Harvard Model Congress San Francisco

Transcription

1 Harvard Model Congress San Francisco 2008 Conference January 24 th 27 th, 2008

2 Executive Board 2008 Molly M. Barron Hana C. Merkle Presidents Jason B. McCoy Director of Operations Megan L. Srinivas Director of Programs Jason D. Burke Director of Faculy Relations Jordan N. Boslego Business Manager May 9, 2007 Harvard Model Congress Student Organization Center at Hilles, 59 Shepard St. Cambridge, MA Telephone and Fax: (617) Dear Faculty Advisor: We would like to invite you to join us in San Francisco next January for Harvard Model Congress 2008! Praised by former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney as a wonderful opportunity to learn about government first-hand, Harvard Model Congress is a student-run non-profit educational organization affiliated with Harvard University, which instructs high school students about the inner-workings of the American political process through U.S. government simulations. Please take a few minutes to read this packet and consider HMC San Francisco We think you will find that HMC offers its participants with a unique opportunity to learn outside the classroom. HMC strives to educate high school students about the United States government by creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment. With delegates playing the roles of senators, representatives, cabinet secretaries, Supreme Court justices, members of the National Security Council and the press, HMC seeks to represent all facets of the political process as realistically as possible. Moreover, through debate in committee and interaction with hundreds of other delegates, students will have their beliefs questioned, their perspectives re-shaped, and their ability to compromise tested allowing them to truly understand both the challenges and rewards of American democracy. Our San Francisco conference represents the best HMC has to offer. The smaller, intimate size of the conference yields a favorable delegate-to-staff ratio, which better facilitates delegate participation and fosters more productive dialogue between students and their Harvard counterparts. The staff is selected through a highly competitive application process, ensuring that San Francisco committees are lead by our most talented and dedicated staffers. Less-experienced delegates especially thrive in the supportive learning environment of San Francisco, where chairs can truly connect with students on both an educational and personal level. This year at San Francisco, we are also pleased to announce the development of our scholarship and financial aid program, which we hope will allow students of all backgrounds to attend our conference on an unprecedented scale. In keeping with the belief that active participation fulfills the true meaning of American democracy, we are confident that increasing the diversity of our conference will render HMC a more dynamic and stimulating experience than ever before. Our conference this year will also feature several new programmatic innovations, which will strive to better represent the intertwining nature of the political process. For new prospective schools, this is an ideal year to attend HMC San Francisco for the first time; for returning schools, this year s conference promises to be one you do not want to miss! If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or . We look forward to hearing from you and hope you will join us in January! Sincerely, Hana C. Merkle Co-President Molly M. Barron Co-President 1

3 HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS - SAN FRANCISCO 2008 Table of Contents The Programs 3 Learn about Harvard Model Congress unique approach to simulating American government by placing students in the roles of assigned senators and representatives, and in programs that replicate the Executive Branch, Judicial Branch and role of the media. The Conference 4 Learn about conference logistics, including hotel, fees, and location. Contact Us, 5 Tentative Conference Schedule, & How To Enroll Information Request 6 Form Join our mailing list! hmcsf@hcs.harvard.edu INTRODUCTION Mohandas Gandhi once wrote that in true democracy every man and woman is taught to think for himself or herself. Recognizing that full and active participation in our governmental processes is vital to the future of our democracy, Harvard Model Congress offers a comprehensive program of thoughtfully created American government simulations that seek to prepare young people for meaningful involvement in our nation s government and civil society. The institutions of our democracy have, through the centuries, proven robust and resilient this success, however, comes only through special effort and attention. Indeed, the success of a democracy is heavily dependent upon active participation by informed citizens. The breadth and depth of knowledge imparted upon students by our simulations offer students valuable hands-on experience, as they step out of their normal lives to become senators, representatives, cabinet members, presidential advisors, Supreme Court justices, and reporters. HMC offers more than simple exposure as students gain an in-depth understanding of the most important issues currently facing our society and a multi-dimensional look at how the different branches of government work together and independently to address these problems. HMC makes national problems immediately relevant, animates political debate, and demonstrates how legislative compromise is achieved. These are lessons that students will take with them far into the future. Indeed, educators have remarked that attending the conference can teach more in four days than a full semester of classroom instruction. Each individual element of HMC s dynamic program is intricately designed to help students learn about national issues and, more importantly, to learn how to deal with them. Before the conference, students are assigned roles and topics to research. In this way, each student becomes an expert on certain substantive policy issues and can then enter the mind of a particular political figure. At the conference, trained Harvard College staff members lead delegates through the intricacies of our government with a focus on learning from others and having fun, productive debate. Engaging issues, hot journalistic beats, and intense crises immerse students in our complex political system. Participants develop a series of valuable skills, such as public speaking and negotiation. These skills will aid them throughout their educational and professional careers and they will thus leave Harvard Model Congress San Francisco better problem solvers, leaders, and critical thinkers. 2

