IDIA presents

Rutgers Model Congress 2023

Welcome to RMC 2023!

RMC 2023 will take place on April 13-16, 2023!

On behalf of RMC Staff, I would like to formally welcome you to Rutgers Model Congress 2023!

The theme of this conference is the effect of shifting perspectives on foundational principles, and invites students to examine how our American system of laws, based around our founding documents, can or should change in regards to shifting national character and identity.

When the constitution and the bill of rights was written in the 18th century, the authors were representative of that time. While it’s clear the authors endeavored to embed timeless ideals into these documents, it’s also true that their words – and the resulting policies that flowed from them – were necessarily reflective of the needs of the contemporary population. Over the last few decades, demographic shift in America has accelerated and ultimately surpassed the kind of change typical in a single country over such a relatively short time span. In terms of race, origin, socioeconomic class, culture, gender identity, sexuality, disability status, and other categories of identity, the United States in 2023 does not closely resemble the country as it was in 1787. While there has also been over two centuries of legislation and jurisprudence accompanying this change, depending on who you ask, our most basic frameworks of policy have failed to keep pace.

The United States’ capacity for unity alongside a diverse population has long been a point of pride in the national consciousness, but the country remains divided along several important lines. The intersectionality of a person’s individual identity, how they view a specific issue, and how an issue impacts them should be taken into account in effective policy making. I urge students at RMC 2023 to think about the intricacy and complexity of passing bills that address the needs and rights of an ever-changing, distinct population. Think about how current laws and policies succeed or fail at addressing the diverse population. Think also about how the issues discussed at RMC 2023 affect your own community. One of the best aspects of model congress is its ability to present hyper relevant and even local issues, and I challenge you to not only think critically about the content of your bills, but to envision their execution in the real world.

Our staff has worked tirelessly to create a thought-provoking and fulfilling committee experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any feedback or questions at [email protected]. We here at RMC 2023 are excited to meet you all in April!

Best,

Sangavi Sriranganathan
Executive Director
RMC 2023

Committees & Topics

Browse the committees available at this year’s RMC, and start the registration process.

About RMC

When?
Rutgers Model Congress 2023 will take place from April 13-16, 2023.

Where?
Rutgers Model Congress will be taking place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown New Brunswick, NJ.

 

Social Info

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Participant Information

Logistics & Lodging
Schedule
Rules & Policies
COVID-19 Info

RMC is a four-day conference that begins on Thursday evening and continues until Sunday morning. Delegates debate their topics in committee, and also have the opportunity to attend workshops focused on both policy issues and life skills.

Lodging is provided at select hotels conveniently located at or near the conference premises. Please see details below, or email [email protected] for more info on how to include lodging in your registration.

This schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Thursday, April 13

6pm-7pm – Opening Ceremonies
8pm-10:30pm – Committee Session I

Friday, April 14

9am-12pm – Committee Session II
12pm-1:30pm – Lunch Break
1:30pm-2:30pm – Workshops
2:30pm-6pm – Committee Session III
6pm-8pm – Dinner Break
8pm-10:30pm – Committee Session IV

Saturday, April 15

9am-12pm – Committee Session V
12pm-2pm – Lunch Break
2pm-6pm – Committee Session VI
6pm-8pm – Dinner Break
8pm-11pm – Social Activities

Sunday, April 16

9am-11am – Debrief & Sunday Activity
11am-12pm – Lunch Break
12pm-12:30pm – Closing Ceremonies

As an IDIA-sponsored conference, IDIA adheres to a uniform set of rules governing participant conduct, debate style, and awards. Please see detailed policy documents below, and email [email protected] with any questions.

In accordance with local, state, and federal guidance as well as the protocols established by the Hyatt and the City of New Brunswick, IDIA will be enforcing several new COVID-19 rules for all conference participants, chaperones, and staff.

  • For now, all participants, chaperones, and staff are not required to wear a face mask or cloth covering. This is subject to change.
  • Even as IDIA takes all possible measures to ensure a safe conference environment, there is always an inherent risk in any group activity. As such, this year’s permission slip will include a COVID-19 waiver that is required for all participants.

If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 protocols, please contact us at [email protected]

Register your team for RMC today, and ask us about available scholarships for schools and students with demonstrated need.