SPC Chair: Greg Kahn Assistant Chair: Audra Criscione

Note from the Chair

Greetings delegates, let me be the first to welcome you to the South Kingstown High School's 9^th annual Model UN! My name is Greg Kahn and I will be your chair this year as we debate the controversial topic of land mines. First, I would like to give you some background on myself and also my experience at the SK Model UN. I have been involved every year in the SK Model UN, from being a page my freshman year, to representing Italy my sophomore year in the Green Security Council, and finally to being an assistant chair last year on the Special Human Rights committee on the topic of China.

At this point I would like to tell you a little about myself. I work for the local paper in South Kingstown as a sports photographer. Next year in college I hope to be at any school that offers photography as a major. I also play a ton of soccer. That means if you play soccer, you have already put yourself on my good side. My assistant chair Audra Criscione is also not lazy when it comes to after school activities. This beautiful blonde is one of the top players on our women's tennis and swim team. In school she is a straight A student so she will be just as helpful as I will.

This year I am pleased to take over the Special Political committee. I want to create a relaxed atmosphere in which every delegate feels free to get up and speak his or her mind without feeling uncomfortable. I would also like say that since we are trying to represent the actual UN, I would ask that the delegates have decorum and I am sure we will have an extremely good time. Next, I would like to ask the delegates to do more research than just reading the background paper. The background paper will give you a lot of information, but the more information you know about the topic, the easier it will be to present an accurate view of the issue.

If you have any questions about the issue in general, or any specific questions about the committee, you can call me at (401) 789-7534 or reach me by email at Gregorio@etal.uri.edu. You can also touch base with Audra, my assistant chair, at (401) 783-2588. She can give just as much help if not more about the topic. Lastly, I would like to thank Rob Geremia, Rachel Pike, Anton Steyerl and Audra Criscione for helping to write the whole background paper. I wish all of you good luck. I am sure you will make this the best Model UN ever!