Dear Esteemed Special Programs Delegates,
Welcome to the most prestigious program of Harvard Model Congress San Francisco. Welcome to a world of exciting political challenges, enthusiastic peers, and engaging chairs to guide you through solving the multitude of dynamic problems facing our nation today. Welcome to a world in which you make decisions that can make or break our country’s future. Welcome to a world in which you have to use every skill— writing, critical analysis, and teamwork—to meet your committee’s goals. Welcome to your world, one in which you can learn how to solve the issues pressing our country today.
When I was a delegate at Harvard Model Congress, I always admired the amazing capabilities of the Special Programs committees. The heart of Harvard Model Congress is every delegate who brings enormous enthusiasm and knowledge to their committees, year after year. Any interest you have, whether it is in communications, law, or presidential policy, there is a committee in which you can apply your talents to solving real problems. If you are looking to draft legislation, advise the president, or act as a liaison between the executive branch and Congress, join Presidential Cabinet. If you enjoy thinking fast on your feet in response to global crises, join the National Security Council or the National Economics Council. If you join in Supreme Court, you will fiercely pursue justice in the role of an attorney, witness, or judge. As a member of the Press Corps, you will be the first to know about all of the exciting change that is happening in Washington. With such a wide variety of committees, I am confident that you will find your place in Special Programs.
Special Programs at Harvard Model Congress San Francisco is what you make of it. It is up to you to come up with innovative solutions to the problems pressing our country today. It is your responsibility to make connections with the other delegates at the conference to meet a deadline, get a piece of legislation passed through Congress, or solve a crisis. Preparation for the conference, in reading your committee’s (and other committees’) briefings, thinking about your discussion questions, and most importantly, asking questions of your chairs, is crucial to your experience at Harvard Model Congress. As Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus once said, “Take chances! Make mistakes!” My recommendation for you is to take advantage of the amazingly talented people you will meet at the conference, both your chairs and your fellow delegates. Ask them questions, work with them to solve problems, and most importantly, make friends! These are memories that will last you for a lifetime.
I look forward to meeting you all in January, and seeing what you will make of Special Programs. I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns, I love hearing from you all.
Good luck on your Special Programs journey, and see you soon!
Annie Baldwin
Director of Programs