Faculty FAQ
How do I register my students for GWCIA?
To register for GWCIA, visit the official
website of GWCIA (http://www.gwcia.net) and download registration forms for
your students. Once the forms are completed, send them to the Secretary General
as specified on the forms themselves.
How can I help my students prepare for GWCIA?
The best way to help your students be
well-prepared for GWCIA is to ensure that they have thoroughly researched the
countries they are representing. A general knowledge of the history and general
culture of their respective countries is important, but a genuine understanding
of government policies and important political events is essential. The CIA World
Factbook is helpful for general information. GlobalSecurity.org
is a great place to find more specific information that will pertain to debate
within committees.
To acquaint yourself with parliamentary procedure, on which GWCIA committee structure is based, click here for a guide.
When will my students find out what their
committee topics are?
Background guides for each committee will
be posted online prior to the conference for delegates to reference during
their research.
Do my students need to write position
papers?
Position papers are required for all
delegates. Encouraging delegates to research and write a position paper is also
the best way to increase their confidence in debate during committee sessions.
Who runs GWCIA?
GWCIA is run by members of the
International Affairs Society, who are students at George Washington
University. Secretariat members and all other GWCIA staff are typically
students who are studying international affairs and participate in
collegiate-level Model United Nations or participated in Model United Nations
in high school.
Who can I contact if I have any
questions?
Any questions that may arise up until the
first day of the conference may be emailed to gwciaxiv@gmail.com.
Delegate FAQ
Q: What is GWCIA?
A: GWCIA, the Greater Washington Conference on International Affairs,
is a one-day conference for middle school students put on by the George
Washington International Affairs Society that is held annually in November each
year. This year will be our Thirteenth Annual Conference.
Q: When is GWCIA XIV held?
A: GWCIA will be held on
Saturday, November 7th, 2009.
Q: Where is GWCIA XIV held?
A: GWCIA XIV is taking place
on the Foggy Bottom campus of The George Washington University.
Q: What is MUN?
A: MUN is short for Model
United Nations. Model United Nations simulations are designed to teach
participants about all the dynamics of international affairs, diplomacy and
international organizations that can not be learned by simply reading a book or
through traditional academic study. MUN conferences include all the aspects of
debate, learning and interaction with a diverse group of people you'd expect,
yet it is so much more.
Q: What are blocs?
A: Certain nations in the
United Nations have policies that correspond more closely with others in the
same region. These nations usually form policy groups to draft resolution known
as "blocs."
Q: What are the committees?
A: The committees for GWCIA
can be found under the "Committees" tab in the Delegates section of
the GWCIA website. Your Model UN advisor or whomever is submitting your
registration forms also have a list of committees. Be sure to indicate your
committee preferences when registering for GWCIA.
Q: How do I prepare for GWCIA?
A: In order to get into the
role of the representative a delegate is playing, preparation is necessary. The
United Nations website, the MUN Headquarters website, and various other websites are very helpful for research. See our links page for more suggestions. In addition, each committee will have background guides that will introduce you to the topics you will be discussing. These background
guides will provide additional links to find information. In most committees,
delegates are asked to prepare position papers of their country's policies.
To acquaint yourself with parliamentary procedure, on which GWCIA committee structure is based, click here for a guide.
Q: How do I get in touch
with my chairs?
A: Contact information for
every committee is located on the website.
Q: How do I get in touch
with GWCIA XIV Secretariat?
A: Please email GWCIA XIV
Secretary General Kelsey King at gwciaxiv@gmail.com.
