KACMUN: The Ultimate Program for Aspiring Diplomats

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to represent a country in the United Nations and debate on global issues? Have you ever wanted to improve your public speaking, research, writing, and leadership skills? Have you ever dreamed of becoming a global citizen and a change-maker in your community?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in joining the KACMUN program. It stands for Korean American Coalition Model United Nation, and it is a civic engagement program for middle and high school students in Los Angeles County. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about KAC MUN, including what it is, what are the benefits, how to join, what are the requirements, what are the activities, how to prepare, what are some tips, what are some achievements, and how to support.

What is KACMUN?

KACMUN is a program that simulates the United Nations (UN) meetings and conferences. Students act as delegates from different UN member states and discuss a variety of past and current global issues. They have to conduct research, prepare speeches, write resolutions, negotiate with other delegates, and vote on solutions. KAC MUN aims to educate students about international relations, diplomacy, human rights, and global challenges. It also helps students develop their skills in public speaking, writing, critical analysis, and leadership.

KAC MUN was founded in 2013 by the Korean American Coalition (KAC) of Los Angeles. KAC is a non-profit organization that advocates for the civil rights of Korean Americans and promotes their cultural heritage. KAC started the MUN program to provide an opportunity for students in the Los Angeles district to have access to a community-based club that fosters their academic and personal growth.

What are the benefits of KACMUN?

KACMUN offers many benefits for students who participate in it. Some of these benefits are:

It enhances students’ knowledge of world affairs and current events. Students learn about different countries, cultures, histories, politics, economies, and societies. They also gain awareness of the global problems and challenges that affect humanity.

It improves students’ communication and presentation skills. Students practice speaking in front of an audience, expressing their opinions clearly and persuasively, listening actively and respectfully to others, asking relevant questions, and providing constructive feedback.

It develops students’ research and writing skills. Students learn how to find reliable sources of information, analyze data and evidence, synthesize information into coherent arguments, cite sources properly, and write formal documents such as position papers and resolutions.

It fosters students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn how to identify issues and perspectives, evaluate arguments and claims, generate creative ideas and solutions, collaborate with others, and compromise when necessary.

Read more: Law Of Reincarnation Raw: The Ultimate Spiritual Adventure

It cultivates students’ leadership and teamwork skills. Students learn how to take initiative, delegate tasks, motivate others, manage conflicts, resolve disputes, and build consensus.

It empowers students’ confidence and self-esteem. Students overcome their fears of public speaking, challenge themselves to step out of their comfort zones, discover their strengths and passions, and celebrate their achievements.

It inspires students’ civic engagement and social responsibility. Students become more aware of their roles and responsibilities as global citizens. They also develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others who are different from them or who are facing difficulties or injustices.

How to join KACMUN?

If you are interested in joining KAC MUN, you need to follow these steps:

Complete the online application form. You will need to provide your personal information, academic information, reference contact information (such as a teacher or a counselor), short response questions (300-500 words each), and a recent transcript.

Wait for the confirmation email from the KACMUN staff. They will review your application and notify you if you are accepted or not.

Pay the one-time program fee ($135 for early bird applicants or $150 for regular applicants) and the monthly fee ($75 per month). You can pay online or by mail using a check or cash. Additional fees may apply for each MUN conference that you attend.

Attend the orientation session and the weekly classes. The orientation session will introduce you to the KAC MUN program, the staff, the instructors, and the fellow students. The weekly classes will be held online for 2.5 hours every Saturday from September 2023 to May 2024. You will learn the basics of MUN, such as the rules of procedure, the structure of committees, the format of speeches and resolutions, and the etiquette and protocol of diplomacy.

Participate in the MUN conferences and activities. You will have the opportunity to attend several MUN conferences throughout the year, both online and in person. You will also have the chance to join other activities, such as community service projects, leadership workshops, guest speaker sessions, and social events.

What are the requirements for KACMUN?

To join KAC MUN, you need to meet these requirements:

• You must be a middle or high school student entering grades 8th-11th (12th-grade students are only eligible to apply if they are returning students).
• You must have a strong interest in international affairs and global issues.
• You must have a good academic record and a good attendance record.
• You must have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and improve.
• You must have access to a computer, a webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection.
• You must be able to commit to the program for the entire duration (September 2023 to May 2024).
• You must be able to follow the rules and expectations of KAC MUN, such as being respectful, responsible, cooperative, punctual, prepared, and professional.

What are the activities of KACMUN?

KAC MUN offers a variety of activities for students to enhance their learning experience and have fun. Some of these activities are:

• MUN conferences: These are the main events of KAC MUN, where students get to apply what they learned in class and simulate the UN meetings. Students will be assigned to different committees and countries, and they will debate on various topics related to their committee’s agenda. They will also write resolutions and vote on them. Some of the conferences that KAC MUN students attend are UCLA BruinMUN, USC MUN, Berkeley MUN, Harvard MUN, and KAC Internal Conference.
• Community service projects: These are optional activities that allow students to give back to their community and make a positive impact. Students can choose from different projects that suit their interests and skills, such as tutoring younger students, volunteering at local organizations, fundraising for charities, or organizing awareness campaigns.
• Leadership workshops: These are optional activities that help students develop their leadership potential and skills. Students can learn from various experts and professionals who share their insights and experiences on topics such as goal setting, time management, conflict resolution, networking, personal branding, or career development.
• Guest speaker sessions: These are optional activities that expose students to different perspectives and opinions on global issues. Students can listen to and interact with various speakers who are knowledgeable and influential in their fields, such as diplomats, politicians, journalists, activists, academics, or entrepreneurs.
• Social events: These are optional activities that enable students to bond with each other and have fun. Students can participate in various events that foster friendship and camaraderie, such as icebreakers, games, trivia nights, movie nights, talent shows, or cultural festivals.

