Our Mission and History
Our Mission
“Peace cannot be achieved through violence;
it can only be attained through understanding.”
-Albert Einstein
Moved by Dr. Einstein, we envision a world where our leaders better the social, political, environmental and economic arenas of the world by engaging one another through diplomatic dialogue rather than through violence, force or tyranny of the majority. At the core of their policies, decisions, and actions should be the deepest respect for human rights and dignity.
To that end the Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association is dedicated to hosting educational conferences and programs that foster rigorous consideration and understanding of the numerous issues facing the international community amongst our future leaders. Furthermore, that our delegates learn not only the academics of these issues, but develop a strong set of problem-solving skills, diplomacy and consensus-building at the forefront, that will enable them to effect a positive change in their schools, workplaces and communities, and further advance the cause of peace through understanding.
Our History
The Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association was formed in 1973 when a group of students from Eastern Michigan University took on the Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations conference as an independent project. Independence from the university afforded the group more freedom to manage the conference and allowed those with a passion for Model United Nations to continue their work beyond graduation. GLICA is the oldest independent Model United Nations organization in the state of Michigan, and likely the Great Lakes region.
GLICA continues to be run entirely by volunteers. Over the last 50 plus years the organization has had hundreds of volunteers serve on its staff; some for short periods, and others for decades. These volunteers, referred to as “staff”, are individuals dedicated to educating youth in global awareness, critical thinking skills, public speaking, creative diplomacy and the belief that world peace can be achieved through understanding.
Testimonials
Retired MUN Advisor
“We have been competing at Model UN conferences for over 25 years, and of all of the events we’ve traveled to — including the University of Chicago, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University conferences — GLIMUN stands out as being not only the most challenging event of the year but also the most rewarding. Conference staff have high expectations for our students and that translates into much higher quality debate among delegates in all committees. Perhaps the most dynamic feature of GLIMUN is the GA and ECOSOC plenary sessions that are held during the last two days of the conference. In this setting, success becomes less about an individual’s skill or charisma and more about a team presenting a uniform, consistent message on every topic, building coalitions and working with them to arrive at solutions that reflect a global consensus and a commitment toward the greater good.
A number of my former MUN students have gone on to actually pursue careers in the foreign service as a result of the passion that GLICA helped instill within them, and for this reason I will always be very, very grateful.”
Chris McClees
Forest Hills Central High School
Current MUN Advisor
“My students and I have been attending GLIMUN for over 10 years. We choose to attend every year because the conference offers many great opportunities for my students to improve on their MUN skills. The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Another reason why we attend GLIMUN on a regular part of our calendar is because they prepare our students for greater success in the other conferences we attend throughout the Midwest. They have become an integral part of our program and the success of our students at Kalamazoo Central High School.”
Clifton FraleyBurgett
Kalamazoo Central High School
Current MUN Advisors
“The really cool thing is seeing the kids see a sense of hope to pass resolutions and solve problems. The kids have the perspective that not everyone will agree. It’s what makes problems complex.”
“I am enjoying seeing my students in a new light. It’s fun to see them excel at something new and different. I also like talking to other teachers. I really enjoy these conferences.”
“I enjoy the community. You guys are great. I like the questions that the kids are bringing, that they’re being challenged, and have to work as if in an era 20 years ago, before social media.”
“I thought the topics were really good. The organization went really well. It was super easy as an advisor to get to where I needed to be. The approach they use in committee is good. The students are participating and being involved.”
“The big reason I come back is that I like to see my kids outside their comfort zone. You may not shine as much at school, but you can shine a bit more here depending on the effort you put in.”
MUN Advisors
SIMUN 2025
