
Start a Chapter
What is a Model UN Academy Chapter?
Model UN Academy Chapters are official local branches of the world's largest youth-led educational Model UN nonprofit. These chapters serve as hubs for global citizenship education, diplomacy training, and youth empowerment. They implement high-impact programming and act as the bridge between global initiatives and local communities.
Chapter Leadership Structure
A successful chapter operates under a clearly defined leadership team. Each role is essential to chapter success and sustainability.
Chapter Director
Provides overall leadership and vision
Oversees chapter operations, sets goals, and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission
Leads recruitment and engagement of new members
Facilitates collaboration across leadership roles
Deputy Director
Manages internal logistics, scheduling, and documentation
Coordinates communication between leadership and membership
Supports recruitment initiatives and helps onboard new members
Outreach Manager
Establishes relationships with at least 10 new high schools per month (each high school’s Model UN program must commit to using Model UN Academy’s “Model UN Resources” on a regular basis)
Maintains relationships with local and regional high schools
Gathers and compiles testimonials from students and educators
Promotes chapter impact through outreach campaigns
Communications Manager
Manages chapter social media accounts (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and chapter website
Develops marketing materials, event promotions, and newsletters
Maintains consistent branding and tone in all external communications
Training Manager
Designs and delivers training sessions about Model UN, global issues, diplomacy, public speaking, writing, or another relevant topic
Builds a custom curriculum based on participant needs
Organizes local or regional Model UN conferences when feasible
Event Manager
Plans and executes events including guest speaker sessions, panel discussions, and helps organize local or regional Model UN conferences when feasible
Leads public engagement initiatives and global issue discussions
Supports logistics for large-scale chapter events
Leadership Transition: In the event a leadership position becomes vacant, it must be filled within two weeks to ensure continued operations.
Leadership Requirements: Every leadership position must be held by an individual of 15-24 years of age who is able to attend in-person meetings (elaborated on below).
Chapter Membership
Chapter members are the foundation of the program. They are passionate students committed to learning about international relations and contributing to their communities. There is no minimum number of members require to start a chapter.
Member Responsibilities:
Attend all scheduled chapter meetings
Participate actively in simulations, workshops, and outreach initiatives
Contribute ideas and feedback during planning sessions
Serve as ambassadors for Model UN Academy in their schools and communities
Opportunities for Members:
Gain leadership experience
Access exclusive training and mentorship
Participate in Model UN conferences
Build a network with students and professionals worldwide
Potentially move into chapter leadership positions
Membership Requirements: Every member must be an individual of 15-24 years of age who is able to attend in-person meetings (elaborated on below).
Chapter Meetings
Meetings can be held weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on the chapter’s goals and availability. A structured agenda helps keep meetings engaging and productive. Meetings must be held in-person.
Sample Meeting Agenda:
Welcome & Icebreaker (5 minutes)
Global News Update & Discussion (10 minutes)
Skills Workshop (20 minutes)
Simulation or Debate Activity (20 minutes)
Announcements & Planning (5 minutes)
Optional: Include guest speakers, collaboration with other chapters, or social events
Accountability, Monitoring, and Evaluation
To ensure impact and consistency, each chapter will participate in monthly accountability check-ins
Monitoring System Includes:
Monthly calls with a Senior Leadership member of the global organization
Evaluation metrics: number of events held, new schools reached, testimonials gathered, member engagement levels
Centralized support from the organizational leadership team
Recognition and Awards
Outstanding chapters may receive the Regional Chapter Impact Award. Exceptional chapters with extraordinary impact may be recognized with the Global Chapter Impact Award.
Award-winning chapters may receive:
Certificates and digital badges
Spotlight features on our global platforms
Priority access to special events
Why Start or Join a Chapter?
Model UN Academy Chapters provide transformative opportunities for students to grow as global leaders. By joining or leading a chapter, you will:
Develop diplomacy, public speaking, writing, and problem-solving skills
Make a measurable impact in your local and global community
Join a movement of youth changemakers working toward a better world
Gain access to resources, mentorship, and global recognition
Boost resume, CV, and/or college application
➡️ Email exec.modelunacademy@gmail.com with any questions.