MUNning Made Easy

INDEX 1. Rules of Procedure 2. How to research? 3. Position Papers 4. Flow of Debate 5. Caucasing 6. Resolution Drafting 7. Sample Resolution 2 3 5 7 9 11 16

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Model UN Preparation Guide Rules of Procedure | Chart of Rules and Motions Basic Model UN Rules of Procedure A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount of time each delegate has to speak. A motion to open the speakers list allows delegates to sign up to speak. At some conferences a motion to close the speakers list closes the list for the remainder of the session or topic. However, at most Model UN conferences the speakers list can be opened and closed multiple times. This motion requires an immediate vote. Delegates propose a motion to suspend debate for the purpose of holding a caucus. If you move to suspend the meeting, be sure to specify the purpose and the amount of time. A motion to adjourn meeting ends the committee session until the next session, which might be the next years conference, or after lunch or dinner. A motion to adjourn debate (also known as motion to table debate)is not the same as a motion to adjourn the meeting. Rather, it is used to table, or put on hold, all of the work that the committee has completed on a particular topic. Two-thirds majority vote At some Model UN conferences you can return to this topic later, while at others the topic cannot be discussed again. A delegate makes a motion to close debate in order to move the committee to a vote, usually when the delegate has made his or her country's position clear and there are enough draft resolutions on the floor. A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has made an error in the running of the committee e. The Delegate should only specify the errors they believe were made in the formal committee procedure, and may not Decision of Chairperson Two-thirds majority vote Simple majority vote Simple majority vote Simple majority vote Required to Pass

Simple majority vote

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address the topic being discussed. A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary procedure) can be made when the floor is open (i.e. when no other delegate is speaking) in order to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of procedure. A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to inform the chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is experiencing, such as not being able to hear another delegates speech. A delegate raises a point of information in order to pose a question to a speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses whether or not to yield his or her time to points of information. A delegate makes an appeal to the chairs decision when he or she feels the chairperson has incorrectly decided a point or motion. At some conferences, this formal challenge must be made in writing. The appealing delegate speaks and the chairperson defends himself or herself before the vote. Two-thirds majority vote Decision of speaker No vote No vote

Model UN Preparation Guide How to research?

Here are six important areas for you to research as part of your preparation for a conference: 1. Know the UN system. We have created an on-line introduction to and virtual tour of the UN for students who want a basic understanding of the UN system.

2. Become familiar with your country's history, culture, political structure, and current political affairs. In addition to resources you may find at your school, university, or public library and on the internet, it may be useful to read fiction and non-fiction books (e.g., biographies) written by authors who live in your country. They may offer insights into the culture you are learning about.

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3. Learn about your country's viewpoints on as many of the issues that will be discussed at the conference you will be attending as you can.

4. Know your allies and your opposition. In order to adequately represent your country during the conference, you will need to interact with delegates from other countries. Knowing their positions on your topic will help you predict their arguments during debate. This will be very useful in helping you decide in advance where it might be useful to seek cooperation or compromise.

5. Be familiar with current statistical data on your topic and country.

6. Review the rules and procedures for your conference. These rules are intended to create a level playing field allowing each country to accomplish its individual goals in speaking about their policies while maximizing opportunities for the group to reach agreement or even consensus on the issue. Each conference publishes a set of rules and procedures that are derived from those used by the UN. There are many resources on protocol and parliamentary procedure available through MUN sites and books. Developing MUN Skills Develop MUN skills by asking more experienced participants of MUN conferences and/or your advisor about exercises that will improve your abilities to: debate, speak publicly, negotiate, resolve conflicts, compromise, cooperate, write resolutions, and build consensus.

Most importantly, participate in as many conferences as you can. This is the best way for you to sharpen your skills.

Tips from MUNers

Remember it is not your opinion you are expounding but the country you are representing. Be willing to continuously improve and refine you capabilities. Do mock trials with team members and neighboring teams.

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Technique matters - so practice it. Be aware of different political perspectives - East vs. West and North vs. South. Compromise is an art, treat it that way. Get hooked on MUN, this will change your life. Learn from your experience. Hold a debriefing session after each conference to discuss things that worked and things that did not work.

Keep a record of your feedback and plans for improvement. Congratulate your team members (and other players!) on their contributions to the team and the conference.

