Triunfo YMCA TRIUNFO YMCA MODEL UNITED NATIONS DELEGATE & PARENT HANDBOOK
Triunfo YMCA What is Model United Nations? Program Overview The California YMCA Youth &Government Model United Nations program is a simulation of the real-life United Nations Assembly. Participants in Model United Nations (MUN) will take part in some of the activities that the real U.N. participates in. Delegates will research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions focusing on international issues, including disputes between countries, peace-keeping responsibilities, border crisis, stabilizing financial markets and dealing with hunger, disease and poverty. Delegations are assigned one or more countries (depending on the number of delegates) that they will represent, and the ambassadors will research the countries and come to the MUN as ambassadors from those countries. Ambassadors can be a part of one of several organizations that make up the U.N., including the General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Secretariat (for interns only), and an international press delegation. The roles in these different organs of MUN are described in more detail later. Ambassadors also participate in caucuses which represent different areas of the world: The African States, Asian States, Latin American and Caribbean States, and the Western European and Other States. Delegates will write, debate and vote on resolutions in the GA, and also participate in one of the organs, either hearing memorials (court cases), dealing with issues of human rights, writing newspaper articles, or settling border or territorial disputes. Ambassadors will be faced with some crisis issues that they will be asked to resolve as well. Delegation Meetings The Triunfo YMCA s MUN program consists primarily of Thursday night delegation meetings. These meetings are run by Advisors and are held from 6:00-7:00pm at Sumac Elementary School in the YMCA facility. Attendance is mandatory for participating ambassadors because the content relates directly to the MUN experience. Meeting agenda items include, but are not limited to, nominations and elections of delegation and program wide officers, role training, discussion of UN proceedings, education and selection of country blocks, backgrounds, and positions.
Triunfo YMCA Statewide Conferences MUN Training & Elections Conference Camp Roberts, Paso Robles, CA March 14 th - 16 th, 2014 During Model United Nations, one statewide training is held at Camp Roberts in Paso Robles. All delegates that wish to participate in the Model United Nations must attend this training. This mandatory and very helpful introduction to the Model UN program is a lot of fun for ambassadors and great learning experience. The curriculum for the Training Conference includes a thorough orientation of the program and organs, as well as core value-building workshops that focus on culture acceptance, public speaking, and leadership skills. Ambassadors will also receive an introduction to the core staff, role training, and a chance to meet program participants from other YMCAs. The cost of this conference is included in the program fees. MUN Summit- Hyatt Regency, Irvine, CA April 24 th -April 27 th The Model United Nations conference is held in Irvine, California at the Hyatt Regency. This four-day conference is the heart of the MUN program. Ambassadors will be given a chance to put all their research and practice to work as they perform their roles and explore how the United Nations is run. Attending, student ambassadors take on the roles of UN organ members, chairs, and presiding officers. In this unique experience, they deal with international issues that affect our world. The cost of this conference is included in the program fees. Supervision The Triunfo YMCA MUN program is supervised and administered on several levels. On a local level, the delegation is run by an elected group of ambassador officers. With the assistance of several volunteer and staff advisors, these ambassadors conduct weekly delegation meetings, coordinate local events and activities, and generally lead the delegation. The Triunfo volunteer advisors supervise the Triunfo ambassadors and the delegation directly. The advisors are fingerprinted for background checks and certified annually at the program s Advisor Staff Development Conference. When the delegation attends statewide conferences, it is supervised by over 200 volunteer advisors and program staff and supplemented strongly by local authorities. The Triunfo YMCA and MUN program take the safety of its participants very seriously; it is always the top priority.
Triunfo YMCA Program Standards The Triunfo YMCA MUN program holds its ambassadors and advisors to a high standard of character. The following is expected of all program participants: Code of Conduct Participants of the Triunfo YMCA MUN program shall be committed to the Code of Conduct, which is included in this handbook, while at all delegation events or activities. The Code of Conduct, which is created by to help maintain the safety and image of the program, indicates how ambassadors shall conduct themselves at all times. Delegation Criteria Program participants shall also be committed to the following Delegation Criteria, which expands on the Code of Conduct and enumerates some delegation-specific standards: Attendance Attendance at weekly delegation meetings is important. Unexcused absences shall have a bearing on role selection priority and overall eligibility for participation. As stated in the Code of Conduct, all conference sessions are mandatory for all attendees. An unexcused absence from a conference session can result in dismissal from the program. It is nearly impossible to participate in such a detail-oriented mock government without the training available at the conferences. Conduct Delegates shall behave responsibly at all YMCA-related events. Delegates shall be accountable for their behavior at all YMCA related-events. Delegates shall uphold the four core values of the Triunfo YMCA: Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. Spirit Delegates shall display a positive mental attitude towards the program, delegation, and all participants. Delegates shall understand that, as a member of this delegation, they represent both the Triunfo YMCA and the Triunfo delegation at every Youth and Government activity. Each delegate should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on both the delegation and the YMCA.
