1. When is HMC and who can attend HMC?
HMC Boston will take place from February 19, 2009 to February 22, 2009 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. High school students from across the country and the world are eligible to attend HMC as part of a delegation from their school. Registration is conducted through a faculty advisor, who attends the conference as the students’ sponsor and chaperone. We encourage students to come as part of a school group.
2. How do I apply?
There is no application process other than registration in the fall. The faculty sponsor for each delegation must register students on our website during the registration window, October 14-17, 2008.
3. How many students will be permitted from each school?
Exact numbers will depend on overall registration. However, we generally cap the number of students per school at about 25. Extra students will be put on the waiting list.
4. Can I choose my role at HMC?
The process of assigning roles begins with registration in October. At that time we ask faculty advisors to specify the number of roles they would like for their school. Schools that have attended HMC for five or more years are guaranteed ten roles but should request the total number of roles desired, including the guaranteed ten. We will try to guarantee as many requests as possible, but we cannot always assign as many roles as have been requested. Following the election in November, finalized roles will be sent out to each school. It us up to the faculty sponsor to match his or her students with the roles assigned to the school group.
5. How should I prepare for HMC?
Once roles are finalized in November, each student will be mailed detailed briefings on the topics they will be discussing at the conference. These briefings are researched and written by HMC staff during the summer, and contain background information and explanations of the debates surrounding each topic. Students should begin their preparation by reading their briefings and investigating how their senator/congressman/lobbyist, etc. stands on the topic. Additionally, HMC will send faculty sponsors a guide with suggested activities for pre-conference preparation.
6. What types of issues will I get to learn about?
By participating in HMC, you will gain an in depth understanding about relevant issues currently being debated in American Congress. These issues are most often relevant not only to congressmen, but are also topics that affect everyday citizens of the United States. HMC gives you the opportunity to become an expert on controversial and exciting things you hear about everyday on the television, in the newspaper, and in casual conversation.
7. I'm a Republican but my assigned role is a Democrat. Can I debate using my personal opinions and ideas?
A very important part of HMC is learning how to debate for and represent an opinion with which you yourself may not personally agree. By encouraging yourself to truly learn about and convey the opinions of the roles you will be representing, we believe you undergo an even greater learning experience. The skills that come along with pushing yourself to think on your feet and consider all sides of an argument will contribute greatly to all aspects of students' future endeavors.
8. I'm not very good at public speaking. Does this mean I shouldn't participate in HMC?
Absolutely not! HMC staff members are well trained in working with students of all experience and skill levels. We view improvement as a major goal, and throughout the conference students who are at first apprehensive often become animated and engaged with the help of our staff. Students who may continue to be uncomfortable in front of large crowds are often encouraged to contribute in other ways, such as playing a large role in authoring bills.
9. Do Harvard students get college credit for HMC?
No. Every staff member participating in this conference does so by choice. We are all truly dedicated to making this experience as rewarding for everyone involved as possible.
10. What is parliamentary procedure and why do I have to use it?
Parliamentary procedure, or “parli pro”, is a method of debate used in the actual United States Congress. We use parli pro not only to give students a realistic sense of American government, but also because it fosters efficient and courteous debate. For inexperienced delegates, staff members are happy to explain any confusing procedures, and by the end of the conference, students become quite comfortable with this method.
