Washington Model Organization of American Studies The Washington Model General Assembly of the Organization of American States (MOAS), is an annual event that takes place in Washington, DC, partly in the Pan American Union Building, the headquarters of the OAS, and partly in a local hotel. In 2006, the Model takes place from April 9th to 14th. The simulation of the OAS General Assembly is a six-day event designed to accomplish several goals, including learning about the structures and processes of the OAS itself, in depth learning about topical issues facing the hemispheric region, in depth learning about a Member State of the OAS, and learning and practicing the art of diplomacy. The MOAS, with the support of the OAS, is organized and administered by a group of university faculty, via the Inter-American Institute for Diplomacy (IAID), which is a legally incorporated entity and which is currently seeking status as a civil society organization formally associated with the OAS. The MOAS is actively supported by the OAS office of Public Information, and has been endorsed in a Resolution of the OAS itself. Prior to the simulation in Washington, faculty advisors are asked to register with the IAID in order to choose a member state to represent. Registering involves a fee, $800 in 2005-2006, which helps defray the cost of producing the simulation in DC. There are no salaries or other expenses associated with the MOAS other than the producing of the Model itself. Faculty then assemble a delegation of students, consisting of not more than ten and no fewer than five students. These students are assigned to Committees, consistent with the committee structure of the OAS. Each of these committees has an agenda of topics and issues that will be addressed in the Model General Assembly. Prior to coming to Washington, students prepare positions on these topics, consistent with the positions of the member state they are representing. Preparation culminates in a draft proposed resolution, which normally will be submitted for discussion and debate during a committee session at the MOAS. During the MOAS week itself, there are formal opening sessions and orientation meetings on Sunday. Monday provides an opportunity to visit the OAS Mission of the member state being represented, to consult with appropriate diplomats, and the time to revamp proposed draft resolutions and/or to gain supporting signatures from delegates representing other member states. The Monday visits to the Missions are usually a highlight of the week’s activities. Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday are largely given over to committee sessions and caucusing, during which student delegates introduce and debate each other’s proposed draft resolutions. Late Thursday and Friday morning are given over to closing exercises and the elections for the officers for the following year’s Model. During the Model, faculty have a variety of activities, some centering on helping the Model proceed according to plan, and other activities around professional development issues. We encourage Faculty advisors not to insert themselves too dramatically into the activities of the student delegates during the Model itself, as we prefer that the students maximize their own educational outcomes via their own efforts, based on their prior preparation and the things they are learning “on their feet” through debate and caucusing at the Model itself. We do expect Advisors to be present, however, partly in case of extreme situations that need attention and partly to help with the conduct of the Model itself. Most Advisors find the collegiality of their fellow Advisors helps make the week a valuable investment of time. After the Model, students and faculty debrief, according to the procedures set up at each participating institution. The IAID strongly recommends that preparation for, and participation, in the MOAS be within a credit course structure.