Fee Overview Triunfo YMCA Program Fees Total Cost of Program - $915 plus $40 program membership (The cost of the program includes transportation, meals, lodging, conference fees and supervision.) 1 st Payment: Immediately upon registration $305 Membership Fee (if applicable) $40 *BOTH Due by Thursday, February 27 th 2 nd Payment: Due Thursday, March 13 th $305 3 rd Payment: Due Thursday, April 10 th $305 Payment Policy Program fees are payable in three payments as outlines in the payment schedule above. A payment by check can be turned in at any delegation meeting prior to the scheduled due date, or it can be turned in to the Triunfo YMCA main office. A payment by credit card can be performed by the Triunfo YMCA over the phone. Additionally, the YMCA has the ability to securely store a credit card or bank account number for Electronic Fund transfer; this is the preferred method of payment. Non-payment of any fee to the Triunfo YMCA by its deadline shall constitute a drop from the program; reinstatement to the program requires the payment of the fee in questions and is at the sole discretion of the Triunfo YMCA. Refund Policy Any payment made is non-refundable after it s respective due date in the payment schedule above. The money is almost immediately paid out by the Triunfo YMCA to cover costs and make conference reservations. Financial Assistance Financial assistance is available to those delegates demonstrating that they are unable to pay all or part of the program. Applications for financial assistance are available at the Triunfo YMCA main office. Financial assistance is made possible by our generous Strong Kids Campaign.
Meeting Schedule: Triunfo YMCA - Thursday, February 20 th 6:00-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA New Member & Parent Informational Night - Thursday, February 27 th 6:00-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA 1 st Payment Due - Thursday, March 6 th 6:00-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA - Thursday, March 13 th 6:00-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA Parent Night 2 nd Payment Due We depart the following day for our first conference! - Thursday, March 20 th 6:00pm-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA - Thursday, March 27 th 6:00pm-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA - Thursday, April 10 th 6:00-7:00pm @ Willow YMCA 3 rd & FINAL Payment Due - Thursday, April 17 th 6:00-7:00pm, Sumac YMCA Parent Night We depart the following Thursday for our MUN Summit! - Thursday, May 1 st 6:00-7:00pm, Sumac YMCA End of the Year Pot Luck For additional information about and/or the Triunfo YMCA, please contact John Napotnik, Program Director at (818) 707-YMCA or send an e-mail to jnapotnik@triunfoymca.org
California YMCA Model United Nations Code of Conduct The purpose of California YMCA is to develop within our youth a dedication to the values of democracy and an awareness of the need for their participation and leadership in the democratic process. Participants in the Model United Nations program are expected to develop an awareness of the global political situation and respect for the cultural and ethnic differences of all BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT Essential to the California YMCA (Y&G) is the concern of each participant for the rights of every individual. Being responsible for one's own behavior at all times is a necessary part of self-government. It is critical that all participants, advisors, and staff act responsibly to ensure that their own conduct and attitude is beneficial not only to themselves and their fellow participants, but also to ensure the continuation of Y&G s programs. The Code of Conduct shall be observed by both youth and adults. There will be no double standard. By choosing to participate in the programs of Y&G, each individual agrees that they have read, understand, and will follow the Code of Conduct while attending any part of the program. Each participant is accountable for preserving the reputation and high standard of his/her YMCA delegation and Y&G. All participants share equally the responsibility for their actions when violations of the Code are witnessed. Those who decide to be present when a violation occurs shall, by their own choice, be considered a participant in the violation. In this program, there are no "innocent bystanders". 1. GENERAL RULES Infractions of General Rules A-H shall result in expulsion from Y&G functions and conferences. a. In order to ensure the safety of all participants Y&G reserves the right to conduct searches of baggage, rooms and persons to include the use of breathalyzers in accordance with its polices. In addition, local law enforcement agencies may be contacted and the participant/advisor/staff member turned over to them as appropriate. b. All public and private facilities placed at the disposal of Y&G to conduct its programs are to be given the greatest care and attention by everyone. It is a PRIVILEGE to use them; treat them with respect. Any act of vandalism, destruction of property, or misuse of a facility may be a crime and will be treated as such. c. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. Page 1 of 4 Amended January 30, 2012
