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Election
Category
Candidates
MUN is, in my opinion, a form of training. A fun type of training. It trains one to be confident - in public speaking and debates and in critical thinking to represent their countries’ / characters' interests to the greatest extent. It trains one to be sociable - for example dancing in a ceilidh (in heels) at ScotMUN, it was a step outside of my comfort zone but was also the most memorable and fun experience i’ve ever had alongside meeting amazing new friends. It trains one to be independent and tough as well - such as managing travels to MUN conferences outside of the London circuit, and being physically tough (doing LIMUN with a fever of 40 degree celsius is, pure dedication). In my vision for the training officer role, I hope to drive the intellectual engagement of the society. This can range from creating mini study guides for delegates prior to weekly training sessions to make MUN simulations more realistic, hosting resolution brainstorming workshops, to helping out with conference planning and preparation. I also hope to assist society members in preparing for the logistical aspects of MUN, working alongside the welfare officer. From understanding what to expect in committee debates and socials to organising transportation and accommodation for MUN events outside London, I hope to help members feel mentally prepared, ensuring they have a great experience and make the most of each conference.
Over the past two terms, I have taken on one of the widest ranges of roles possible in MUN. While participating in numerous MUN conferences as a delegate in committees from UNSC to Crisis, I have also chaired both GA and Crisis committees across the UK. I believe that these experiences, along with 6 years in MUN, makes me a strong candidate for Training Officer.
I have attended 30 conferences across Asia, from Korea and Japan to Thailand. This has given me a deep understanding of different MUN ROPs and how committees with divided opinions consolidate their views into one resolution. My experience in delegating, chairing, and directing Crisis committees has also taught me how to channel creativity into MUN. As my high school MUN team’s President, I trained students of all ages for delegate and chair roles. I understand what MUN demands from students and how they can meet those expectations.
I am committed to the following initiatives:
- Variety: Will have focused sessions on moderated debate, resolution writing, crisis, etc.
- Planned training sessions: I will plan out training sessions in advance every term for there to be equal distribution of different types of sessions.
- Feedback & topic suggestion: A form will be open for members to submit feedback & suggestions of topic they’d like to see debated.
- Conference prep: Will cater training sessions to upcoming conferences (ex. Crisis training ahead of a crisis-centric conference, practice debating conference topics, etc)
Why
MUN has been apart of my life for the last 5 years and I would not change that for the world. When I first began learning procedure is was daunting and overwhelming. However, with patience and time I developed my skills into a confident MUNer. Yet, when I look back over my time in MUN and I have found the most rewarding times been working with novices and introducing them to the world of MUN. I think as MUNers we often focus too much on booking the next conference, receiving awards and passing resolution than looking around us and seeing who we can bring on this amazing experience with us. By helping others get to the level (or beyond) where we are just opens the world to greater diplomacy, which in turn is all our goal as champions of diplomacy and future leaders.
Experience
- As President of School society I ran weekly training sessions for novices and pros honing and developing skills for conferences and enjoyment
- I ran JrMUN conference for Prep School children (age 11-13 years old) teaching them core skill of debating, public speaking and planning arguments
- Equally, I look forward to this weekend (14th-16th March) chairing the WHA committee for YouthMUN
Goals
- Ensure many novices attend conferences (especially UCLMUN)
- keep attendance high to training sessions - through alternating dates
- Be a person of support and trust in any queries about MUN
Please vote for Sophia Whelan, for more diplomacy, an odd 'friendly argument,' and creating the MUNers of tomorrow!