Link to Donate to GW Model UN: https://give.gwu.edu/model-un-program-at-gwu

In this episode of Around the Circuit, we dive into the intricate world of Model United Nations (MUN) at George Washington University (GW) with Parth Badhwar, the head delegate of GW's competitive Model UN team. Badhwar shares insights into the team's philosophy, emphasizing being good delegates with a competitive edge while maintaining a positive image on the circuit. We explore GW's Model UN program's structure under the George Washington International Affairs Society, which supports various initiatives, including the Model United Nations team, and learn about the unique leadership model tailored by each head delegate.

Fundraising is a significant challenge, as GW Model UN receives no monetary support from the university, necessitating tens of thousands of dollars to be raised annually for competition participation. Badhwar highlights their current efforts to raise $10,000 through community support, underscoring the impact of every donated dollar.

The episode delves into the selection and training process for GW's Model UN team, the strategic decisions behind conference attendance, and the logistics of managing a large and diverse team across numerous events. Badhwar discusses the importance of fundraising to alleviate the financial burdens on team members, enable broader participation, and maintain the enriching tradition of Model United Nations involvement at GW.

Podcast Notes:

• Guest: Parth Badhwar , Head Delegate, GW Model UN Team
• Key Topics:
  • Philosophy and goals of GW's MUN team: competitiveness balanced with camaraderie and integrity.
  • Structure and leadership of GW's MUN program within the larger International Affairs Society.
  • Fundraising challenges and efforts to support team activities without university funding.
  • Recruitment, training, and team composition strategies for national and international conferences.
  • The significance of MUN in developing skills relevant to political and international affairs careers.
• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to support GW's Model UN team by donating to their fundraising campaign. Every contribution helps reduce costs for team members, ensuring wider access to Model UN's valuable experiential learning opportunities.
• Advice to High School MUN Delegates: Parth advises high school students to fully engage with MUN to develop essential skills and consider continuing Model UN in college for its profound personal and professional benefits.
• Closing Remarks: The episode closes with an appreciation for Parth's insights and a reminder to listeners to check the show notes for the link to support GW's Model United Nations team.

Resources:

• GW MUN Team Fundraising Page: https://give.gwu.edu/model-un-program-at-gwu
• For further MUN training and resources, visit allamericanmun.com.