“A 16th century Venetian and an investor in Ben and Jerry’s” sounds like the setup to an elaborate joke, but for Clark’s Model United Nations Chicago conference, it is normal procedure.
In Model United Nations, students represent modern-day countries, bringing with them a vast knowledge of contemporary events and policy. Each representative’s goal is to help pass delegation in a way that accurately represents their country. Holes in one’s understanding can hamper one’s chance of success.
“You can never over prepare,” said Director Joseph Cavalli. “If you miss a fact, someone can say, ‘But wait, in 1925, you did this, and now you’re saying this.’”
Cavalli, normally a history teacher, further explains that there is extra pressure on students to research their countries because of the club’s diminished membership.
But as student Casey Figone explains, what’s really important for their team is to participate and have fun. In fact, their decision to attend this unusual conference came about because the alternative in San Francisco would have been online.
“Zoom MUN conferences are not as engaging, everyone’s usually sitting back,” Figone, who represented an investor in Ben and Jerry’s, said. “Everyone had a lot more fun at this one because it was in-person.”
In talking about his own experience in Chicago, Figone mentioned a dramatic turn of events, where a mysterious interest group known as “Phish” revealed themselves with the goal of profiting from the conference. Figone’s committee responded in kind.
Having ended the season strong, Clark College’s Model United Nations plans to return in Nov. 2022, in hopes of continuing its strong track record.
Now, having ended the season strong, Clark College’s Model United Nations plans to return in Nov. 2022, in hopes of continuing its strong track record.