Position Papers Model UN Preparation Guide Many conferences require that each delegation submit a position paperan essay detailing your countrys policies on the topics being discussed in your committee. Writing a position paper will help you organize your ideas so that you can share your countrys position with the rest of the committee. If you conduct extensive research, a position paper should be easy to write. Most conferences that require position papers ask for them about one month before the conference so that staff members can read them and get a feel for the direction debate will take. If the conference you are attending does not require a position paper, you should still consider writing one to help you organize your research and prepare your speeches. Many delegates use their position papers as their opening remarks. How to Write a Position Paper Writing a position paper might appear to be a daunting task, especially for new delegates. But with enough research, you will find that writing a position paper will be easy and useful. Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length. Your position paper should include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of your country's position on the topics that

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are being discussed by the committee. A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions. Many conferences will ask for specific details in a position paper, so be sure to include all the required information. Most conferences will provide delegates a background guide to the issue. Usually, the background guide will contain questions to consider. Make sure that your position paper answers these questions.

A good position paper will include:

A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and committee; How the issue affects your country; Your countrys policies with respect to the issue and your countrys justification for these policies;

Quotes from your countrys leaders about the issue; Statistics to back up your countrys position on the issue; Actions taken by your government with regard to the issue; Conventions and resolutions that your country has signed or ratified; UN actions that your country supported or opposed; What your country believes should be done to address the issue; What your country would like to accomplish in the committees resolution; and How the positions of other countries affect your countrys position.

Position Paper Tips

Keep it simple. To communicate strongly and effectively, avoid flowery wording and stick to uncomplicated language and sentence structure.

Make it official. Try to use the seal of your country or create an official letterhead for your position paper. The more realistic it looks, the more others will want to read it.

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Get organized. Give each separate idea or proposal its own paragraph. Make sure each paragraph starts with a topic sentence.

Cite your sources. Use footnotes or endnotes to show where you found your facts and statistics. If you are unfamiliar with bibliographic form, look up the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines at your schools library.

Read and reread. Leave time to edit your position paper. Ask yourself if the organization of the paper makes sense and double-check your spelling and grammar.

Speech! Speech! Do you plan to make an opening statement at your conference? A good position paper makes a great introductory speech. During debate, a good position paper will also help you to stick to your countrys policies.

Let the bullets fly. Try not to let your proposals become lost in a sea of information. For speechmaking, create a bulleted list of your proposals along with your most important facts and statistics so that you will not lose time looking for them during debate. Flow of Debate Model UN Preparation Guide

It is sometimes helpful to think of a Model UN conference as if it were a play in which delegates are the actors and Secretariat members are the directors. The storyline of a stage show is similar to what Model UNers call the flow of debate the order in which events proceed during a Model UN conference. Just like scenes in a theatrical performance, debate unfolds in several different parts. The chart below shows the various stages of debate that take place during a Model UN simulation. Being familiar with how the action will proceed, from the first scene to the last, is an important way to prepare yourself for a Model UN conference.

Roll Call

The Chairperson will announce each countrys name. After delegates hear their country, they should answer "present."

Setting the Agenda

When Model UN committees have more than one topic available, the body must set the agenda to begin working on one of these issues. At this time a delegate typically makes a motion, stating "The country of [name] moves to place [topic A] first on the agenda, followed by [topic B] and then [topic C]." Once the motion has been made, three delegations must speak in favor of the motion, and three other delegations will speak against it. These speeches should alternate between

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those in favor and those opposed. Once these six speeches have been given, a vote is taken. Setting the agenda requires a simple majority vote.

Debate

Formal Debate: Formal debate revolves around a speakers list. The Chair begins by asking all delegates interested in addressing the other members to raise their placards. The Chair then chooses delegates to be placed on the speakers list. A country may only be on the speakers list once, but delegates may add their country to the end of the list after their speech. 1a. When the session begins, speeches focus on stating country positions and offering recommendations for action. 2a. After blocs have met, speeches focus on describing bloc positions to the entire body. 3a. Delegates now make statements describing their draft resolutions to the committee. 4a. Delegates try to garner more support through formal speeches and invite others to offer their ideas. 5a. Delegates make statements supporting or disagreeing with specific draft resolutions.

