Teton County Model United Nations (TCMUN) is a program of the Teton County-based nonprofit InterConnections 21 (IC21). IC21’s mission is to enhance global awareness and connections through education and community engagement. The TCMUN program involves months of training and preparation culminating in a two-day conference every November. The conference typically fills to capacity with over 215 student delegates from 12 regional high schools.

Teton County, Wyoming has a long tradition of pioneering civic engagement. In 1869, Wyoming became the first state to grant women the right to vote. In 1920, Jackson elected an all-female town council–the first in the country to include a female town marshal. Since 2006, InterConnections 21 (IC21) has partnered with Jackson Hole High School, Jackson Hole Community School and Journeys School to offer new civic engagement opportunities through TCMUN. Over 2,200 students from 17 schools across Wyoming and Idaho have participated in this multi-day event.

Established over 50 years ago, the Model United Nations (MUN) program is implemented in many countries globally.  It simulates activities of the UN General Assembly and other UN bodies. Middle school, high school and university students assume the roles of diplomats from countries assigned by conference organizers. Rather than discussing their own personal views, students must debate complex issues from the positions of their designated nations.

Prior to the conference, student delegates are assigned to committees that simulate various UN agencies; they research topics to be debated in these committees and prepare position papers for their assigned countries. During the MUN conference, the student delegates use formal diplomatic language and procedures to speak on behalf of their countries, negotiate with other delegates, and develop consensus to pass resolutions on the assigned topics.

TCMUN is a novice level conference aimed at beginner MUN students. We want all students to feel comfortable and have fun while learning about international diplomacy and developing their own personal communication skills. However, we also strive to maintain a very high level of organization and quality of debate. Many of our conference participants have gone on to earn prestigious awards at national and international MUN conferences.

For more information about joining our conference as a delegation or volunteer, please contact info@ic21.org.