Amongst the bustling Clubs and Activities fair, room A214 is unusually active. Inside, a welcoming and inquisitive environment is paired with fliers promoting the World Affairs Club, West’s signature organization for avid or aspiring involved citizens. I spoke with Mr. Layton, resident of A214 and the club’s advisor, about what members interested in WAC can expect, as well as detailing significant club events to look forward to.
Meeting every Thursday, the student led club is “committed to the pursuit of local and international affairs, with an emphasis on preparing for two district wide competitions, Model Congress and Model United Nations”. Mr. Layton has been the club advisor since his arrival at West and describes WAC as a center for discussion and debate regarding current events and the news.
Uniquely friendly to both newcomers and long-time members, meetings are an engaging and interactive mix of games, discussions, preparation for events, and fundraising support. I attended one of these meetings, implored and excited to witness a WAC signature game, “Best Country”. Various categories of global importance like economy, weather, government, food, and music are assigned to randomly generated countries, sometimes explored further by those familiar, and compiled into a comical, likely disastrous state.
Large, debate focused events like Model UN and Model Congress are also a large element of WAC, giving participants a unique experience of diplomacy and professionalism. Mr. Layton states “West has hosted the model Congress simulation and are attending participants at model UN, which is generally at (Central Bucks) South”. Those attending these events are able to represent members of the U.S House of Representatives or countries that belong to the United Nations. Mr. Layton discussed how participation extends to knowledge of the figure they represent, as well as “individually drafting bills or resolutions for consideration”. Noting the importance of one such event, he states “Model congress in particular is meant to simulate and by extension better understand the complexity of the US lawmaking process at the federal level.”
Asking why members of the West community should be interested and involved in WAC, Mr. Layton tells me “the purpose of the club is incredibly relevant in today’s world”, and implores students of all grades, as well as schedules, that “enjoy discussing current events, debating contemporary topics, or meeting others who may hold that same interest” to attend any Thursday after school meeting.
