All-American Model United Nations Safety and Security Procedure and Protocol Document
Introduction
At All-American Model United Nations (All-American Model UN), we are dedicated to ensuring a safe, secure, and conducive environment for learning for all our students. This document outlines the measures we put in place to maintain the safety and security of the students participating in our programs. All members of our community, including staff, students, and parents, must understand and adhere to these procedures and protocols.
1. Staff Background Checks
All All-American Model UN staff, including mentors, undergo thorough background checks annually to maintain a secure environment. These checks are conducted by a reputable third-party agency and are designed to confirm that our staff is suitable and safe to work with students.
2. Medical and Liability Insurance
We provide students with limited medical and liability insurance while participating in our programs. This cover is in place to help manage any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may arise during the course of our programs.
3. Student Supervision and Independence
To ensure student safety, we prohibit students from leaving the group alone. However, we also recognize the need for students to have a degree of independence during their experiences with us.
When independent exploration is permitted by staff, students must be in groups of three. All members of the group must have cell phone contact with our staff. Additionally, they must check in with staff every 30 or 60 minutes, as determined by the staff, and stay within a predetermined geographical area.
4. The “Group of Three” Rule
We want to ensure students understand the importance of group safety. At the program’s start, staff will review the “Group of Three” rule. This rule ensures that if a student is injured or in distress, one student can stay with them, while the other seeks help. This strategy ensures a quick response to any emergencies.
5. International Travel
When our programs involve international travel, we provide students with local emergency contact numbers and the location of the nearest US embassy or consulate. This information can be vital in a crisis and helps our students remain safe in unfamiliar environments.
6. Lodging Curfew
Students are not permitted to leave their lodging after curfew to maintain student safety and well-being. Staff will maintain security for 60-120 minutes after curfew to ensure all students have returned and are safe.
7. Emergency Preparedness
At least one staff member in all our programs is certified in CPR and Red Cross first aid. This ensures immediate care can be provided if a student becomes ill or injured before professional medical help arrives.
8. Digital Safety
In our increasingly digital world, educating students on proper internet use and etiquette is crucial, including how to avoid online threats. Encourage students not to share personal information online, click on suspicious links, or engage with online strangers.
9. Emergency Drills
At the beginning of each program, we review emergency procedures for situations such as fires, earthquakes, or lockdown scenarios that can help prepare students and staff for emergencies. This helps ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do in an emergency.
10. Communication Plan
In the event of an emergency situation, parents and guardians will be contacted by All-American Model UN staff by text or SMS message with as much detail as possible. Once the staff has deemed the situation stable, a thorough email will be sent to parents and guardians with more complete information. After the email has been sent, we will call each family directly to discuss any actions that may need to happen.
11. Bullying and Harassment Policy
Anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment should be encouraged to report it, and reports should be addressed promptly and appropriately. All students and parents agree to our Code of Conduct in our Terms and Conditions before enrolling in programs.
12. Allergen-Awareness
Considering the number of students who have allergies, an allergen-awareness policy could be beneficial. Staff should be aware of students’ allergies, and measures should be in place to prevent exposure to allergens.
13. Visitor Management
Visitors, including family members and friends, are not allowed during programs without direct written permission from a parent/guardian AND All-American Model UN staff.
14. Secure Transportation
If transportation is provided as part of your programs, ensure that the vehicles used are in good condition and that the drivers have the appropriate qualifications and clearances.
We believe these protocols provide a robust framework for the safety of our students and staff alike. Our ultimate goal is to provide an environment where our students can grow, learn, and enjoy their experiences with the All-American Model United Nations. Your adherence to these procedures and protocols helps us create this safe and secure learning environment.
