ITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: YMCA Collaboration – Model United Nations Program MEETING DATE: March 11, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a one-time funding allocation of $15,000 to support a partnership between the City of Commerce and the Montebello/Commerce YMCA for the Model United Nations (MUN) program. This collaboration will provide Commerce Teen Club participants with an opportunity to develop leadership, public speaking, and diplomacy skills while engaging in an immersive learning experience that promotes civic engagement and global awareness.
BACKGROUND
Since 2001, the California YMCA Youth & Government program has offered the Model United Nations (MUN) experience to middle school students throughout the state. This initiative provides students with the chance to interact with peers from various communities, exploring international issues while developing essential life skills such as negotiation, leadership, and critical thinking.
The City of Commerce Teen Center serves as a hub for youth engagement, and this partnership will provide 10 Commerce middle school students—who are already active in the Teen Center—with the opportunity to participate in this highly regarded program. The MUN program mirrors the City’s own Youth & Government Day, reinforcing the importance of civic involvement and leadership development.
ANALYSIS
The Model United Nations program spans three months, during which teen ambassadors will engage in a series of training sessions, workshops, and activities designed to prepare them for the Model United Nations Summit, a culminating event held in Southern California. At this summit, students will assume the roles of delegates representing assigned countries, collaborating with their peers to develop solutions to real-world global challenges.
Through participation in MUN, students will:
Develop public speaking and negotiation skills
Gain a better understanding of international affairs
Strengthen their leadership and decision-making abilities Engage in civic responsibility and government processes Build connections with peers from diverse backgrounds
The program provides an immersive experience that includes:
Housing accommodations at the summit, allowing students to engage with peers in a structured environment Transportation to and from field trips, training sessions, and the summit Meals throughout the program to ensure students are well-nourished and prepared for activities A customized program hoodie to foster unity and team spirit Program meetings will take place on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Commerce Teen Center. The YMCA has a strong history of success with the Model United Nations program and is eager to collaborate with the City of Commerce to extend this opportunity to local youth.
The selection process will include an interest list. If more than ten (10) teens are interested and committed to the program, a raffle to select the 10 participants will be conducted.
Important Note: All allocated funds, if approved will be exclusively used for Commerce Teen Club participants.
If successful, a line item for fiscal year 2025/26 will be included as a consideration for future funding.
ALTERNATIVES
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City Council accepts staff’s recommendation, a one-time funding allocation (from the General Fund’s Unallocated Fund Balance (Reserves) of $15,000 ($1,500 per participant) will be needed to cover costs related to curriculum, transportation, lodging, meals, field trips, and program materials.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4: Support and evaluate community services, programs, and events that promote healthy and quality lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Recommended by: Greg Alaniz, Parks and Recreation Director Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney