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.