Students make politics in Model U.N. Club

Last year PSU students Jim Mignano and David Brothers wanted to create something on campus that incorporated their knowledge of political science and their love for international affairs and committees.

They founded the Portland State Model United Nations Club (PSU MUN) last spring.

“I thought, all good universities have one, why don’t we?” Mignano said.

The idea was based on their separate experiences in a model European Union club at their former schools.

PSU MUN is a student-run simulation of the actual United Nations. According to the group’s brochure, students represent different countries and address globally relevant issues, such as international law, global climate change, human trafficking and diplomacy.

“The Model U.N. goes for a range of issues that affect the world. Especially in an election year, it is important to know what is going on in the U.N.,” said Brothers, who is the secretary-general of the club.

The club goes to summits and has sessions, much like the actual U.N., and committees in the group even write resolutions.

“It revolves around the summit,” Mignano said. “It’s about conflict, but also conciliation. Like, ‘let’s give up a little bit and get a meaningful resolution passed.'”

In late February, the PSU MUN will go to its first summit in Vancouver, B.C. They will be representing Cuba in the General Assembly. The trip will be four days, with sessions each day and awards for categories such as “Best Country.”

Mignano and Brothers, both avid political analysts, wanted a group that would be open to all students and encompass the international community.

“To participate in the model EU (European Union) you had to be chosen by a professor. The idea was to bring the Model U.N. club to campus through word-of-mouth and get anyone who is interested in international events to participate,” Mignano said. “What is best about clubs like this is the relationships that develop. I still talk to the members of the model EU club today.”

The group is funded through the PSU Student Organization Council, and will be up for funding through the larger Student Fee Committee next year. Their budget right now is about $800, according to Brothers.

PSU MUN is affiliated with the United Nations Association of the USA, a national nonprofit organization involved in educational and humanitarian campaigns.