American Model United Nations Conference Preparation Newsletter. 28 September 2020.
AMUN Digital Conference Experience
Preparation Newsletter
28 September 2020
AMUN Update Dress Code, Virtual Backgrounds and Opening Speeches
Greetings from the AMUN Secretariat. This communication discusses AMUN’s dress code for this virtual event, backgrounds in the virtual environment, and a new offering for 2020, virtual Opening Speeches.
Dress Code and Backgrounds in a Virtual Environment
Like most Model UN Conferences, AMUN has a Dress Code for all conference attendees. For your convenience, the full text of this dress code is copied below. This information is also available in our Conference Handbook. Our dress code and policy on backgrounds in a virtual environment is meant to be inclusive while encouraging a professional atmosphere for deliberations. If you have any concerns about AMUN’s Dress Code or just need clarification please contact us at mail@amun.org.
The appearance of AMUN participants provides the first impressions of their
delegation to other representatives. Attention to proper appearance sets an expectation for professionalism and competence. In order to demonstrate respect to fellow representatives, Secretariat members and distinguished guests of the Conference, AMUN requests that, when a participant has their video feed on, they should present a professional appearance. AMUN recommends wearing Western Business attire, such as a nice shirt and jacket and appropriate accessories, to best emulate the diplomatic environment and tone for the meetings.
Participants shall not wear the traditional or religious garb of any State or organization. The only exception to this is required traditional or religious garb of a student’s personal religion or culture. Additionally, participants should not affect the mannerisms, linguistic characteristics or any other perceived traits of a State or culture that they are representing. These affectations are inappropriate and may be seen as offensive by other students or by natives of that State or culture. Small lapel pins representing the delegation’s flag or other national symbols are appropriate. All participants should be cognizant of their background when their video feed is on. Participants may display a UN flag or the flag from their assigned country in the background, though such a display is not required. Representatives are expected to adhere to standards of Diplomatic Courtesy. Images or objects in the background that are discriminatory or offensive may not be displayed, and AMUN staff may ask participants to remove such objects. Such a decision is not subject to appeal.
Decisions about appropriate attire, virtual backgrounds and professional behavior
are at the discretion of the AMUN Secretariat.
Please email us if you have questions or concerns about this policy or its enforcement.
Opening Speeches
AMUN is taking advantage of the virtual setting to offer a new way to introduce your delegation to other schools this year – the video opening speech. Each country will have the opportunity to record an opening speech for each simulation it is assigned to, similar to the opening speeches made each year by presidents, prime ministers and other dignitaries at the opening of the UN General Assembly in New York.
This speech should be a general discussion of the issues that are most important to your delegation in a given simulation and the solutions that you would like to see implemented. These speeches are a great opportunity for your group to work together to discuss your goals across the conference, as would happen at the UN in New York. Many countries have common goals across the various committees/councils, and these can be highlighted in this video speech.
Opening speeches will be recorded using FlipGrid, which is educational software designed to facilitate simple video recording and sharing. Access the Group for recording opening speeches in any browser, or via the FlipGrid app on a mobile device. You will need to sign in with a Google or Microsoft account to record a video. You do not need to sign in to view videos that have been posted.
A few ground rules:
● The access code for Opening Speeches is openingspeeches. You can also go to www.flipgrid.com/openingspeeches to access this material. ● You can record directly into FlipGrid on a computer or mobile device, or you can upload a video. You can edit your video or delete it if you are not satisfied with it. ● Videos are limited to five minutes. This is a hard limit, and FlipGrid will cut off your recording at five minutes. Plan carefully! ● Please use your country name as your "Display Name" and leave the "Title" section blank. ● AMUN will NOT moderate content before it is posted. If you have a concern that a video violates our conduct, privacy, or plagiarism policies, please email us at research@amun.org.
Videos will be available through the end of Conference.
AMUN Virtual Conference Important Dates
We have put together important dates and times for the 2020 Conference to assist you in your preparations. We will continue to update this calendar as we solidify dates and times.
Ongoing ● Flipgrid open to record Opening Speeches 1 October ● Position Papers Due (for awards) ● ICJ Memorials Due ● Last day to request a Model UN in a Box Simulation Guide 7 October ● Position Paper Submissions close 8 October ● All Payments due ● Credentials due 13 October ● AMA #3, 1 p.m. Central (intended for all AMUN participants) via Zoom 19 October ● Gatherly Platform opens for representative familiarization sessions with times TBD. During these sessions, representatives will have access to: ○ Practice simulations ○ Tech help ○ Finance/registration help ○ General questions ○ Team huddles 22 October ● Opening Plenary and Keynote, time TBD 23 October ● Graduate School and Career Expo, 2-5 p.m. Central ● FA/PR Feedback Meeting, time TBD 24 October ● FA/PR Feedback Meeting, time TBD 25 October ● FA/PR Feedback Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Central ● 2021 Country Lottery 10:30 am Central
Questions, Comments or Concerns?
If you have any questions about this email, please contact us directly at mail@amun.org and we will be happy to help. As always, if you are no longer the primary contact for your school’s Model UN club or class, please contact us at mail@amun.org with updated contact information or fill out our Change of Address/Contact form online.
Good Luck on Your Preparations,
Joshua Adams Shannon L. Dunn
2020 Secretary-General AMUN Executive Director
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