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LBIMUN Tomorrow !!! 3/28

Posted March 27, 2026 by Jack

Hello TMS MUNers and Parents,

Tomorrow is Laguna Beach MUN's very own conference. All participating Thurston students should arrive at the high school theater at around 8:10. Opening ceremonies will start at 8:30. If you are early, Thurston students can wait in Room 53.

Students should arrive in Western Business Attire (professional, formal attire). Delegates should bring a backpack, a notebook, something to write with, and their printed-out speech. Food will be provided (Panda Express).

Last class, we worked on speeches. For those that didn't finish, I recommend structuring your speech like this:

Contents of a speech (90 seconds):

  • A one sentence hook -- Why is this issue important?
  • 30 seconds about your country policy -- What has your country done about this topic? Use specific examples
  • Remaining time on your solutions -- These solutions should not be for your country, but for the UN to implement

I'm sure everyone will do amazing! Please email with any questions at jack.liston@lbusd.org

Good luck tomorrow,
Jack

Next Conference: LBIMUN 3/28

Posted March 5, 2026 by Jack

Hello everybody,

LBIMUN, LBHS's very own conference, is on the 28th (the first Saturday of Spring Break) from 8am to 4:30pm.

Today, in class, I gave out assignments. If you missed today's class and are interested in participating, please send me an email.

  • Rosteen: WHO, Brazil
  • Bodhi: WHO, Cameroon
  • Adrian: WHO, Australia
  • Van: WHO, USA
  • Stella: WHO, Italy
  • Riley: WHO, Cuba
  • Keaton: WHO, Iceland
  • Esme: UNESCO, China
  • Ethan: UNESCO, Italy
  • Emma: UNESCO, United Kingdom

For reference, WHO = World Health Organization, UNESCO = United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization

Committee topics and more information can be found on the LBIMUN Website: https://www.lbhsmun.org/lbimun.html

In our next few classes, we will be making position papers for every student's country, summarizing the background, UN action, country policy, and potential solutions.

We will also be working on speeches and getting more comfortable next week.

If your student is unable to make it or would like to be signed up, please email me. Also, please try to get the permission slip (attached to the Canvas announcement) turned into class as soon as possible. Finally, we will not be having class on March 19th because of our high school's annual travel conference.

Thank you,
Jack
jack.liston@lbusd.org

8 Days Until Tustin MUN

Posted November 14, 2025 by Jack

Hello Parents and Students,

Tustin MUN is right around the corner (Saturday 22nd) and we have spent the last few weeks preparing for it. Next week, we plan on doing a mock conference so that the TMS students can get familiar with MUN procedure. In order to do that, we highly encourage that all students come with a printed, complete version of their speech and their outline. We have been working on these during class for the last two weeks but not everyone has finished. Please look over the slideshow from class, containing country assignments, speech composition guidelines, and outline position guidelines.

The most important thing is that students bring their completed speech, which should be about 90 seconds long and contain approximately two quality solutions to the given problem (please see the slideshow for further details). Please email me with any questions at jack.liston@lbusd.org.

Conference details/expectations:

Students should arrive at around 7:30 at Tustin High School. Transportation will NOT be provided for this specific conference. The conference is expected to end at around 4:30 per the schedule posted on the Tustin MUN website (please ignore the schedule under the "Advanced/Specialized/Crisis" -- all students at TMS will only be in Novice committees). All students must arrive in Western Business Attire (we have reviewed this extensively in class). Parents are not allowed inside the committees. The entire day will be full of debate, speeches, and collaboration, where TMS students are expected to participate to the best of their ability.

For those who do exceptionally, there is a possibility to win an award, judged by the quality of a delegate's speeches, the amount a delegate participates, and their collaboration within groups. As an incentive to the TMS delegates, I have offered to personally buy pizza and cookies to anyone who puts in the hard work that it takes to win. Last year, we had three Thurston delegates win and I'm almost certain we can exceed that this year.

As a notice, unfortunately, last week, the classroom that we use for our weekly meetings had food crushed into the floor and stains from pen ink. Because of this, all students will be collectively meeting with Mrs. Hammer.

Thank you,
Jack Liston

Again, please email me with any questions. The first conference is often extremely intimidating though, from leading our meetings for the past few months, I'm confident in the ability of every single student to succeed.

Last Call for Tustin MUN Signups

Posted October 30, 2025 by Jack

This week we talked about moderated caucuses, unmoderated caucuses, the main speech, how the point system works, and appropriate attire. We finished the meeting with a Flash Debate activity. If you are planning on attending the conference in Tustin on the 22nd or missed today's meeting, please review the slideshow from class.

