Washington
Model Organization of American States
The
Washington Model General
Assembly of the Organization of American States (WMOAS), is an annual
event that takes place in Washington, DC, partly at the OAS
Headquarters, and partly in a local
hotel. In 2008, the Model takes place from April 7th to 11th.
The
simulation of the
OAS General Assembly is a five-day event designed
to accomplish several goals, including learning about the structures
and processes of the OAS itself, in depth learning about topical issues
facing the hemispheric region, in depth learning about a Member State
of the OAS, and learning and practicing the art of diplomacy.
The WMOAS,
with the
support of the OAS, is organized and administered by
a group of university faculty, via the Inter-American Institute for
Diplomacy (IAID), which is a legally incorporated entity and which is
currently seeking status as a civil society organization formally
associated with the OAS. The WMOAS is actively supported by the OAS
Department of International Relations, and has been endorsed in a
Resolution
of
the OAS itself.
Prior to the
simulation
in Washington, faculty advisors are asked to
register with the IAID in order to choose a Member State to represent.
Registering involves a fee, $850 in 2008-2009, which helps defray the
cost of producing the simulation in DC. There are no salaries or other
expenses associated with the MOAS other than the producing of the Model
itself.
Faculty then
assemble a
delegation of students, consisting of not more
than
ten and no fewer than five students. These students are assigned to
Committees, consistent with the committee structure of the OAS. Each of
these committees has an agenda of topics and issues that will be
addressed in the Model General Assembly. Prior to coming to Washington,
students prepare positions on these topics, consistent with the
positions of the Member State they are representing. Preparation
culminates in a draft proposed resolution, which normally will be
submitted for discussion and debate during a committee session at the
WMOAS.
During the
WMOAS week
itself, there are formal opening sessions and
orientation meetings on Monday. Tuesday provides an opportunity to
visit
the OAS Mission of the Member State being represented, to consult with
appropriate diplomats, and the time to revamp proposed draft
resolutions and/or to gain supporting signatures from delegates
representing other Member States. The Tuesday visits to the Missions
are
usually a highlight of the week’s activities. Tuesday, Wednesday, and
part of Thursday are largely given over to committee sessions and
caucusing, during which student delegates introduce and debate each
other’s proposed draft resolutions. Late Thursday and Friday morning
are given over to closing exercises and the elections for the officers
for the following year’s Model.
During the
Model,
faculty have a variety of activities, some centering
on helping the Model proceed according to plan, and other activities
around professional development issues. We encourage Faculty advisors
not to insert themselves too dramatically into the activities of the
student delegates during the Model itself, as we prefer that the
students maximize their own educational outcomes via their own efforts,
based on their prior preparation and the things they are learning “on
their feet” through debate and caucusing at the Model itself. We do
expect Advisors to be present, however, partly in case of extreme
situations that need attention and partly to help with the conduct of
the Model itself. Most Advisors find the collegiality of their fellow
Advisors helps make the week a valuable investment of time.
After the
Model,
students and faculty debrief, according to the
procedures set up at each participating institution. The IAID strongly
recommends that preparation for, and participation, in the WMOAS be
within a credit course structure. |
April 7-11,
2009