Rutgers Model Congress 2022

It is a distinct honor and privilege to welcome you back to Rutgers Model Congress. After two years of a less than traditional RMC experience, we hope our in-person setting will be a refreshing return to normalcy. Given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are looking forward to providing you with a safe and comfortable experience at our conference. RMC 2022 is one of the premier Model Congress conferences for giving delegates an experience in domestic affairs that spans a wide variety of committee forms and topics.

The American democratic process is an unending endeavor, and as such, our efforts to be civically engaged must be enduring. The issues discussed and the interests involved will challenge the delegates to think beyond party lines and beyond what has been done in the past. Our seventeen talented directors have been working tirelessly to craft a thought-provoking committee experience that will challenge delegates to test their preconceptions on policymaking and the structure of governance. Each director brings a unique portfolio of experiences and talents to create a diverse conference experience for any delegate’s interests. Across the vast spectrum of our topics like “NCAA Name Image and Likeness Rights” to “Financial Preparedness for Retirement,” we hope that you can test your convictions and perhaps form new ones. 

The theme of RMC 2022 will discuss inequality and the importance of effective policymaking in that regard. The past few years especially have highlighted the crippling disparities that exist between groups all across the country. Pursuing the American Dream is no longer a clear path for everyone. Economic inequality has become a keystone issue for politicians on both sides of the aisle, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought this to the front of national attention. This past summer’s protests in support of police reform have also illustrated some long-standing inequalities that have been unsuccessfully addressed to date. The rural-urban divide demonstrates how many instances of inequality are more complex than once thought and don’t necessarily conform to the preexisting notions of partisanship and demography. The 2016 and 2020 presidential elections have defined new political alignments centered around dissatisfaction with inequality, whether geographic, economic, or racial. It seems at times that our democratic evolution has stalled as blights like inequality have introduced a sense of apathy towards civic engagement.

Continued inequality has, for many, given way to cynicism and resignation that “things will never change.” This loss of faith in the legislative process can create desperation amongst those who cannot pursue the American Dream to the fullest extent. That tragic desperation has led to further degradation of our democratic institutions. The disappointing events of January 6th, 2021, demonstrate just how powerful a weapon desperation can be. Unless Congress can regain the faith of the American people and show that its policy actions can effectively address inequality, it is not beyond reason that we will see further attempts at the destruction of our most foundation institutions. Policymaking must be responsive to the existing inequalities and be effective in their mode of action. Policy issues do not simply vanish after the passing of a bill. Their resolutions are dependent on robust and well-thought-out solutions coupled with practical execution. 

Over the course of the four days of RMC 2022, I want the delegates to focus on properly executable solutions and recognize that policymaking doesn’t end with passing a bill. During the weekend, we urge you to think critically not only about the content of your bills but to envision their execution. I hope this conference inspires you to combat political apathy wherever you see it. Delegates should take what they learn about their committees, the topics, the theme, and themselves and translate it into all aspects of their lives. On a personal level, my first conference was RMC, and since then, I have been eternally grateful to the staff and advisors that made it possible. The conference helped me find my voice and develop an undying passion for civics. I hope that your RMC experience will be just as impactful as it was for me. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any feedback or questions at info@idia.net. We here at RMC 2022 are excited to meet you all in April!

Best,

Zain Baquer

Executive Director

RMC 2022

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

View all committees →