Conference Staffing Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I become a member of the conference staff?
A: UNA-USA encourages all experienced Model UN participants to apply for our conferences. UNA-USA will post updated information regarding conference staffing on our website at www.unausa.org/secretariat. Also, if you are previous applicant, UNA-USA will send an e-mail reminder to apply for this year's conferences.

Q: What is the UNA-USA Model United Nations Conference?
A: The UNA-USA Model UN conference is the culminating event for high school students in the Global Classrooms^® program. The conference consists of students from New York City public high schools and all around the world. The conference is held every May. Visit our conference website to learn more.

Q: What is the UNA-USA Middle School Model UN Conference?
A: The UNA-USA Middle School Model UN Conference is the culminating event for New York City middle schools Global Classrooms program. It is the largest and most diverse Middle School conference in the world. Typically, the conference is held every spring. Visit our conference website to learn more.

Q: What is Global Classrooms?
A: Global Classrooms is an innovative educational program that engages middle school and high school students in an exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. Global Classrooms cultivates literacy and leadership as students explore important topics such as peacekeeping, sustainable development, human rights, and the economics of globalization.

 Learn more about the Global Classrooms program

Q: What is the role of UNA-USA's National Office in coordinating this event?
A: The UNA-USA Education Department is charged with overseeing the execution of all conferences. Furthermore, UNA-USA writes and disseminates all conference materials. UNA-USA depends on experienced Model UN participants to assist with staff training, communication and running simulations.

Q: Who writes the background guides and what rules of procedure are used?
A: The Senior Secretariat will be responsible for writing background guides under the supervision of UNA-USA. The UNA-USA staff members edits and finalizes the background guides for conference participants.

The rules of procedure are decided by UNA-USA staff members, who design them according to both the experience of conference participants and the rules of procedure used in Global Classrooms curricula. Conference staff members should note that the rules of procedure may be different from what they have used in other Model UN events.

Q: What expenses are covered by UNA-USA?
A: Depending on the conference, some transportation, hotel and lunch expenses are covered. Once you are selected to staff a conference, the conference organizer will notify you what expenses will be covered.

The UNA-USA MUN conference covers the cost of transportation to and from New York City (maximum of $300) and accommodations (in quad rooms) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Lunch is provided during most conference days. UNA-USA does not cover ground transportation or other meals.

Q: What are the expectations for the staff?
A: Staff members are expected to make a full commitment to the conference. Additionally, staff members are expected to act in a professional manner at all times, making the success of the conference and the delegates their first priority.

Although UNA-USA covers the cost of transportation to and from New York City and housing costs for staff members for the UNA-USA MUN Conference, if a staff member fails to meet the above-named expectations, UNA-USA reserves the right to withhold this reimbursement.

In addition, if you are selected to staff UNA-USA MUN, and you are located near one of our Global Classrooms cities, you will be expected to staff the local Global Classrooms Model UN conference. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from UNA-USA MUN staff or reimbursement to UNA-USA for any purchased travel ticket.

Please review our Conference Staff Roles and Responsibilities for more information.

Q: I have a scheduling conflict that may affect my conference participation. Can I still be a part of the conference staff?
Staff members are required to be at all meetings, trainings, and scheduled actitivies unless they receive prior permission by UNA-USA. If a professor or supervisor requires an excuse letter before your participation in the conference, UNA-USA can provide one.

UNA-USA strongly recommends applicants to confirm their schedule before applying to be a part of the conference.

Q: What is UNA-USA?
A: The United Nations Association of the United States of America is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization that supports the work of the United Nations and encourages active civic participation in the most important social and economic issues facing the world today. As the nation's largest grassroots foreign policy organization and the leading center of policy research on the United Nations and global issues, UNA-USA offers Americans the opportunity to connect with issues confronted by the United Nations, from global health and human rights to the spread of democracy, equitable development and international justice. Through its work, UNA-USA educates Americans about the work of the United Nations and encourages public support for strong US leadership in the United Nations.