The floor is yours and the Security Council of the United Nations is avidly listening to your solution to a problem that plagues countries around the world. Your allies wait in suspense to hear how your plan will impact the complicated alliances and international agreements that span the globe. It’s a typical situation for members of the Model United Nations (Model U.N.) club, an organization that encourages Grizzlies to put their heads together to solve global problems through communication and collaboration.

   “We’re a club that works with students from other schools, and the main goal is to solve problems of the world—global, economic, social, political—with other students. You each represent a country, and you work to come up with a common consensus like an organization would in the real Model U.N.,” said Akash Mahajan (11), Model U.N. club president.

   During a Model U.N. conference, students begin by researching their assigned country in relation to a given global problem, and learn what the nation’s views on the issue are. Then, each student has the chance to speak on behalf of their country in a debate, attempting to influence other ambassadors. After presenting their opinions on the issue, students enter the negotiation process and join a small group to discuss potential solutions to the problem and create a document that outlines their plans to solve the problem. Their resolutions are accepted or rejected based on the votes of the rest of the represented nations. 

   “Model U.N. is a club run completely by highly-motivated students who have an interest in critical thinking, writing, research, and public speaking. Students learn leadership skills through teamwork and participate in Model U.N. conferences throughout the year. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about diplomacy and negotiation,” said Mrs. Horrigan, the club’s advisor.

   The club participates in conferences across San Diego and Southern California that each focus on a variety of topics. Mission Hills works with other schools and attempts to ally themselves with other student-represented nations. When countries are in conflict, representatives from other nations share their viewpoint to help the opposing countries come to a consensus.