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What is it?
As part of the 2011 New York State African
Studies Association (NYASA) annual meeting (March 25-26), the Department of
Africana and Latino Studies is sponsoring a student organized and operated
Model SADC (Southern African Development Community) Parliamentary Forum. The first of its kind in the nation, the Model SADC-PF
seeks to encourage students to engage in the contemporary debates and issues
within Southern Africa and develop research and oratory skills through
experiential hands-on learning.
Background:
SADC, an organization established originally
as a coalition of countries known as the Frontline States in opposition to
white minority rule in South Africa and then Southwest Africa, has evolved
since the independence of Namibia and Zimbabwe and the advent of majority rule
in South Africa. Over time it has
evolved into a pan-regional organization that addresses many issues, to include
economic, political, environmental and social.
In the aftermath of FIFA 2010 and the
movement toward monetary union in Southern Africa, SADCs institutional
strengths and commitment to regional cooperation and development make this
organization particularly invaluable for study and discussion.
How and When?
Students from throughout the region will
participate in the simulation on March
26. 2011 from 9:30--5:00.
Competition is open to College Students. As delegates representing one of the
fourteen (14) SADC countries, the students will research three preselected
issues for discussion and resolution passage at the MSADC-PF. Students will be scored on three
equally weighted performance factors:
- Accurate representation of country;
- Research (as evidenced in position papers and substantive contribution
to debate and resolutions) and resolution writing; and
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Mastery of diplomatic skills to include parliamentary procedures.
Awards will be decided by the organizing
committee and consist of:
- Exemplary Performance
- Outstanding Performance
- Honorable Mention
All students will be presented with certificates of participation. Out of town
students may choose to stay overnight at their own cost (see conference website).
The registration fee for the MSADC-PF is free for students and includes
cost of refreshments and the awards ceremony.
Contact: Robert Compton, MSADC-PF Coordinator @ comptorw@oneonta.edu or (607) 436-3048
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