Ideally, there would have been a blog update everyday, but we were too dirt tired for that.  It turns out NMUN is one of the most exhausting experiences a person can have.  Fortunately, we are nearing the end of our journey.  Today we wrapped up with voting on resolutions.  Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that 3 of our papers were selected for the award for Outstanding Position Paper in their respective committees.  Congratulations to Cameron Vea, Jordan Grimwood and Jasmine Aarabi, and Catherine Morton!  We have also had a joyous time experiencing New York City.  Tomorrow morning we will travel to the UN headquarters and vote electronically in the general assembly and committee rooms (which is awesome).  Follow us on twitter!

- The Pepperdine Model UN Team 

We have arrived. Almost. We’re a member short still I believe, but we are nearly all here. Tonight we experienced our first committee sessions. These sessions began with an introduction to a conference and a reminder of the ensuing procedures. We then opened the session with a role call at which point all of the countries in any given committee declared themselves to be either “present” or “present and voting.” Present means you may vote either “yes”, “no,” or you may abstain.  To be voting and present means you may not abstain, but you are able to change the status of your presence through the conference.  Following this procedures we entertained several motions for setting the agenda.  Committees then informally caucused for whatever period of time they previously voted on to discuss the order of the topics that would set the agenda.  This would look like approaching other delegates, introducing yourself as your country, and then stating whether you want topic 3 first, then 1, then 2, or 132, or 231 etc based on what your country believes should have priority (as you usually only make it through the first topic).  Having set the agenda (though it’s feasible that not all committees did) we will begin writing resolutions on the first agenda topic tomorrow.  Keep up with us on Twitter!  

All the way from New York City

-The Pepperdine Model UN Team

Our last meeting pre-conference began with greasy pizza and team bonding.  We then covered the itinerary and safety.  The next item on the agenda was setting our individual committees agendas aka in what order we would like to discuss the topics.  We then discussed points of strategy and thoughts on heading into next year.  The conference begins Sunday evening and we will be meeting at 7pm to discuss beginning strategy.  Good luck everyone!

We are so close to the conference! Only a week away!  Tonight we explored more aspects of a mock session.  We took notes on pre-ambulatory and operative clauses in addition to resolution writing and working in committee.  We also began putting together our binders which will eventually include all the position papers written by our students, resolutions relating to our topics, the world factbook printout of Colombia, the Millennium Development Goals, our resources, our resolutions, and prepared speeches.  We also each received a miniature Colombian flag pin from Dr. James courtesy of Dr. Marshall for which we are enthusiastically appreciative!  This upcoming meeting will last longer than usual so show up prepared and geared up for a long night of work.  Don’t forget to be getting your affairs in order (ie dry clean your suit and buy a miniature bottle of shampoo).  The conference begins this upcoming Sunday and we are stoked!   

Tonight we participated in a mock session as the Commission of Narcotic Drugs.  We opened the session by practicing roll, then we opened the speakers list, and spoke and voted on the speaking time.  We then began speeches to set the agenda.  Kyland moved to informal caucus at which point we caucused for pi/pie.  After several more speeches, we moved to take a break for 7 days.  Don’t forget to read over your topic updates, go over everyone’s papers, and print out all the info you need in your binder.  See you next Wednesday!!!

We are getting so close to the conference! Tonight we reviewed different procedural aspects of being in session.  We covered motions such as Suspending the Meeting, calling Point of Order, or Dividing the Question.  At our next meeting we will participate in a mock session. Yay!  Don’t forget to buy your tickets!!!! Finally, we want to extend our overall appreciation for Cameron and Jordan for all their hard work and time invested in making sure all the position papers were turned in on time.  These classy kids are the core of this club and we want to recognize them for everything they’ve done.  THANK YOU CAMERON AND JORDAN! YOU ROCK!

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS ASAP!

Enjoy the rest of your Spring Break!

united-nations:

Great Instagram photo of the day from our UN Foundation colleagues!