Our Mission
Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding.
Albert Einstein
Moved by Dr. Einstein, we envision a world where our leaders better the social, political, environmental and economic arenas of the world by engaging one another through diplomatic dialogue rather than through violence, force or tyranny of the majority. At the core of their policies, decisions, and actions should be the deepest respect for human rights and dignity.
To that end the Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association is dedicated to hosting educational conferences and programs that foster rigorous consideration and understanding of the numerous issues facing the international community amongst our future leaders. Furthermore, that our delegates learn not only the academics of these issues, but develop a strong set of problem-solving skills, diplomacy and consensus-building at the forefront, that will enable them to effect a positive change in their schools, workplaces and communities, and further advance the cause of peace through understanding.
Our History
The Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association was formed in 1973 when a group of students from Eastern Michigan University took on the Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations conference as an independent project. Independence from the university afforded the group more freedom to manage the conference and allowed those with a passion for Model United Nations to continue their work beyond graduation. GLICA and is currently the oldest, independent Model United Nations organization in the state of Michigan, and likely the Great Lakes region.
GLICA continues to be run entirely by volunteers. Over the last 30 plus years the organization has had hundreds of volunteers serve on its staff; some for short periods, and others for decades. These volunteers, referred to as "staff", are individuals dedicated to educating youth in global awareness, critical thinking skills, public speaking, creative diplomacy and the belief that world peace can be achieved through understanding.
Our Structure
GLICA is incorporated under State and Federal laws {501(c)3} as a non-profit, educational organization. The main decision-making apparatus of the organization is our 13-member board of directors. Directors are nominated from within the pool of staff and our high-school advisors. Directors serve at least one three year term on the board. Our executive board, made up of the President, Treasurer, Public Relations Director, Personnel Director and Secretary is made up of members of the larger Board of Directors, and sit for one year terms. The Board of Directors meets bi-monthly throughout the year in order to oversee the operations of the organization and our conferences.
Board of Directors
Officers
Antwan Edson, President
Flint Northern High School
Flint, Michigan
Kate Wade, Treasurer
Ann Arbor Community High School
Chicago, Illinois
Nicholas Stratton, Public Relations Director
Flint Southwestern Academy
Flint, Michigan
Hayes Brown, Personnel Director
Flint Central High School
Washington, DC
Matthew Lesiewicz, Secretary
Flint Southwestern Academy
Flint, Michigan
Directors At-Large
Elizabeth Jordan
Flint Central High School
Flint, Michigan
Bill Moraniec
Dearborn High School
Washington, DC
Caleb Rutan
West Ottawa High School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Melissa Rutan
Flint Central High School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jeff Sugalski, Secretary General
Dearborn High School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Kyle Wade, Research Director
Chicago, Illinois
Robert Wishart
Flint Central High School
Willimantic, Connecticut
Sue Zimmermann
Detroit Mackenzie High School
Canton, Michigan