Currently, the following students have filled out the signup form which can be found in the previous announcement:

  • Adrian Hushek
  • Rosteen Arshadi
  • CJ Neault
  • Keaton Neault
  • Esme Newton
  • Ford Ruhnau
  • Jesse Kilmartin
  • Riley Brady
  • Van Liston

This is the last call for any signups. If your student is available, I highly encourage them to try it out. The first conference is always fun, and Tustin MUN specifically is known to be friendly to beginners.

Please feel free to email me with any questions.

Thank you,
Jack Liston

First Conference Registration

Posted October 26, 2025 by Jack

Dear Parents,

Our first conference, Tustin MUN, is coming up on Saturday, November 22nd, run by Tustin High School at their campus. Like all conferences, this conference will last the entire day (8am-4:30pm). I highly encourage all students to come. Last year, a few of our Thurston students participated and did extremely well, even though, for many, it was their first conference. Currently, in class, we are introducing the students to some important aspects of what to expect and how to prepare for a conference. Although, I personally believe that actually going to a conference is the single best way to get familiar with Model United Nations.

Students should arrive in Western Business Attire (professional-looking suit, dress, etc.). Transportation is not provided for this conference. Food is provided and participation is completely free. If your child is interested in going and is available, please fill out this form by Wednesday: https://forms.gle/QdACdoG1W8D12Mzt6. We only have a limited number of spots but hope to get as many TMS students to come as possible.

Thank you,
Jack Liston

Permission Slips and First Conference

Posted October 7, 2025 by Jack

Hello Students and Parents,

Over the last two weeks, we have met twice with a class size of 30+ students. This last week, we specifically looked at how incentives spur changes in actions and how good solutions require a solid incentive structure.

Throughout the year, one of my goals is to prepare all of our students for success in Model United Nations conferences where each student takes the role of a specific country to tackle a single challenge, collaborating with other countries. However, I also want to prioritize the fundamental skills that are not only important to MUN success, but also to everyday life, including public-speaking, conducting non-academic research, and thinking critically towards an end goal.

Our first conference will be Tustin MUN which will take place Saturday, November 22nd at Tustin High School. More details are on their website. (Please disregard the Sunday as that is only for advanced delegates) In the upcoming weeks, we will send more information out, prepare for the conference, and send home a separate permission slip.

If you haven't already, please ensure that your child brings their signed permission slip to class this Thursday (a PDF of this form was attached to the Canvas announcement.) I look forward to an exciting and fun year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions via email at jack.liston@lbusd.org.

Thank you,
Jack Liston (11th Grader at LBHS)

Thursday class is canceled!

Posted May 14, 2025 by Sophie

Due to open house on Thursday, MUN will be canceled on 5/15 (tomorrow).

McKenna MUN Country Assignment

Posted April 18, 2025 by Sophie

Note: This is only for those who are attending McKenna MUN next weekend

Please go to the McKenna MUN website and look over your background guide. Papers are due to your chair by the 24th. Also, don't forget to bring your permission slips next Thursday!!

Country Assignments:

  • Stella McKinzie: UNEP, Mexico
  • Van Liston: UNEP, Kenya
  • Hale Richland: The Indian Rebellion of 1857, Tantya Tope
  • Adrian Hushek: UNEP, Afghanistan
  • Esme Newton: UNHCR, Senegal

LBIMUN Conference

Posted March 28, 2025 by Jack

Hey TMS MUN,

Tomorrow, we have our own conference this Saturday at the high school. Like past conferences, everyone must come in Western Business Attire and arrive by 8 AM (it ends at 4 PM). We've been preparing for the conference for the past couple of weeks, so everyone should be all set.

Please let us know if you have any questions,
Jack and Sophie

Firebird MUN 1/11

Posted December 31, 2024 by Jack

Hello everyone,

Thank you to those who filled out the form. If you are still interested in coming, please email me (jack.liston@lbusd.org) ASAP. Unfortunately, we only have 4 slots left, so positions will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.

Here are the positions for those who filled out the form:

Committee: War of the Roses (Lancaster)

  • Rebecca Robinson - John le Scrope
  • Stella McKinzie - Thomas Percy
  • Van Liston - Sir Owen Tudor

Committee: Punic Wars

  • Esme Newton - Gaius Lutatius Catulus

Importantly, if you want to be eligible for a committee award, you must submit a position paper by the 6th on the Firebird MUN website (firebirdmun.com). Generally, a position paper should be divided into 4 parts: Background of the issue, past UN Involvement on the issue (be specific), your country/individual's stance on the issue and previous actions, solutions on the issue in line with what the real country/individual would do. Because you are representing a person, the paper will be slightly different. I highly recommend that you read Firebird's Position Paper Guide on their website and follow it as closely as you can. In the end, you should end up with about a 2 page paper (including the heading) sectioned into 4 parts as well as a works cited page.

