On behalf of the Institute of Domestic and International Affairs, Inc., I would like to invite you to join us at the eighteenth Rutgers Model United Nations to be held at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, New Jersey on 12-15 November 2009. RUMUN 2009 is a four-day United Nations simulation conference that provides students with the opportunity to discuss topics of international concern through constructive debate with their peers. The conference will help students develop skills in communication and leadership, in addition to public speaking and problem solving, by challenging students to research the position of a state and present that opinion during the conference. Students will learn to work together to accomplish goals that are in the best interest of all. To provide this opportunity, we have a staff of Rutgers students that is committed to providing the most dynamic educational experience possible for students, advisors, and guests alike.

RUMUN 2009 asks students to analyze the human impact of the topics under discussion. The UN is composed of many states that, in turn, are composed of many individuals. But, when ambassadors meet to discuss issues, what happens to the voice of the individual, how are individuals able to affect the debate on the international level and how are they effected by the decisions made by the UN? By asking students to answer these questions during debate, the problems of the world become more personal and, instead of just words on a piece of paper, resolutions become living documents that affect Rwandan farmers, French police officers, and Canadian accountants. Students will leave RUMUN 2009 with a deeper understanding of the impact of international decisions on individuals and how those decisions are impacted by individuals throughout the entire world.

To provide this educational experience, RUMUN 2009 will offer several advanced committees in addition to traditional committees. The Department of Peace Keeping Operations will discuss the future of peacekeeping operations and their personal impact on different regions. The United Nations Volunteers will create programs for volunteering in the 21st century and work with the DPKO to help stabilize Sri Lanka. The European Union's Parliament will work to find an energy policy that is equal for all are re-define its relations with NATO. And, while these committees discuss their topics, the press corps and NGOs will be entering every committee to provide individuals with a voice on the international debate floor.

Registration for RUMUN 2009 will begin on 1 May 2009 on the IDIA website. It is imperative that you register your school early due to high demand and limited space. Feel free to explore the IDIA and RUMUN websites to better acquaint yourself with our program and the numerous committees we offer. We also provide a Conference Outreach Program, a program that brings members of our staff to your school to answer questions, explain the rules of procedure, and help your students prepare for the conference.

If at any time you have any questions or concerns about the registration process or the conference itself, please do not hesitate to contact us. I am extremely excited for your presence at RUMUN 2009 and wish you the best of luck until we meet again in November!

Sincerely,

Noah Gronlund-Jacob
Secretary-General
Rutgers Model United Nations 2009