United Nations Association: Training Officer

Hi! My name is Victoria Mainard, and I’m running to be your Training Officer!

Most people are a little intimidated when they first join MUN or any public speaking society - especially one where people are confidently debating global crises five minutes after introductions. And that’s completely normal!

As someone who has dragged many of her friends into MUN and trained beginners for over four years, I’ve seen pretty much every type of uncertainty: people confused about the rules, unsure when to speak, or just wondering what on earth a “point of order” is. My goal as Training Officer would be to explain the rules clearly and efficiently, so that fruitful debate will occur where everyone actually understands what’s going on instead of just nodding along and hoping for the best.

I also know that not everyone joins MUN to participate in a ferocious competition where the biggest yapper wins. Yes, I’ve trained teams that went on to win Best Delegation at some of the country’s biggest youth conferences, so if you do want to compete, I can absolutely help you get there! But that’s definitely not a requirement.

For me, the best part of training is watching people go from nervous at their first session to confidently speaking a few weeks later. And if I can help make that process a little less confusing - and a little more fun - it would bring me great happiness.

Thank you for your consideration. ;)

Hi ben, please find the edited version below:

Hi, I’m Tanmaye Shagotra, and I’m asking for your vote to serve as you Training Officer for the UCLUNA.

 Like many of you, I’m an enthusiastic MUNer, having participated in over 25 conferences during high school and awarded at prestigious events including HMUN and Princeton MUN. As a member of my school’s UNA Committee, I’ve seen the excitement and challenges faced by delegates — from first-time speakers to seasoned delegates — and I want to make sure every member feels confident, included, and heard.

  I will:

* Amplify first-year voices: Take weekly feedback (in-person and online) on how I and the UNA can better serve your interests, your special interests or any specific issue you may be facing in weekly events/training. My email and phone will be accessible to every first-year.

* Expand participation opportunities: Holding training for specialised committees regularly and organise guidance sessions tailored to issues raised in feedback.

* Enhance mentorship: Connect members with other delegates who share their niche interests.

* Build beyond borders: Aim to expand intercollegiate bond beyond London, to other colleges in the UK and abroad.

 

Together, we can make UCLUNA not just a society, but a platform where every student can think globally and act locally.

Over the past 3 years of my MUN journey, I’ve delegated in many conferences, chaired both GA committees and training sessions, and been a part of this society’s committee as a first year rep. I’ve attended many training sessions, and I’ve always been more into the MUN aspect of this society, and with UCLUNA having given me so much, it’s time for me to give back and help run these sessions that I’ve loved so much. 

Having spent so much time here, I’ve seen both aspects of this society that I love and things that I’d work on. If I were to be elected, my vision for this society is one with a chill, friendly and welcoming atmosphere whilst being able to run serious sessions when we decide. I believe I’m suited for this role as I’ve always aimed to make sure everyone feels comfortable in sessions and make the atmosphere as positive and upbeat as possible.

Now onto the serious stuff. I’d run regular weekly training sessions with the occasional collab with other societies, and I'd tweak up our current system by adding a short presentation of the topic and committee to make sure everyone is caught up before doing their individual country’s research. I’d also like to include more diverse (and niche) committees e.g. Historical Summits, EU bodies and of course Crisis. I’ll also come up with an “RoP crashcourse” handbook outlining MUN procedures for beginners, which’ll be available on our socials and group chats. 

Vote for me for bombastic UCLUNA training sessions!