About

Who are we?

New Mexico Model United Nations (NMMUN) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1961 for the purpose of bringing together schools around the state to participate in Model UN, a simulation of global diplomacy to solve problems through roleplaying as diplomats from around the globe. Our membership consists of teachers, alumni, and community partners working together to bring committee simulations to students.

What is Model UN? 

The United Nations Association of the United States (UNAUSA) describes Model UN as "a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action, global health, and more." Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN experience allows students to cultivate skills and enrich their global affairs knowledge.

In New Mexico, Model UN can be taught as a class or as an extracurricular activity at the middle school and high school level. Most Model UN clubs in the state are operated as an extracurricular activity. Where it is offered as a credit-bearing course, Model UN classes focus on the history and structure of the UN, prominent geopolitical issues, and public speaking.

What do we do?

Every year, we organize workshops, events, and conferences. Our flagship event is the annual NMMUN Conference, which is held in the Roundhouse in Santa Fe every year. In November 2024, over 400 students from 22 schools attended for 3 days of debate. Our 2025 conference will be the 64th edition.

We also host smaller workshops and events at schools in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Events in recent years have included a simulation of the 1919 Paris Peace Conference at Menaul School, a simulation of the Bandung Decolonization Conference at Sandia High School.

In addition, we partner with the University of New Mexico World Affairs Delegation, UNM's student-led Model UN team. They host the LoboMUN conference each spring, bringing innovative new committees and topics each year. In February 2026, they will host the 20th annual LoboMUN.

Leadership

Advisor teachers elect a board of directors from their members to serve 2-year terms. The current board consists of 5 teachers:

James Goodman (President) is a teacher of gifted and special education at nex+Gen Academy, a small public magnet high school in Albuquerque. After being involved in Model UN as a student at La Cueva High School, he attended UNM and helped lead the World Affairs Delegation. He has served as NMMUN's President since May 2025.

Julia Purrington (Vice President) is a teacher of gifted English Language Arts at Sandia High School in Albuquerque. Along with two other teachers, she helps run Sandia's Model UN and Speech & Debate programs. She has served as NMMUN's Vice President since November 2024.

Erin Gillespie (Treasurer) is the chair of the Social Studies department at Valley High School in Albuquerque, where she teaches AP and general World History. She has served as NMMUN's treasurer since November 2024.

Diane Ball (Secretary) is a Social Studies teacher at St. Pius X School in Albuquerque. She has a long affiliation with NMMUN, previously advising the Model UN group at East Mountain High School. She has served as NMMUN's Secretary since November 2023.

Robanne Harrison (Officer-at-Large) is recently retired from 25 years at Manzano High School in Albuquerque. She has a long affiliation with NMMUN, advising Manzano's Model UN group and serving as our President between 2014 and 2018. Having previously taught AP and general World History, AP Art History, and Anthropology, she concurrently sits on the board of directors of the World Affairs Council of Albuquerque.