn how to improve the world we live in for the benefit of everyone. Let’s do this.

To Try or Not To Try

By: Sönke Pietsch

Model United Nations is an extracurricular activity that provides a wealth of opportunities for students of various ages by challenging every scholar’s inner patience, collaboration skills, and debate. The conference at the University of Michigan serves as an amazing catalyst for delegates of various levels of experience, ranging from veteran representatives churning out working papers 5 minutes into committee to complete novices; this opportunity allows every student to project their skill and knowledge. Yet, some delegates, especially those new to the experience, are sometimes intimidated by the others and instead, choose to retreat into silence and do nothing. 

The question obviously at hand: what do these delegates do with the idle time they spend in committee? The answer to this question is more surprising than some might think. 

The first option that usually comes to mind when boredom hits hard is using, or more accurately *misusing*, a tool usually preserved as an alternative to cross-talk: note passing. Drawing scribbles on folded pieces of scrap paper or playing a round of tic-tac-toe with a friend on the other side of committee seems to be the go-to option for many newly trialed-delegates. Even for some, playing these games through note passing is simply just another form of game pigeon but on paper. 

Here comes our first tip - when passing notes, you need to ensure that your dias, in this case specifically the pager, does not examine the contents of your ‘notes’ when bringing the paper to your friend. Even better, I recommend that you personally escort your paper to your friend and ensure it’s safe delivery without a hitch. For all those without this option, we recommend simply sharing the inside info on who did this, or who did that, maybe even related to policy, to make time pass faster. 

Another appealing option for some delegates, especially those that actually want to take advantage of literally being at Model UN conference, is writing a resolution - granted, despite the fact  that would never actually be addressed in the United Nations. Learning the formatting and language of a working paper draft can be beneficial nonetheless, although the ideas found inside it, are probably not written with the thought in mind to be taken seriously. 

Let us enlighten you with yet another tip. When writing your resolution, regardless of content, make sure to use the outline and vocabulary list provided by your MUNUM handbook. This is tool is invaluable, and will act as your best friend for any future conference that you may attend, regardless of committee. Even better yet, by using this resource, you may even have the chance of having your paper be read out loud by the chair.

The final path some delegates take in their conquest against  boredom is trying to insert themselves into the conversations of the matters at hand. While moderated caucuses and speakers lists may seem daunting, some delegates choose to participate in their committees through unmoderated caucuses or Q&As. However, what all these delegates have failed to consider, is that at the end of the day, you could always just join IPC...