California YMCA Model United Nations Code of Conduct d. Weapons of any kind and items that could cause injury or damage to participants and/or property are strictly forbidden. e. Any violation of State, Federal or local law will be treated as such and the proper authorities may be notified. f. Intimate sexual behavior is inappropriate and not allowed. g. Possession and/or the use of any tobacco products is not permitted. Infractions of General Rules H-Q may result in expulsion from Y&G functions and conferences: h. All public and private facilities placed at the disposal of Y&G to conduct its programs are to be given the greatest care and attention by everyone. It is a PRIVILEGE to use them; treat them with respect. Any act of vandalism, destruction of property, or misuse of a facility may be a crime and will be treated as such. i. Activities which endanger the health and safety of the individual or others are prohibited. j. Inappropriate or uninvited physical contact between any Y&G participants, staff member, or guests is not allowed. k. Specific rules as set by the individual facilities (i.e., YMCA, Hotels, California National Guard facilities, etc.) are to be observed. l. Participants must be present and punctual at all meetings where their involvement is required. m. Participants shall observe all curfews and be in their assigned sleeping rooms at the established curfew times. n. No participant shall be in the barrack of the opposite sex at the Training & Elections Conferences. In Sacramento, no participant shall be present in the hotel room with a member of the opposite sex at any time, unless an advisor is present in the room, or there are five or more participants present in the room, two of which are the same sex (3-2 rule). o. Y&G does not permit participants to drive vehicles to or from any of its related conferences. Any delegation seeking an exception must clear it in advance with their local YMCA Executive Director or, in school based delegations, School Principal, and must provide proof in writing to the Y&G office prior to the related conference. PARTICIPANTS MAY NOT DRIVE ANY VEHICLE WHILE AT A CONFERENCE. Advisors seeking to drive during a conference shall obtain clearance through Y&G. IN ALL CASES, LIABILITY IS ASSUMED BY THE SPONSORING LOCAL YMCA OR SCHOOL. Page 2 of 4 Amended January 30, 2012
California YMCA Model United Nations Code of Conduct p. All electronic devices (except those used by the Y&G staff) must be turned off during all sessions, meetings, and hearings in all program areas. Advisors/staff may leave devices on, but inaudible, for emergency contact reasons. They must leave the session/area in order to answer a call. q. Falsification of records threatens the integrity of the program and will be considered a serious breach of contract. The result will include a range of penalties up to dismissal from the program. 2. DRESS RULES FOR OFFICIALLY SCHEDULED MUN SESSIONS a. Name Badge Requirements i. Participants must wear their assigned name badge at all times. ii. Badges shall be worn by the individual whose name appears on the badge. iii. Badge switching or sharing is strictly prohibited. iv. Badges are to be worn above the waist and must be visible. Badges are not to be defaced, decorated, or altered in any way. b. Clothing not allowed at any time includes: plastic beach shoes or flip flops, hats, clothing with inappropriate markings, clothing exposing bare midriffs or upper thighs, halter tops, strapless tops. c. Summit Attire i. All participants are to adhere to business-casual dress during the Y&G business day (8 AM - 9:00 PM) and other such hours as designated by the program schedule. ii. Appropriate female clothing: (1) Business casual attire including dresses, skirts, sweaters blouses, coordinated slacks/top combinations. (2) Jeans, denim jackets or shorts are allowed at the Summit. iii. Appropriate male clothing: (1) Business casual attire including slacks ( Docker types are OK), Collared shirts (polo/golf type or short/long sleeve button shirts), Socks must be worn at all times. (2) Jeans, denim jackets, shorts and collarless shirts of any kind are not permitted at the Summit. d. The Y&G CEO and his/her designee has the authority to determine both the appropriateness of appearance and attire of participants. Page 3 of 4 Amended January 30, 2012
California YMCA Model United Nations Code of Conduct 3. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS a. The Code of Conduct is binding on all participants, advisors, and staff. Each participant will be accountable for his/her actions. In addition, each YMCA or school and its advisors shall be held accountable for the conduct of their delegation. b. THE CEO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO INTERPRET THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ADMINISTER ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION DEEMED NECESSARY. c. The CEO has the authority to delegate his/her disciplinary powers to any staff person deemed appropriate. d. ALL EXPENSES AND ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LOCAL YMCA OR SCHOOL, THE DELEGATION, AND THE ADVISOR, WHO SHALL BE REIMBURSED BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN. YMCAs MUST BE PREPARED TO ASSUME ANY AND ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS IMMEDIATELY. 4. LOCAL YMCA RULES Each local YMCA or school may outline more stringent rules of conduct in conformance with this Code of Conduct for its delegation. These additional rules and the Y&G Code of Conduct are binding. Violation of either could subject the offender to termination from the program. Delegation advisors shall be responsible for enforcing such additional rules of their local YMCA. Page 4 of 4 Amended January 30, 2012