Debating and Voting on Resolutions Guide to Debating On Resolutions Here are some basic tips for talking about your resolution: 1 State whether you are in favor or against the resolution, 2. In 1 sentence or 1 word, explain why you do or do not favor the resolution. 3. Pick 3 operative clauses to support your argument. 4, Encourage the committee to vote in favor or against the resolution. ‘© For each drafted resolution, there should at least be two people arguing for and two people against the resolution. General examples for debating for and agains For: “The Netherlands favors this resolution because it is comprehensive. Look at clauses x, y, and z. (Explain what x, y, and z does] The resolution addresses all of the major points that were brought up in debate. We encourage the committee to vote in favor of the resolution.” ‘Against: “The Netherlands is against this resolution because it is vague. Look at clauses x, y, and 2. [Explain what x, y, and z fail to do] The resolution does nothing. We urge the committee to. vote against the resolution.” © Be prepared to further defend your position when we enter a Q&A session where other delegates may rise to question your resolution. Please be polite, formal and answer thoroughly when addressing those questions. © Tip: Using 1 sentence and 3 operative clauses to describe the resolution makes it easier for the audience to remember what you're saying. if there are time remaining, it is a good idea to yield to points of information unless you have a very good reason not to; for example, you said something unpopular leading to delegates using their questions to attack you. But if you wrote the resolution or are one of its primary sponsors, then you are required to answer questions from the delegates. Suggestions: ¢ Answer as many points of resolution as you can until you run out of speaking time. If the chair allows you to select delegates, and you are very confident in your resolution and debating skills, then pick delegates who are sponsors on the opposing resolution. Their attacks on your resolution will be expected, but use it to your advantage by arguing back. Use your speaking time wisely and as an opportunity to address any concerns people might have. © If you feel that there are some weaknesses in your resolution, or if you are unsure of your debating skills, then select delegates who are not participating in the resolutions at hand, or could go either way. Your priority is to convince the delegate that itis in theircountry’s policy to vote in favor of your resolution. As well, you want to convince them that none of your operative clauses are against their country’s policy. At the end, thank them for their question. Guide to Voting on Resolutions ‘After the selected resolution have been debated and the Q&A session has ended, the chair will look favourably upon voting the resolution. As the committee enters into voting procedure, all delegates are required to vote on whether to pass the resolution by raising their placards. When the committee reaches the consensus of the majorities, the resolution will be passed. The chair ‘then will look favourably upon any motions. (Delegates are allowed to motion for their own resolution to be presented next.) Note: Amendments to the resolution are allowed and delegates can motion the resolution to be presented and voted on again. ‘© In some cases, the chair will look favour upon voting clause by clause for the presented resolution. Those who are in favour for this voting procedure and those who are not will bbe asked by the chair. The chair will then proceed with whichever one that has the majority's votes.