Bard ModelUN Conference Unites BHSEC Campuses and Local High Schools
On Saturday, November 12, more than 175 student delegates attended the Fourth Annual Bard Model United Nations Conference (BardMUNC). Students hailed from twelve high schools including three Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) campuses—in Cleveland, Queens, and Manhattan.
The conference committees addressed an array of current and historical global issues, including: firearms in former Soviet satellite states, violence against women, cyber terrorism, the war in Syria, and the Boshin War in Japan of the late 1800s. There was an outstanding response from all delegates, especially those new to Model UN. Students who started the day feeling nervous about speaking ended it arguing passionately for their countries’ proposed solutions to the problems.
What is unique about BardMUNC is its accessibility to all. Delegate fees are kept to a minimum and conference chairs make a point of explaining complicated aspects of parliamentary procedure to delegates who are new to MUN or have questions on committee proceedings. The conference welcomed delegates from schools with varying levels of experience in Model UN, ranging from newly-established teams to repeat visitors of regional and national competitions. BardMUNC’s emphasis on accessibility allows all delegates, regardless of past training or financial means, to participate and succeed at equal levels.
Delegates who represented BHSEC campuses showcased their strengths and received multiple awards, a true testament to the strength of MUN teams across the Bard Early College network. In addition to BHSEC students, several local high schools were represented, including Hudson High School, whose attendance at BardMUNC marked their first MUN conference as a team. Red Hook High School MUN students helped to organize the conference, leading three of the five committees and working behind the scenes to ensure the program ran smoothly.
The 2017 BardMUNC was a great success, allowing BHSEC and local students alike to engage in high levels of debate and diplomacy. The student organizers look forward to the next opportunity to showcase their skills and to introduce MUN to more schools in the Hudson Valley.