Virginia Model United Nations is an annual Model UN conference for over 1,000 high school students from across the country. The conference is an academic policy simulation in which delegates participate in committees simulating key contemporary and historical bodies in foreign affairs. Committees span a wide variety of time periods, geographical regions, and issue areas in international relations. In addition to exposing students to major global issues and encouraging civic participation, VAMUN helps participants develop critical presentation and team-building skills. Hosted at the historic University of Virginia, the conference is entirely run by U.Va. students, who serve as Committee Chairs, Crisis Directors, Committee Staff, and Business/External Relations Staff. Nearly 200 U.Va. students built and executed the 2017 conference. 50 schools attended. Each year, a Secretary General is elected by VAMUN's parent organization, the International Relations Organization at U.Va. The Secretary General appoints and leads a 10 member Secretariat, who oversee the larger conference staff. VAMUN XXXVIII will be held on November 16th-18th, 2018.