National Model U.S. Congress
National Model Congress is a conference-based competitive conference in which participants simulate the legislative process in an effort to learn about and understand issues facing local, state and national governments. National Model Congress conferences include mock sessions of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, committee meetings, debates on current events and legislation written by National Model Congress Senators and Representatives.
How do I get started? Line up a teacher mentor at your school (think History, Civics) and check out the Model Congress website to see how to launch your club.
How much time will this take? Like most extracurriculars, it’s up to you to make the most of the opportunity. If you roll up your sleeves and get deeply involved (especially if you take on a leadership role), it can absorb hours of time per week. This is where you will get the most out of your efforts. For others for whom it’s a supplement to a core interest something like National Model Congress can be a nice enrichment opportunity.
How do I expand this narrative arc?
Spend a week gaining insight into the workings of the U.S. Senate and the federal government at the U.S. Senate Summer Program
Expand your expertise into the international realm with Best Delegate Model UN’s online programs and summer camps.
Convene a Youth Town Hall in your community to start a dialogue between young people and community leaders.
Launch a Speaker’s Corner at your school to provide a forum for discussion and debate of issues that are important to fellow students.
Consider one of the many summer programs run by The New York Times Summer Academy, including Whistleblower Journalism in D.C.
HOT TIP: Lots of kids spend a ton of time on activities like Model Congress and Model U.N. without making the effort to connect it to a larger narrative arc. Adding a few small activities or a summer program can really take you from a kid who does clubs to a candidate with a strong and coherent theme in your application.