How to prepare for KAC MUN conferences?

To prepare for KACMUN conferences, you need to do these things:

Research your assigned country and committee. You need to learn about your country’s history, culture, geography, economy, politics, foreign policy, allies and enemies, strengths and weaknesses. You also need to learn about your committee’s mandate, structure, functions, powers, members, past actions, and current issues. You can use various sources of information, such as books, articles, websites, reports, or podcasts.

Write your position paper. This is a document that summarizes your country’s position on the topics that will be discussed in your committee. It should include an introduction that provides some background information on your country and committee; a body that explains your country’s stance on each topic, including its interests, goals, challenges, and solutions; and a conclusion that reiterates your main points and recommendations. It should also follow the format and guidelines provided by your conference organizers.

Prepare your speeches. These are oral statements that you deliver during the conference to express your country’s views and proposals on the topics. They should be clear, concise, and persuasive. They should also follow the rules and procedures of your committee. You can use notes or cue cards to help you remember your main points and facts, but you should not read from them word for word.

Practice your negotiation skills. These are skills that you use during the conference to communicate and cooperate with other delegates, form alliances, lobby for support, persuade others, compromise, and resolve conflicts. You can practice by doing mock sessions with your classmates, instructors, or mentors. You can also watch videos of previous MUN conferences or read articles or blogs about MUN tips and strategies.

Pack your essentials. These are items that you need to bring with you to the conference, such as your laptop, charger, headphones, webcam, microphone, internet hotspot, pen, paper, folder, binder, notes, position paper, resolution draft, passport, ID card, dress code attire, water bottle, snacks, and personal hygiene products. You should also check the conference website or email for any specific instructions or requirements.

What are some tips for KAC MUN delegates?

To succeed in KACMUN conferences, you should follow these tips:

• Be prepared. You should do your research thoroughly and write your position paper and speeches carefully. You should also review the rules and procedures of your committee and the conference. You should also practice your speaking and negotiation skills before the conference.
• Be professional. You should dress appropriately and follow the dress code of the conference. You should also be respectful and courteous to your fellow delegates, chairs, staff, and guests. You should also use formal language and diplomatic terms when speaking or writing. You should also avoid using slang, jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations that may confuse or offend others.
• Be proactive. You should participate actively and constructively in the conference. You should raise your placard to speak whenever you have something to say or ask. You should also make motions and points that advance the debate or clarify the issues. You should also reach out to other delegates and form coalitions or blocs that share your interests or goals.
• Be flexible. You should be open-minded and willing to listen to other delegates’ opinions and perspectives. Be positive and optimistic, even in the face of change. You should also be willing to compromise or concede when necessary to achieve a common solution.
• Be creative. You should think outside the box and come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions. You should also use different methods and tools to present your arguments and proposals, such as statistics, graphs, charts, maps, pictures, videos, or quotes.
• Be confident. Have faith in your own capabilities. You should also express yourself clearly and convincingly. You should also stand up for your country’s position and interests. It is important to celebrate your successes and take the time to reflect on what you learned from your failures.

What are some achievements of KACMUN?

KAC MUN has achieved many accomplishments since its inception in 2013. Some of these accomplishments are:

• It has trained over 500 students from diverse backgrounds and schools in Los Angeles County.
• It has sent over 300 students to attend over 20 MUN conferences across the country.
• It has won over 100 awards at various MUN conferences, including Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, Honorable Mention, Verbal Commendation, and Best Position Paper.
• It has partnered with over 10 organizations and institutions, such as UCLA, USC, Berkeley, Harvard, the Consulate General of Korea in Los Angeles, the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
• It has received over $100,000 in grants and donations from various sponsors and supporters, such as the Overseas Koreans Foundation, the Korea Foundation, the Arconic Foundation, the Shinnyo-en Foundation, the Wilshire Bank Foundation, and individual donors.

How to support KAC MUN?

If you want to support KACMUN, you can do so by:

Donating money or resources to KAC MUN. Your donation will help KACMUN cover its operational costs and provide scholarships and subsidies to students who need financial assistance to join the program or attend the conferences.

Volunteering your time or skills to KACMUN. Your volunteer work will help KACMUN improve its curriculum and services and provide mentorship and guidance to students who need academic or personal support to succeed in the program or the conferences.

Sponsoring or hosting a KAC MUN event. Your sponsorship or hosting will help to organize its own MUN conference or activity and provide a platform and opportunity for students to showcase their talents and achievements and network with other students and professionals.

Spreading the word about KAC MUN. Your word-of-mouth will help to raise its awareness and reputation and attract more students and partners to join or collaborate with the program.

Conclusion

KACMUN is a program that offers a unique and valuable experience for students who are interested in international affairs and global issues. It helps students learn about the world and develop their skills in various areas. It also helps students become more confident and responsible as global citizens and leaders. If you want to join KAC MUN or support KACMUN, you can visit their website or contact them for more information.

FAQs