Student delegates study in depth a foreign nation, research one or two topics of global interest, learn parliamentary procedure, practice specialized writing formats, practice role-playing, and learn the diplomatic art of negotiation and compromise. Months of study culminate In a two-day conference. At the conference students maintain and defend the positions of a country which may be totally in opposition to their personally held beliefs. In this role-playing, the students negotiate the widely divergent views of the countries represented. Students use knowledge gained in researching their assigned country and topic(s) to present their nation's points of view.

Early in the year a training workshop is offered. It is conducted by experienced administrator of Model United Nations program, Professor Richard Coughlin of Florida Gulf Coast University. Topics covered in the training workshop include an overview of the United Nations, an overview of MUNs in general, and coverage of the Southwest Florida Model United Nations program specifically. Also discussed are resources, recruitment tips, student training guidance, guidelines and procedures. Reviewed at some length are the rules of parliamentary procedure, and preparation of position papers and resolutions. The coaches training workshop is held on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus to facilitate attendance from all five counties in the area.

After schools register for the program they are presented with a list of countries from which they may select those they prefer to represent. Security Security Council countries, because of their limited number and vital role, may only be represented by schools that have previously participated in the program. Schools are encouraged to involve their students in this selection process to develop early "Ownership" by the students. The Model UN program makes the country assignments based on four axioms:

1. School preference
2. Previous participation
3. Geographic balance
4. Issue support

After country assignment is accomplished, student delegates choose the committee, and, therefore, issues they want to research. During this period coaches assist students in their research efforts.

Another area that is researched and discussed at group meetings is the design of the United Nations. Students become familiar with the various committees, councils etc. of the organization and their various functions. This understanding is necessary to later appropriately structure resolutions and conference debate and negotiation.

Study of the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure occurs early in the program. Regular practice of these rules ensures that students are familiar with them. This familiarity facilitates and enhances students' enjoyment of the conference.

After a period of time when research is well underway, study is directed to the format and composition of position papers. These are brief papers on the position a certain country would take on a particular issue and why it would assume that stance.

Nearer to the time of the conference, study begins on how to draft resolutions. These papers are in a highly specialized format and require some practice to comprehend easily. Students are encouraged to write at least one resolution before coming to the conference. Resolutions will be created and amended in committee activity.

Resolutions are the product of working papers. Working papers lay the focus and support for the preparation of resolutions. Using the format of a resoution, working papers form the basis for negotiation and discussion in committee activity. In working papers students may develop concepts for managing an issue in committee. Resolutions are created from working papers but do not become resolutions until approved by committee vote. Working papers may be submitted to the SW Florida Model UN program for copying and distribution at the conference.

Working papers provide the initial impetus for negotiation and compromise in committees at the conference. Students practice their parliamentary skills to effect consensus on an issue and support for the construction of a resolution. Modest to major amendments commonly occur to pending resolutions during the confrence, as in the United Nations itself.

Arriving at the conference students are directed to the registration area where delegates sign in and receive a packet of information. Delegates sign in according to the committee, commission, or council on which they are their country's representative. The packet of information includes a placard for voting, a name tag and a conference schedule/program. Also included are any previously submitted working papers for their committee.

After registering delegates begin their negotiations with other countries for support or opposition to proposed resolutions.

At the end of two days of formal and informal meetings, using the skills and knowledge they have acquired, delegates may be specially recognized for their outstanding efforts. Awards are presented durring Closing Ceremonies on the second day of the conference.