Remember to submit your paper using their website's instructions by the 6th as well as take a look at some of their guides that further explain how a crisis committee works (it's different than a normal committee).

Please email me with any questions (jack.liston@lbusd.org)

Happy New Year,
Jack

Firebird Conference 1/11/25

Posted December 21, 2024 by Jack

Hey Thurston MUNers,

As mentioned in our last meeting, the next conference is just around the corner and is only a week after we get back from school. Please try to fill out the form below ASAP -- select middle school on the first page and then choose whichever topic interests you the most. It's important that the form is filled out by the 29th so the LBHS MUN team can get positions filled out. If you would like to be eligible for an award, you must submit a position paper by the 6th. We'll send more details on how to write after the positions are released.

Firebird Form: https://forms.gle/mi2ZTEfyZ1LLQxPDA

Have a great break,
Jack

Amazing Job this weekend!

Posted November 25, 2024 by Jack

Hey TMS MUN,

I wanted to make this announcement to say how great everyone did this week. Amazingly, we had 3 award winners which is seriously impressive. Moreover, throughout the day, I visited the rooms that everyone was participating in and was consistently impressed by not only the confidence that each delegate exhibited, but also their own ability to think of sound ideas that took into account all perspectives (and articulate them well). For the large majority, this was their first time, and many walked in unsure of what to expect or how to navigate the procedures. Yet, they quickly adapted, asked the right questions, and showcased incredible resilience. I'm really excited to see their inevitable progress in the upcoming conferences.

Also, while I was in each room, I took as many pictures and videos as I could.

Enjoy the rest of your break!
Jack and Sophie

Tustin MUN Tomorrow - More info

Posted November 22, 2024 by Jack

Hello TMS MUN,

I'm really looking forward to Tustin tomorrow. We still are missing permission forms from a couple delegates so please make sure you bring them signed the day of and hand them to Mr. Shen! Please arrive between 7:30 and 7:50 this Saturday morning at Tustin High School with your Western Business Attire. Make sure to print out your speech and bring your school computer as well as paper and pencils. Parking and drop off might take longer than expected as they told us that there will be 900 participants. Mr. Shen's goal is to assemble our team as quickly as possible and enter the gym for the Opening Ceremony at 8:00.

The event will conclude at approximately 4:30 PM on Saturday.

Be sure to review the THSMUN Website to familiarize yourself with all the conference details and prepare accordingly. I highly suggest that you familiarize yourself with the "cheat sheet" we handed out yesterday as well as your speech (you don't need to memorize it but you should at least be able to look up intermittently throughout your speech). If you haven't finished your speech, it is really important that you do it ASAP. Please contact me if you need any help (jack.liston@lbusd.org)

Good luck. I'll be there too walking around and checking in on the delegates.

Upcoming Tustin Conference 11/23 - PLEASE READ

Posted November 15, 2024 by Jack

Hello everybody,

Tustin MUN is on the 23rd (next Saturday) from 8am to 4:30pm. Please make sure to bring your permission slip signed front and back or let us know if you are unable to make it.

Committee and country assignments were posted with the original Canvas announcement.

For reference, UNICEF = United Nations Children's Fund, UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme, SOCHUM = The Committee on Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Affairs.

In short, you are representing your country on a specific topic. The topic can be found on the Tustin MUN website.

Generally, everyone would make a position paper for their country, summarizing the background, UN action, country policy, and potential solutions, but it isn't necessary. However, please familiarize yourself with the topic, your country, your country's policies, and think about some potential solutions. You can use the reference doc from class. If you're having trouble researching or need a little help understanding, I highly recommend submitting all of your questions to the Ask The Librarians form -- Mr. Warren will give you a super helpful response and put you on the right path (I personally use the form a lot).

We will work on speeches and getting you guys a little more comfortable next week. However, it's normal to go into your first conference feeling a little unready. I'm sure everyone will do great.

Please email me at jack.liston@lbusd.org if you have any questions or need some help.

Thursday Meeting CANCELED

Posted October 29, 2024 by Sophie

Hi everyone,

Our meeting this week will be canceled for Halloween. Also, if you are able to go to Tustin on Nov. 23 and haven't filled out the survey please do that. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY23N5acXhsmAeEnXkmcinaPo0hQoONgvqL_fHU0mmL56xuQ/viewform

Wednesday Announcement

Posted October 16, 2024 by Sophie

Good Morning!

Just a reminder to bring the permission slip we gave you last week to class signed! Also, our first conference will be on Saturday, November 23, at Tustin High School. Thank you and see you tomorrow!