The Duke University Away Team, a branch of the Duke International Relations Association (DIRA), is a competitive club that travels on the intercollegiate Model United Nations circuit. We travel to four conferences annually, taking part in simulations of traditional United Nations bodies as well as more nontraditional crisis situations. Members develop skills in negotiation and diplomacy as well as public speaking, while studying pertinent issues in international relations. It's a great experience for anyone who loves international relations and debate!

The Away Team meets regularly throughout the year to participate in training sessions to prepare members for competition, whether members have never participated in Model United Nations before or are experienced delegates. These training sessions usually take the form of mock committee sessions or stages crises run by older members of the club, where debate is frequently stopped to provide advice and insight on parliamentary procedure, oration and resolution writing.

The Away Team has become one of the most important parts of my college experience at Duke. Every member of this team is an impressive and unique individual- we’ve got Chemistry and Biology majors, Political Science experts, engineers, and everything in-between. Apart from kicking butt in committee, we enjoy every conference- I’ve got so many memories from the past 8 conference I’ve participated in!

Please check out the links on the right to find out more about the Away Team and how to join! I look forward to meeting all of you and please feel free to email me with any questions you may have :)