4 HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS - SAN FRANCISCO 2008 THE PROGRAMS CONGRESS Delegates participate in four committee sessions, drafting bills during informal caucuses and formal debate. Committee sessions allow students to experience the rewards and challenges of creating laws. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House of Representatives consists of three committees, each of which covers three related legislative topics. Fifty representatives are assigned to each of the specialized committees, where they work with their fellow committee members to debate the issues in depth and create well-reasoned and detailed legislation. During formal debate, representatives will address their colleagues from a podium at the front of the theater-style committee room, gaining both experience and confidence in speaking and debating. SENATE The Senate, like the House, consists of three separate committees, but the setting is more intimate, and each committee discusses four issues in two distinct jurisdictions. The twenty-five senators are seated around a conference table, creating a more informal atmosphere. Debate remains intense, however, as senators wrestle among their competing interests. Delegates must work quickly to draft and debate legislation, while maintaining the deliberative character of the Senate. COMMITTEE SESSIONS AND FULL SESSION Each committee is coordinated by two or three Harvard undergraduates, who spend much of the year writing issue briefings and updates for the committee. Individual committee character and pace vary with the particular issues, staff, and participants; they can range from heated partisan debate to calm and quiet consensus, but all sessions will encourage delegates to develop novel approaches to their issues. As carefully crafted legislation emerges from committee, Congressmen gather together in their respective chambers for full sessions. Here, they have the opportunity to present and discuss before an entire body of Congress the legislation that has survived committee mark-up. Full session also gives delegates an opportunity to think about issues from other committees. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Special Programs distinguish Harvard Model Congress from other congressional simulations. By simulating the responsibilities of the courts, the Executive Branch and the print media, HMC strives to create a realistic model of American government. PRESIDENTIAL CABINET The Cabinet is an advisory group to the President composed of 20 talented delegates. Cabinet members craft executive views on legislative issues, articulate these positions to congressional committees, lobby legislators, and actively promote the president's legislative agenda. Additionally, delegates engage in round-table discussions, reviewing legislation to recommend its passage or veto by the president. The Cabinet also convenes with the president during emergencies to provide guidance in critical diplomatic decisions. Participating in the Cabinet requires intensive preparation. Each Cabinet member is assigned an agenda of three to four House and Senate issues, according to his/her area of expertise. Prior to the conference, Cabinet members receive issue briefings, biographies, position papers, and other relevant information. From these documents, they prepare factual reports that aid presidential action. The Cabinet offers delegates the opportunity to testify before congressional committees, and exceptional practice in public speaking and argumentation. SUPREME COURT As the final authority on civil and criminal disputes, the Supreme Court renders decisions that shape the moral and political fabric of our society. Recognizing the importance of this institution in the American system of checks and balances, this program simulates the procedures of the nation's highest judicial body. Students serve as petitioners, respondents, and justices in hearings before the Supreme Court. Working in teams of two, student attorneys prepare written briefs, argue and judge cases on the most challenging and exciting issues in constitutional law and learn from an insider's perspective how the court reaches its decisions. Each team of attorneys presents its case before a panel of justices, which is led by a Harvard staff member as chief justice. Throughout the conference, staff members challenge students to craft intricate arguments based on precedent and interpretation of the Constitution. PRESS CORPS During the conference, reporters prepare a newspaper with information about congressional votes, national crises, and presidential policy. While observing congressional committees, reporters will make notes on the points of agreement and disagreement on the debates surrounding an issue, taking special note of congressmen who may not have voted in line with their ideological profile. After collecting all the information for the day, reporters will return to the press room to write their articles with staff guidance. As they alert the public about congressional activity (and behind-the-scenes stories and scandals), students will understand why the press is often referred to as the fourth branch of government. NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL By convening during emergencies to advise the President in critical military and diplomatic decisions, the NSC assists in coordinating and implementing American national security policy. At HMC, students portraying diplomatic and military advisors, the Director of the CIA, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other government agency heads meet to discuss questions of national security. In producing directives and press releases, NSC delegates learn about international affairs and develop their strategic thinking skills. From the moment the selected NSC members receive their issue briefings, developments and proceedings remain top secret. Elaborate schemes may be needed to avoid security leaks, and members of the NSC must be prepared to manage any crisis threatening the security of the United States. 3

