|  Global Classrooms: Washington, DC
Global Classrooms: Washington, DC (GCDC) is implemented by the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) and is a part of a worldwide initiative of the United Nations Association of the USA to bring Model UN into urban public schools. Using special curricular materials, up-to-date online and print resources, and comprehensive support and training for participating teachers, GCDC brings this experience to DC metropolitan area public schools in dynamic ways. The result of these initiatives has enabled the program to successfully work with each of the 19 DC public high schools in the District of Columbia (DCPS) system and touch the lives of 519 students in its third year.
Through the program, high school students and teachers in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area participate in year-round activities that help them understand the global system, increase their knowledge of other cultures and traditions, improve their ability to think analytically and creatively, and tackle global problems and issues collectively. Participating students learn to interact civilly and productively with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Utilizing the wealth of resources available in the nation's capital, Global Classrooms: Washington, DC (GCDC) looks forward to continuing to promote global awareness and an interest in international affairs in our partner schools.
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte speaks with students at the 2008 UNA-USA Global Classrooms: Washington, DC Model UN Conference |
Professional Development Workshops:
Give participating teachers an overview of the program, Model United Nations, and an introduction to the United Nations' goals and activities. In-class Model UN Sessions:
Provide classroom support throughout the year from GCDC staff and Model UN volunteers from local universities in implementing the GCDC curriculum.
Model UN Training & Spring Conferences allow students to apply what they have learned, develop their conflict resolution skills, and role-play as foreign ambassadors.
Volunteer Program:Make foreign affairs real for GCDC students by drawing upon the wealth of personnel resources available in the government and NGO community in DC.
Field Trips:Bring students to embassies and government institutions in the DC area, making the city the students' classroom. About the City
As the seat of political power for one of the most influential governments on earth, Washington DC is often seen as a symbol of democracy. Many Washingtonians share a passion for participatory political dialog. Meanwhile, an international mindset allows the citizens of DC the unique opportunity to see issues from both international and domestic perspectives. However, it is a sad irony that children growing up in the US capital, in the shadows of some of the most hallowed emblems of democracy, often find it difficult to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be active citizens.
Washington, DC is home to international organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Organization of American States, the Department of State, the US Agency for International Aid, numerous embassies and a thriving diplomatic community. Despite this international environment though, the children of DC are rarely given the chance to benefit from global resources or gain exposure to the critical dialogue that occurs here. It is this challenge that Global Classrooms®: Washington, DC is eager to address.
The city of Washington, DC is host to an energetic political discourse. It is the task of Global Classrooms®: Washington, DC to bring this participatory dialog into the city’s classrooms and to enrich it by equipping students with an understanding of global affairs. About DC Public SchoolsThe District of Columbia Public School System (DCPS) has begun to address many of the structural issues that keep DC schools from reaching their potential. DC’s students still bear the brunt of the resource limitations that plague many urban public schools, as shown by poor test scores and low literacy rates.
But already there are exceptional schools that offer high-quality education. Some schools have begun to enhance their educational offerings through partnerships with DC’s legal, policy and non-profit communities. With a new, recently-appointed superintendent, DC stands poised to rise above the challenges. Above all, a number of exceptional teachers, many of whom proudly participate in Global Classrooms, serve as motivators and mentors to students throughout DCPS. One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Classrooms: Washington, DC Model UN Conference is its partnership with the US Department of State.
The State Department has not only offered its headquarters as the conference venue, but also has helped Global Classrooms launch a volunteer program for current State Department employees to become involved in the program before, during and after the Model UN Conference. Volunteers can now get involved in the DC Public School System in three roles: as an educator, mentor and/or policy advisor. - Educators: Help teachers prepare their students for the upcoming Model UN Conference by providing substantive briefings in the classroom, and assist students in formulating their countries' positions or answering their questions about international relations.
- Mentors: Share your personal experiences abroad and at the State Department headquarters with DC public school students to put a face on foreign policy, and offer career advice to students interested in public service.
- Policy Advisors: Actively participate in the Model UN Conference by advising student delegates on their country positions during debate, and help students forge alliances, write resolutions, and fuel debate during committee session.
Contact Global Classrooms: Washington, DC Dani Abrams
Global Education Director
UNA-NCA
dabrams@unanca.org
www.unanca.org
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