Informal Debate: Informal debate involves discussion outside of the speakers list. During moderated caucuses, the Chair calls on delegates one-by-one so that each can address the committee in short speeches. During unmoderated caucuses, the committee breaks for a temporary recess so that delegates may meet with each other and discuss ideas. 1b. After several countries state their positions, the committee breaks for caucuses (often in blocs) to develop regional positions. 2b. Writing begins as countries work together to compose draft resolutions. 3b. Countries and groups meet to gather support for specific draft resolutions. 4b. Delegates finalize draft resolutions.

5b. Draft-resolution sponsors build greater support for their resolution and look to incorporate others ideas through friendly amendments.

6a. Delegates present any amendments they have created.

Close of Debate

Once the speakers list is exhausted, the committee automatically moves to voting. Also, once a delegate feels that his or her countrys position is clear to others and that there are enough draft

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resolutions on the floor, he or she may make a motion to proceed into voting procedure by moving for the closure of debate.

Voting Procedures

Once a motion to close debate has been approved, the committee moves into voting procedure. Amendments are voted on first, then resolutions. Once all of the resolutions are voted on, the committee moves to the next topic on the agenda.

Caucusing Model UN Preparation Guide Caucusing, or informal debate, is an important part of the Model UN simulation because it provides an opportunity for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions. During a Model UN conference, caucuses can be either moderated or unmoderated. When a committee holds a moderated caucus, the Chair calls on delegates one at a time and each speaker briefly addresses the committee. During an unmoderated caucus, the committee breaks for a temporary recess from formal proceedings so that delegates can work together in small groups. To hold a caucus, a delegate must make a motion and the committee must pass the motion. Many delegates prefer to speak during a moderated caucus rather than being placed on the speakers li st. In a moderated caucus, speakers are usually able to convey one or two key points to the entire committee or share new ideas that have developed through the course of debate. A delegate sometimes chooses to make a motion for a moderated caucus if his or her name is close to the end of the speakers list. By speaking in a moderated caucus, delegates are able to address the committee much earlier. In most cases, more than half of committee time is used for unmoderated caucusing. Many delegates feel this is the easiest way for them to collaborate and start to formulate draft resolutions.

Tips for Effective Caucusing

Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would like to see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to negotiate on and which you are not.

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Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the easiest way to seek out allies. However, if you find that the group you are working with is not meeting your needs, do not be afraid to switch groups.

Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree with an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your countrys policy.

Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make sure that you are not giving up anything too important.

Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other peoples ideas and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each delegate in your group.

Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than interrupting others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down your idea so that you can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.

Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the last minute, begin recording fellow delegates ideas right away.

Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information as they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.

Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is the best way to find out a delegates position on an issue. Larger groups are better suited to brainstorming.

Stay calm: In caucuses, delegates can sometimes lose their cool. Staying calm will not only help your group be more effective, but will be noticed by the conference staff. Always keep your voice at a normal level. If you see that you are becoming upset or raising your voice, excuse yourself from the group for a few minutes.

Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyones ideas so that you can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small details that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.

Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should not do. Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.

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Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate, focus on providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative. Critique ideas, not people.

Establish connections with other delegates: Although it can be tempting to call a fellow delegate Pakistan, Brazil or Sweden, you can form a better connection with a delegate by learning his or her name and where he or she comes from. Ask the delegate about his or her ideas and impressions of the debate. Showing interest in your fellow delegates at the beginning of the conference will help you gain more support later on and can help you to form lasting friendships.

Resolution Drafting Model UN Preparation Guide The final results of discussion, writing and negotiation are resolutionswritten suggestions for addressing a specific problem or issue. Resolutions, which are drafted by delegates and voted on by the committee, normally require a simple majority to pass (except in the Security Council). Only Security Council resolutions can compel nations to take action. All other UN bodies use resolutions to make recommendations or suggestions for future action. Draft Resolutions Draft resolutions are all resolutions that have not yet been voted on. Delegates write draft resolutions alone or with other countries. There are three main parts to a draft resolution: the heading, the preamble and the operative section. The heading shows the committee and topic along with the resolution number. It also lists the draft resolutions sponsors and signatories (see below). Each draft resolution is one long sentence with sections separated by commas and semicolons. The subject of the sentence is the body making the statement (e.g., the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, or Security Council). The preamble and operative sections then describe the current situation and actions that the committee will take. Bringing a Resolution to the Floor for Debate A draft resolution must always gain the support of a certain number of member states in the committee before the sponsors (the delegates who created the resolution) may submit it to the committee staff. Many conferences require signatures from 20 percent of the countries present in order to submit a draft resolution. A staff member will read the draft resolution to ensure that it is relevant and in proper format. 11 | P a g e

Only when a staff member formally accepts the document and assigns it a number can it be referred to in formal debate. In some cases a delegate must make a motion to introduce the draft resolution, while in other cases the sponsors are immediately called upon to read the document. Because these procedures can vary, it is essential to find out about the resolution process for the conference you plan to attend. Tips for Resolution Writing

Be sure to follow the format for resolutions provided by the conference organizers. Each conference may have a slightly different format.

