"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King Jr. 

The YMCA of San Francisco's Model United Nations (MUN) Program is a middle school civic engagement program that simulates of the "real-life" United Nations. Delegates research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions focusing on international issues. Throughout the program delegates attend weekly meetings at their local YMCA and two state wide conferences. Participants in this program are asked to think intensively and critically everyday. We push youth delegates to strengthen their character by teaching them to ask questions and find answers before forming opinions. 

Through this program we are teaching youth to look beyond their world view and understand the issues facing people in the countries they represent as MUN Delegates. One of the challenges of the program is for youth delegates to represent the views and needs of their country and not their personal beliefs.

Our MUN delegates have just completed their first state wide training and elections conference. During the conference we depended our knowledge of the MUN Program Organs, General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, International Press Corps and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Delegates also participated in their first round of elections. We are proud to have 3 state wide leaders coming from the YMCA of San Francisco!

Noah - Marin Delegate, 8th grade

Director - Non-Governmental Organization 

Emilio – Buchanan MUN President, 7th grade

General Assembly Committee Chair

Janice – Stonestown MUN President, 8th grade

Assistant Secretary General 

“Initially I ran because I wanted to see how other delegates experience the program. Sometimes you need to change seats to understand perspective. As Assistant Secretary General my goal is to not only strengthen my leadership skills but also learn to from others. Typically, I find myself in leadership positions. This role will provide opportunity to strengthen my ability to step back and take directions from my peers.  As delegation President I know my strengths in governing and this will be good lesson to learn how to support others.” - Janice

Model United Nations 2017

SFY/Buchanan. SFY/Marin. SFY/Stonestown

Follow our journey this year #SFYYG