Focus: Social Studies

Mount Notre Dame’s Social Studies Department takes very seriously the school’s mission to prepare students to “live, lead and serve in an ever-changing global society.”  A school program that typifies this very concept is MND’s chapter of the Model United Nations.

Model UN is a hands-on simulation that broadens participants’ understanding of important world issues, as well as the procedures delegates follow to facilitate international peace, security and cooperation.  Students explore both the political and social justice issues related to a variety of topics.

MND’s Model UN (MNDMUN) chapter is facilitated by veteran teacher, Mrs. Sue Magnus.  She believes that participation in the Model UN gives students a life-changing experience that expands their minds far beyond what can be obtained through traditional classroom study.

 “The conferences build teamwork, encourage the study of foreign languages and culture, introduce our students to different ways of life and thought and create an opportunity to experience foreign countries first-hand,” says Magnus.

Mrs. Magnus has witnessed students develop leadership skills that they may not have known they had.  Robyn Kerley ’12 couldn’t agree more.  “I learned that I am a good leader,” she shares.  “In order to get noticed at the conferences, you must be a leader in your committee.  This involves organizing caucuses, being a sponsor/writer of the working papers and resolutions and making sure everyone is heard and has the opportunity to voice their opinion.”

That leadership is put into practice during MNDMUN’s annual Model UN event for junior high students.  Recently, MND held its 6th annual conference for more than 160 7th and 8th graders from seven local public and private schools.   The conference, which is primarily facilitated by MND students, took on the issue of food distribution around the world through discussion, agreement and senatorial problem-solving as “members” of the United Nations.  More importantly, the students also learned how powerful individual countries working together for a common goal can be. 

According to Mrs. Magnus, “The purpose of this conference is to acquaint junior high students with the UN process, develop communication, leadership and research skills, as well as learn about global issues.  Delegates learn how to be effective negotiators, making compromises while maintaining the country’s stance on the issue.”

MND students had a great deal of responsibility in preparation for the event.  They chose the topics, adapted the structure for junior high students, and managed the logistics of the conference.  Many even helped participating schools prepare for their visit by making sure the delegates had a good grasp of the facts related to their country and topic.

MND’s chapter of the Model UN has a strong reputation worldwide. Over the last two years, the group has attended conferences in Italy and Germany, and was one of only a few schools from the United States to attend these international events.  This year, MNDMUN has been invited to attend the Model UN conference in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Libby Pelzel ’12 feels that her participation in the Model UN has helped her grow as a leader and as a citizen of the world. She has become more self-confident and outgoing and has a deeper appreciation for other countries and cultures.  “I now know how to think critically about an issue in order to find a solution,” she shares.  Libby has also learned how important it is to manage her time wisely and to stay informed on important world issues.  She feels that the MNDMUN, and the skills she’s developed through her experiences with the group, have well prepared her for college and beyond.

Visit www.mndhs.org/mun for more information about the Model UN program at MND.