I have known Foundations for Leadership's directors, Amy and Kelly, for more than a decade, since we worked together on Model United Nations program development and conferences at the United Nations Association. They are among the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals working on civic engagement and global awareness with American youth today.
Since they started up FFL a few years ago, I have reached out to them regularly for information and referrals, and I've found them to be as professional and efficient as ever. Their Model UN training programs for educators and conferences for high school students are by all accounts some of the best offered anywhere, and as time goes by I have little doubt that the quality and scope of their work will only increase.
I look forward to continuing to work with Amy and Kelly in my capacity as an educator and Model UN advisor and promoter for years to come, and I recommend them without hesitation to any school or organization that seeks to create a Model UN program or expand thee scope of an existing one.
For folks considering contributing funds to this most worthy organization, I can tell you to rest assured that any donations will be put to the most responsible and efficient use.
Foundations for Leadership Inc does a superb job of bringing Model UN, an interactive and innovative program that brings the world to young people, to your academic institutions. This organization prepares K-12 students to step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate international issues, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the UN's rules of procedure—all in the interest of understanding perspectives different from their own and mobilizing “international cooperation” to solve global problems. Foundations for Leadership also provide professional development to the K-12 teachers and educators of these young people. What a wonderful , interesting and interactive way to learn about the world from the best in this business!
At Walter Payton College Prep High School in Chicago, Model UN was one of the most sought-afters clubs by all students. Our students traveled to conferences around the Midwest and also to New York where they were able to research and articulate positions on the most compelling issues in the world today. Our team was very successful and drew the attention of then UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, who came and visited our school and witnessed for himself the outstanding work of the Model UN teams at Payton and in Chicago Public Schools. The ability to think globally and to maintain more than one perspective on an issue is critical in these times. I am very proud of our students and Payton's affiliation with Amy Ruggiero from Foundations for Leadership, who made it all possible.
Ellen C Estrada
Retired Principal
Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago IL
I worked with the team from Foundations for Leadership when I worked with Chicago Public Schools. They provided assistance and resources in providing the MUN experience and worked with us improve the experience for the participants each year.
It was a joy working with them and I think a much richer experience because of them. The team was professional and worked to keep everything running smoothly. I can't express what a wonderful experience it was for me , the teachers and the participants.
I've volunteered for Foundations for Leadership in many capacities over the years, and it is always a joy to work alongside them. Their professionalism, devotion to the MUN mission and its' impact as well as their emphasis on making this solely about the student experience makes them an exceptional non-profit! I always look forward to helping them in any way I can.
The FFL team brings years of experience in nonprofit management and education to their work, and it shows. I've been lucky to work with them and see the professionalism
And dedication they bring to the activity.
Foundations is staffed by some of the most devoted individuals I've ever had to pleasure to meet! An excellent grasp of pedagogy combined with a passion for global affairs makes their programs especially relevant in today's world.
As a student at the University of Miami and member of the Model IN team, I was granted the opportunity to work with Foundations for Leadership on many occasions and each time has been nothing short of engaging, entertaining and a real chance to help local school children bolster their speaking and communications skills. It's a tremendous organization and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Foundations for Leadership (FFL) has provided the Model UN program and conference for middle school students in Pinellas County Schools Florida for over 5 years. Due to its popularity and so many students requesting to continue their participation, the program has expanded to include high school students. I first started off as a teacher advisor bringing a group of students each year. I always enjoyed participating in the Model UN Conference as a teacher because it is so well planned and executed, my job that day was easy! I now work as a staff developer for the district and have worked with FFL on the planning and logistics side to run the Model UN program and conference. They are flexible and accommodating with scheduling and when issues arise. FFL is very well organized, continue to add resources to meet teacher and student needs, and offer various professional development opportunities. Their mission is worth supporting and being a part of to prepare students to be citizens of their community, country, and world.
As a former college-level Model United Nations participant, I was eager to give back and share my experience with younger students. Foundations for Leadership was a perfect way for me to show others all I learned in my first experience as an MUN member - and it also allowed me to observe how much younger students in middle and high school were learning about the global community in their own classrooms. The volunteers had almost as much fun as the students in the simulations, and the coordinators of the events were as inspired and excited as those participating!
Foundations for Leadership does an excellent job of engaging students in exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. I am extremely grateful for this team, and enjoy collaborating with them on meaningful co-curricular programs such as the Model UN Conference at Miami Dade College. These type of activities enhance and extend classroom learning.
