Making the Show a Reality

By Pertz Liao
While the delegates are busy debating resolutions in air-conditioned rooms, a number of adults observe them quietly, sometimes jotting down notes. They move from room to room, paying attention to the delegates’ arguments that, back at their schools, they have helped prepare. These behind-the-scenes workers are the MUN directors, those who use their personal time to enrich and add value to the conference for all students.The MUN directors’ main job is to prepare their students for their roles as delegates who represent different countries. Mr. Mark Clement, who is from the International School Ho Chi Minh City, shows his students DVDs of actual delegates in action. Aside from making sure that the students do their research on their assigned country and topics, and organizing mock debates for them, the directors must also make certain that their students know the parliamentary procedures used during debates and how to compose a resolution. Additionally, the directors review their students’ speeches and give feedback on the strong and weak points of their arguments.Along with preparing students for lobbying and debates, directors are also in charge of numerous tasks before the conference begins. Many of them must make arrangements for their delegations’ stay months in advance, fill out stacks of paperwork, and consult with parents and school staff. They also have to choose their delegation, assign roles, and deal with any issues fellow teachers might have from the students’ extended absence.Once the conference begins, the work doesn’t stop for the directors. They are assigned a variety of tasks, such as screening notes for inappropriate material and evaluating student officers. Directors also move around the different committees and watch and take pictures of their students in action. After each day’s session is adjourned, they de-brief with their students about what happened in their committee and help them with any problems they might have encountered.Even though most are not paid extra for their additional work, the directors feel that their efforts are worth it when they see their students standing at the podium in action exhibiting diplomatic finesse. Ms. Martha Dominguez of the American School Foundation in Mexico City explains one of the rewarding aspects of her job is “seeing the look on the students’ faces when their resolution passes and watching them give their speeches and defend their positions.”Without the efforts and dedication of the MUN directors, THIMUN-Singapore would be a less rich experience than it is today. They are an integral part of the large network of people that help create a successful, educational, and exciting conference that all participants can enjoy.