5 Photos courtesy of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau The Crowne Plaza Union Square CONFERENCE FEES Fees for HMC San Francisco 2008: Student Fee $75 Faculty Fee $70 HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS - SAN FRANCISCO 2008 THE CONFERENCE THE HOTEL HMC is proud to hold the 2007 conference at the Crowne Plaza Union Square in San Francisco, located just one block from the Union Square shopping district and a short walk from notable San Francisco attractions. Delegates stay in the hotel s spacious guest rooms and can easily access the adjoining conference facilties, where all sessions are held. Hotel room fees are not included in our conference fees; the hotel registration procedure is further explained in the Registration Workbook and Faculty Guide, which is mailed to schools in early fall. SAN FRANCISCO The conference gives students a chance to visit San Francisco, one of the nation s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. The city s sights include Fisherman s Wharf, Chinatown, the Exploratorium and the Golden Gate Bridge. Delegates will have an opportunity to explore the city during San Francisco Day on the morning of Friday, January 26th. HMC will also provide information about visiting local colleges and universities, which include Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley and the University of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge - a San Francisco landmark Congress Asia assembles delegates in Bangkok, Thailand. We also run the Harvard Political Education Program, a civics and current events curriculum for high school students in the Boston and Cambridge communities. Harvard Model Congress programs provide students across the United States and around the world with a unique chance to learn about the American system of government. San Francisco s bustling Chinatown ABOUT HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS In addition to our San Francisco conference, Harvard Model Congress runs a Boston conference, now in its twenty-second year. Additionally, Harvard Model Congress Europe - HMC s sister organization - hosts a government simulation conference for foreign students every March, and Harvard Model HMC staffers eating lunch in San Francisco Harvard Model Congress is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about government firsthand. Working as members of Congress, lobbyists, cabinet members, party leaders and journalists, you will experience the spirit and excitement in being a part of the legislative process. --Mitt Romney, Former Massachusetts Governor What participants are saying about HMC: This was the best organized conference we have attended in the past eight years. HMC was awesome! All of my friends want to come next year. Keep up the good work. HMC is the most authentic government simulation on the circuit, bar none. Next year s dates are already a part of our school calendar. While it occurs during two days of our vacation, the students wouldn t think of missing it. 4

6 HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS - SAN FRANCISCO 2008 Tentative Conference Schedule: How to establish a Harvard Model Congress delegation at your own school: Wednesday, Jan. 23, :00pm - 11:00pm Registration Thursday, Jan. 24, :00am - 11:00am Registration 11:00am - 12:00pm Opening Ceremonies 12:00pm - 2:00pm Lunch Spring 2007 Contact Harvard Model Congress to join our registration mailing list. Find 1-3 interested faculty advisors. Talk to your principal and/or school board to get approval for the trip. Identify enthusiastic students to make up a potential delegation. 2:00pm - 5:30pm 2:00pm - 2:30pm 2:30pm - 3:15pm 3:15pm - 5:30pm 5:30pm - 7:30pm 7:30pm - 10:30pm 7:30pm - 10:30pm Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 Introduction to Committee (Congress) Party Caucus (Congress) Dinner Fall 2007 Recruit students for your delegation! Register students. (We will send you a registration workbook in the fall.) Investigate travel arrangements. Begin conference preparation: receive issue briefing materials from HMC, review parliamentary procedure, assign roles to students. Friday Morning 4:00pm - 5:30pm 4:00pm - 6:15pm 5:30pm - 6:15 pm 6:15pm - 8:00pm 8:00pm - 11:00pm 8:00pm - 11:00pm Saturday, Jan. 26, :00am - 12:00pm 12:00pm - 2:00pm 2:00pm - 5:00pm 5:00pm - 5:30pm 5:30pm - 9:00pm 9:00pm - 12:00am Sunday, Jan. 27, :30am - 12:30pm 1:00pm - 2:00pm San Francisco Day Party Caucus (Congress) Dinner Full Session (Congress) Lunch Party Caucus (Congress) Dinner Congressional Ball Faculty Social Full Session (Congress) Closing Ceremonies Winter 2008 Guide students in researching issues and drafting presubmitted bills. Reserve hotel rooms and finalize travel. January 24-27, HMC San Francisco 2008! How to Contact Us: For fastest response, please contact us via at: hmcsf@hcs.harvard.edu Harvard Model Congress Student Organization Center at Hilles 59 Shepard Street Cambridge, MA Telephone and Fax: (617) We encourage you to visit our website at in order to investigate past committee topics and program descriptions in the Briefing Book section. Cover art courtesy of whereisben.blogs.com 5

7 HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS - SAN FRANCISCO 2008 YES! I would like to learn how my school can participate in HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS SAN FRANCISCO Name: School: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Please send me more information. My school: has not yet participated in HMC. has attended the Boston Conference for years. has attended the San Francisco Conference for years. My school would be interested in bringing between and delegates. At this time we: are definitely attending the conference. are strongly considering attending the conference. may be attending the conference. Return by post or fax to: Harvard Model Congress Student Organization Center at Hilles 59 Shepard Street Cambridge, MA Fax: (617) If you know of another school we should contact about attending HMC San Francisco, please let us know: School Name: Address/Location: Contact Person: Phone Number / Address: Or, this information to hmcsf@hcs.harvard.edu 6

8 Harvard Model Congress Student Organization Center at Hilles 59 Shepard Street Cambridge, MA America s Premier Government Simulation