Students Practice Diplomacy, Cooperation During Model United Nations Trip

Students from Sonoma Valley High School deepened their diplomacy skills and knowledge of international relations during a Model United Nations (UN) conference held at UC Berkeley on March 7-9. They gained valuable experience in negotiation, public speaking, international relations, and developing solutions to global challenges as mock delegates representing various countries. 

Funding provided by SchoolsRule Sonoma County last fall helped the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation keep trip costs low for every member of the high school’s Model UN club, the foundation said. 

"Travel with a student club or group can be a transformative experience, broadening horizons and inspiring high schoolers to pursue new paths after graduation,” said Sarah Carroll, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation’s executive director. “But too often, these experiences are impossible due to trip fees and transportation costs. We want to eliminate barriers to participation so every student has the opportunity to benefit from travel experiences."

The trip is a focal point of the academic year for the club, preceded by months of planning and practice. Craig Tierney, a Sonoma Valley High teacher and the faculty adviser of the club, underscored how significant it was for club members to meet with thousands of students from around the world, all with diverse and unique opinions, during the conference. That opportunity would have not been possible on campus, he said.  

"(This donation) allowed all of our delegates to attend the conference for only $35 out of pocket,” Tierney said. “The donation meant that none of our delegates needed to rely on extra financial assistance or fundraising efforts and were able to focus exclusively on preparing for the conference."

Read a write-up about the trip in the Sonoma Index-Tribune here. Learn more about the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation on their website or Facebook page.