Miller YMCA Model UN Delegation Forming; Takes On UN's Billion Tree Planting Pledge

Jan. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- NEWBURY PARK, CALIF.--The Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park is currently forming its Model United Nations delegation made up of middle school students in the Newbury Park area.

   The delegation is starting the program year by participating in the United Nations Environment Programe Billion Tree Pledge. The Miller Y delegation will be researching, obtaining donations and planting indigenous trees at the Y as part of a worldwide effort to plant at least one billion trees every year.

   "Saving the World in 96 Hours" is this year's Model UN theme. "Model UN is a statewide program," says Veronica Rodarte, Miller Y Model UN lead advisor. "Each delegation selects a country to represent and then immerses itself in the country's culture and its important issues. Delegates receive training and coaching in public speaking and conflict resolution while experiencing a new-found cultural awareness."

   Delegates in California meet in March at Camp Roberts near Paso Robles for training. In May, over 500 delegates from around California meet in Orange County for an annual conference where they debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions, focusing on international issues much like the real UN.

   "This year, delegates will not only get a larger world perspective, but with our tree planting efforts, will see how they can make an impact on a local level," says Rodarte.

   For more information about the Miller Y's Model UN program, contact Veronica Rodarte at veronica@millerymcayng.org or go to www.millerymcayng.org. Delegations are also forming at the Conejo Valley YMCA, 805-523-7613, Simi Valley Family YMCA, 805-583-5338 and Triunfo YMCA (serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park). Additional information can be found at www.sevymca.org.

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With branches in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Simi Valley, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA serves the communities of Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Rosa Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park.