Dear All-American Model UN Family,

Each year I try to write an open letter to address the progress that we’ve made with the All-American Model UN Programs. It has been another exciting year of change, growth, and challenges. Generally, my open letters are addressed to my colleagues and acquaintances. This year, I thought it wiser to directly thank all of the students that I’ve encountered over the past three years.

Any of my students can ask one of my colleagues why I continue on with the All-American Model UN Programs and I believe they would convey the single reason that I give to them: it’s working with all of you.

There are many times when running Model UN programs and international travel programs becomes taxing, time devouring, and frankly, tedious. I didn’t start the All-American Model UN teams because I had a love of booking hotels, tour guides, and flights. I don’t continue to organize teams because I have a special connection with insurance brokers or conference organizers. I especially don’t have fond feelings towards scheduling, organizing transportation, and dealing with the occasional broken vase.

I’ve learned some tricks of the trade over the years but I do my job thoroughly and professionally so that I can continue to grow and learn with my students.

While I take pride in all of my past teams and all of our accomplishments– 5 Best Delegation awards over 6 conferences so far– it is especially satisfying watching all of you succeed after our limited engagements. Reading about your high schools winning awards and getting messages about college acceptances to Harvard, Yale, West Point, and the University of Chicago refills my fuel tanks when my energy is running low.

That so many of you feel comfortable asking me for advice or assistance after our trips is my highest honor.

Now I have to ask all of you for your help. I need your help continuing to spread the word about the All-American Model UN Programs. As we continue to be invited to more international conferences, the challenge is not only finding students but finding students who can live up to the expectations that you set for them.  Here’s what I ask, if you can, please reach out to your high schools, your Model UN advisors, and remind them about the All-American Model UN Programs. Or write a comment on this post encouraging current students to apply. Or share a message on Facebook or Twitter.

I know there is a whole new generation of students that can help to continue what we started.

Keep in touch. Let me know how I can help. I wish you all the best that life can provide. Never stop exploring and pushing your limits.

Thank you all, sincerely and genuinely.

Cheers,

Frank