The Organization

The International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA) is dedicated to educating young people about global issues through simulation. IMUNA hosts three annual Model United Nations simulations in the United States. In addition to sponsoring conferences, IMUNA's volunteer staff publishes research papers, curricula guides and educational material. IMUNA supports the next generation of globally-minded leaders by facilitating cross-cultural debate and exchange programs. IMUNA equips students with the academic and social skills necessary to solve some of the world’s most pressing international issues.

As the organizational infrastructure that supports and staffs the three conferences, IMUNA provides institutional memory to ensure the continued substantive and logistical quality of the delegate experience. IMUNA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 21 senior leaders: seven members-at-large (typically, former conference executives or educational innovators), a comptroller, a faculty liaison, and 12 ex-officio members (the current and previous year's Secretaries- and Directors-General of each conference).

The History

IMUNA belongs to a long tradition of international education through simulation. Model United Nations at the college level traces its beginnings to a national Model League of Nations. In 1974, the sponsors of the collegiate National Model United Nations conference decided to develop a program for high school students that would be held annually following the collegiate conference. The first National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference was held in the spring of 1975 and was an immediate success. In the late 1970s, the increased workload led NHSMUN to form its own parent organization. IMUNA was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1979. Today we hold consultative NGO status at the United Nations. We strive to partner with international and regional organizations that promote education and international dialogue, as well as collegiate and university educational institutions.

The Conferences

IMUNA promotes a peaceful global citizenry though global issues education. While IMUNA supports various education endeavors and publishes resources that are useful for both students and educators, three world-class Model UN simulations are the heart of our organization.

National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN)

Founded: 1975
Location: United Nations International Headquarters and the Hilton New York in New York City, New York
Annual Dates: Mid March
Approximate Size: 2500-3000 delegates

National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) was founded in 1975 and has continued uninterrupted for 35 years. The conference takes place at the United Nations and the Hilton New York. Delegates participate in debate at both the UN Headquarters and the Hilton New York. The working language is English but international students are encouraged to attend and we are proud to host representatives from approximately 20 countries each year. NHSMUN offers one of the world's premier education simulations. It spans a period of four days. Our staff often arranges for schools to meet the UN embassy representatives from their country and students vote in the UN General Assembly Hall. Our faculty speakers program sponsors workshops that feature educational theorists and international relations experts.

Regional High School Model United Nations (RHSMUN)

Founded: 1998
Location: San Fransisco, CA; formely Salt Lake City, UT
Annual Dates: First week in December
Approximate Size: 400-500 delegates

Regional High School Model United Nations (RHSMUN) was founded in 1998, and in 2010 moved from its long time home in Salt Lake City, UT, to San Fransisco, CA. The conference promotes education through simulation in the western United States and regularly attracts students from Utah, California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and several other states as well as Canada and Mexico. RHSMUN is proud to host one of the most dynamic Model UN simulations in the West. Thanks to the conference size, delegates receive hands-on education from conference staff and committee directors. The individualized experience is highly enriching and students enjoy crisis committees and expert substantive debate. The all-volunteer staff consists of university students from the US and Canada.

Southern United States Model United Nations (SUSMUN)

Founded: 2009
Location: Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia
Annual Dates: Mid November
Approximate Size: 400-500 delegates

Southern United States Model United Nations (SUSMUN) was founded in 2009. The conference takes place at Emory University and our staff is assisted by Emory students and faculty - an enriching partnership between the two organizations. The purpose of the SUSMUN conference is to educate new and advanced students in matters of international relations. SUSMUN caters to the experience level of delegates. This is managed by three components: a tier system for delegate expertise level; a series of hands-on workshops; and a service learning project. New, beginner, novice, and veteran tiers allow delegates to work with other delegates of comparable skill. These are well complemented by the workshops, which are deisgned to introduce new students to the basic concepts of Model UN and to provide expert skills training for those more advanced students. Since students grow through experiential education, the SUSMUN service learning project organizes a year-long effort with schools to raise funds for a particular humanitarian NGO (Heifer International).

 
IMUNA Board of Directors 2011-2012

Chairman: Nick Stefanizzi
Vice Chairman: Adam Porter-Price
Comptroller: Jake Velker
Faculty Liaison: Jim Hodges, Brighton High School
Secretary: Jerry Guo
Member-at-Large: Foard Copeland
RHSMUN Liaison and Member-at-Large: Taylor Parkin
NHSMUN Liaison and Member-at-Large: Jennifer Tschetter
SUSMUN Liaison and Member-at-Large: Kate Mahoney
NHSMUN 2012 Secretary-General: Florian Schratt
NHSMUN 2012 Director-General: Sarah Costello
RHSMUN 2011 Secretary-General: Molly Williams
RHSMUN 2011 Director-General: Caroline Corley
SUSMUN 2011 Secretary-General: Leacy Burke
SUSMUN 2011 Director-General: Francie Berger
NHSMUN Secretary-General 2011: Max Ross
NHSMUN Director-General 2011: Chris Talamo
RHSMUN Secretary-General 2010: Aaron Bothner
SUSMUN Secretary-General 2010: Danny Weinberg
SUSMUN Director-General 2010: Jackie Regan

Project Managers

Technical Projects Manager: Andrew Willden