Create a detailed resolution. For example, if your resolution calls for a new program, think about how it will be funded and what body will manage it.

Try to cite facts whenever possible. Be realistic. Do not create objectives for your resolution that cannot be met. Make sure your body can take the action suggested. For example, the General Assembly cant sanction another country only the Security Council can do so.

Try to find multiple sponsors. Your committee will be more likely to approve the resolutions if many delegates contribute ideas.

Preambulatory clauses are historic justifications for action. Use them to cite past resolutions, precedents and statements about the purpose of action.

Operative clauses are policies that the resolution is designed to create. Use them to explain what the committee will do to address the issue.

Preambulatory Clauses and Operative Clauses Resolutions Overview | Model UN Preparation Guide Preambulatory Clauses The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasons for which the committee is addressing the topic and highlights past international action on the issue. Each clause begins with a present participle (called a preambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma. Preambulatory clauses can include:

References to the UN Charter;

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Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion; Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency; Recognition of the efforts of regional or nongovernmental organizations in dealing with the issue; and

General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact.

Sample Preambulatory Phrases Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Bearing in mind Believing Confident Contemplating Convinced Declaring Expecting Having studied

Expressing its appreciation Keeping in mind Expressing its satisfaction Fulfilling Fully alarmed Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Noting with regret Noting with deep concern Noting with satisfaction Noting further Noting with approval Observing Reaffirming Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming

Deeply concerned Having adopted Deeply conscious Having considered

Deeply convinced Having considered further Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Having devoted attention Having examined Having heard Having received

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Operative Clauses Operative clauses identify the actions or recommendations made in a resolution. Each operative clause begins with a verb (called an operative phrase) and ends with a semicolon. Operative clauses should be organized in a logical progression, with each containing a single idea or proposal, and are always numbered. If a clause requires further explanation, bulleted lists set off by letters or roman numerals can also be used. After the last operative clause, the resolution ends in a period. Sample Operative Phrases Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Condemns Confirms Congratulates Considers Encourages Endorses Further recommends Further requests

Expresses its appreciation Further resolves Expresses its hope Further invites Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Has resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Regrets Reminds Requests

Declares accordingly Endorses Deplores Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes

Expresses its appreciation Solemnly affirms Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further reminds Strongly condemns Supports Takes note of Transmits Trusts

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Sponsors and Signatories | Resolutions Overview Model UN Preparation Guide Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution to pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes. Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. A certain percentage of the committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in order for it to be accepted. Friendly and Unfriendly Amendments Resolution Overview | Model UN Preparation Guide Approved draft resolutions are modified through amendments. An amendment is a written statement that adds, deletes or revises an operative clause in a draft resolution. The amendment process is used to strengthen consensus on a resolution by allowing delegates to change certain sections. There are two types of amendments: A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the amendment is signed by all of the draft resolutions sponsors and approved by the committee director or president, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution. An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolutions sponsors do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of the amendment will need to obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it (usually 20 percent of the committee). Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments. Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and compromise. They are the tangible results of hours if not days of Model UN debate. As a result, it is important to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolutions using the proper structure and wording.

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Sample Resolution | Resolution Overview Model UN Preparation Guide Resolution GA/3/1.1 General Assembly Third Committee Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon Topic: Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies The General Assembly, Reminding all nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global citizens, [use commas to separate preambulatory clauses] Reaffirming its Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with UN bodies aimed at improving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, Noting with satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations, Stressing the fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of reform, particularly in the humanitarian realm, 1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use semicolons to separate operative clauses] 2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid; 3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies; 4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of rapid deployment forces;

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5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries; 6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for humanitarian assistance; and 7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance through reconstruction and development. [end resolutions with a period]

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