Preparations Have Begun for 2025 Model UN

Only weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 Southwest Florida Model UN competition, preparations already have begun for another successful program in 2025. This year, the event drew 18 high schools and approximately 250 students -- both numbers a record -- from Collier, Lee, Glades, Charlotte and Hendry Counties. It was sponsored by NCWA in partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University.

NCWA provided more than $57,000 in scholarships and awards, the highest amount ever, largely through private donations from Council members. Our Model UN is unique among programs in the U.S. in that it provides financial awards and scholarships to winning teams and delegates. NCWA sponsors and administers the Model UN program as part of its educational outreach objectives. Next year's Model UN competition will be March 3-4, 2025 at Florida Gulf Coast University.

        Alan Van Egmond
          Model UN Chair

Timeline for preparation for SWFLMUN 32 
March 3–4, 2025

March 2024

4-5 Competition
6 PR actions completed
6 Photos and info out to NCWA and donors
6 Feedback from Chairs and Judges obtained
10   Feedback by judges on chairs received
10   Thank you notes begin to go out.
11 After action review initiated
13 Executive Committee discussion and planning

April 2024

Ongoing review of awards and expenses with Treasurer and accountant throughout the month
Sending of thank you notes to donors continues throughout the month

1   Analysis of budget outlays initiated as part of 2024-25 budget build
1–19 Ideas on new topics prepared 
19 New topic ideas discussed and prepared with Prof. Coughlin
19 Draft AAR circulated to MUN Executive Committee
20   Judges surveyed to determine those interested in serving again
30   Draft topics circulated internally
30 Recipients of NCWA-FGCU Coughlin Scholarship Award winners identified and announced

May 2024

5 Updated draft topics circulated for final review
6 Invitation sent to Chairs and Vice-chairs confirming potential interest to serve again 
10 Judges list completed (but still subject to additions)
15 All topics except for Crisis Committee agreed to and posted on website
15 AAR complete
15 Updated draft SWFLMUN budget prepared
20     Background papers assigned and drafting initiated 
30     List of Chairs and Vice-Chairs completed subject to subsequent additional modifications
30 Subject of Special Competition announced and posted on website

June 2024

1 2024-25 Draft SWFLMUN budget submitted
2 Keynote speaker selected
15 Budget approved internally subject to approval of the NCWA Board

July 2024

1 Beginning of new fiscal year 2024-25
31 Draft background papers submitted for review

August 2024

5   Review of background papers completed, and papers returned to authors for final changes
15 Background papers submitted in final
20 Background papers posted on SWFLMUN website

September 2024

15 Menu of Awards finalized
20 All donors confirmed
30 First financial support solicitation to NCWA members

Throughout the month participating schools select countries

October 2024

TBD Position paper readers contacted and revalidated
15 Chairs/Vice-chairs and judges assigned to committees
26       Last day to request countries

November 2024

2       School and delegate registration forms due
8         Training of new judges occurs
15 Committee Rooms are inspected and re-validated 
23 School registration fees due, after which fees go up

December 2024

TBD Additional position paper readers solicited based on projected number of incoming position papers
5 Second financial support solicitation
5 First training and orientation of judges
5 All room assignments identified/finalized for submission to FGCU
15 Assignment of committee chairs and vice-chairs complete

January 2025

1 Deadline for student registration fees, after which fees go up
5 All committee room assignments confirmed by FGCU
10 Fundraising complete
10 Second training and orientation of judges
11 Delegate training session hosted by Aubrey Rogers High School
21 Deadline for submission of position papers (midnight)
23 Position papers turned over to readers
23 Deadline for providing info for SWFLMUN program bulletin
25 Orientation session by Zoom for Chairs and Vice Chairs (recorded)
25 Final rosters due, final deadline for school registration
25 Final deadline for student registration fees 
27 Checks prepared for teachers and others 
30     Draft SWFLMUN Bulletin out for review

February 2025

1 Special Competition submission due
1–15 Checks prepared for all awards
5 Training and orientation of judges complete 
9 Delegate training session at FGCU
10   SWFLMUN Bulletins printed
20 Winners of Special Competition identified
22 Position paper winners submitted to SWFLMUN coordinator 

March 2025

2 In-person welcome session and discussion with chairs and vice-chairs
3-4 Competition occurs at FGCU
5-6 MUN winners and pictures posted on websites, press releases issued and input provided for the NCWA newsletter.