Mastering Note Passing in Model UN

by Dhruva Nistane on January 17, 2018

Communication is at the heart of Model UN. Without communication, there is no way to

share ideas, explain viewpoints, and form blocs. While a great deal of communication
occurs during speeches in moderated caucuses and meetings in unmoderated caucuses, they
are generally addressing a group of people, if not the committee as a whole. It is hard to
have a conversation with an individual during the conference. However, note passing is an
often underutilized mechanism for individual correspondence. Note passing allows you to
access anyone in the room and open a line of communication with them. The delegates who
utilize this resource and maintain many lines of communication around the room are
generally the best delegates in committee.

The key to good note passing lies in balancing substance and presentation. In regard to
substance, it is necessary to start off the first letter to a delegate with a reason for why you
are contacting them. It may be that you met them before committee started and engaged in
productive conversation; it may be that you really enjoyed a certain policy the delegate
proposed during the opening speech; it may be that you thought the delegate’s outfit was on
point. Whatever the case may be, there must be a springboard for a conversation to stem
from.

In regard to presentation, there are a few main points to succeeding. First, use your real
name rather than your country’s and ask to know theirs. After learning their name, use it
when talking to them. While other delegates will be calling the person by the country they
are representing, you will be calling them by their name, symbolizing a closer relationship.
Second, it is often good to use more casual language over flowery English. With the goal of
connecting to people with your notes, talk like two people would normally talk! They will
find it impersonal if you use the same language as in your moderated caucus speech.
However, that does not mean that your notes should not be respectful. It is highly important
that your notes are appropriate for the professional setting Model UN is. Failure to abide by
that standard can result in delegates reporting your notes to the chair and a range of
consequences. Third, it is necessary to build the relationship over the course of multiple
notes. Do not open to the delegate with a demand like “Be a part of my bloc” or “Work
with me.” You must first establish a mutual line of communication, based on some
introduction. From there, you must establish connection regarding solutions and policies, so
that your plans of action line up when you actually start to talk face to face. Next, you must
start to know them as a person: where they go to school, what music they listen to, etc.
Once a rapport has been built, you can then ease into forming a bloc with them or
collaborating with them in some manner. Each note should be short and succinct so that
you do not use up too much of the other delegate’s time. Finally, when writing notes, they
should be neat and organized. Do not rip a piece of lined paper and write a note on it, just
keep a stack of index cards with you. Furthermore, use neat handwriting to show that you
are putting time into writing the note. Neat handwriting also ensures that the delegate can
actually read your note. Finally, reply to notes in a timely fashion, sending back replies as
soon as you can. With delegates receiving multiple notes from various people in the
committee, putting effort into the note can set you apart.

This process outlines one note passing process rather than a single line of communication
which will not lead to a strong bloc. If this note-passing model is duplicated multiple times
to many people, you have a higher chance of having more delegates who will want to work
with you. Thus, during the speaker’s list, you should aim to open as many lines of
communication as possible through taking notes on what the delegate is presenting in their
speech and citing that in the note. After the first unmoderated caucus, you may also look for
delegates who did not have a bloc or were on the outskirts of a bloc and contact them as
well. Overall, note passing is one of the most important tools of Model UN as it forms the
foundation for individual conversation. This individual conversation is key to building a
bloc and forming friendships at the conference.
3 Techniques to Make Model UN Note-
Passing More Effective
by KFC on February 27, 2018

Colored sticky notes help delegates brand

themselves and put notes into context of their
resolutions. This delegate is using teal and
corresponding primarily with a delegate using
orange and another delegate using white with blue
footing (taken from a Hilton hotel).

Passing notes is a time honored tradition at Model UN conferences. It’s the least disruptive
way to maintain communications while formal proceedings are taking place and electronic
devices may be banned or perceived as off task. But note-passing can be messy to manage
— the piles of scrap paper at the end of every committee session are a testament to this.
Worse, sometimes notes are lost or even forged when gavel hunters don’t play nice with the
notes.

I observed this delegate’s desk and the note organization there made me think of three
techniques that can help make note-passing more effective:

1. Use sticky-notes. Sticky notes are great because it allows you to organize them in
context of other paperwork, such as sticking them next to the clause in the draft resolution
that the delegate is asking about. They’re the right size for a quick question — notes should
not be lengthy if you want quick responses — and won’t require you to rip off pieces of
paper. Lastly, they make clean folds before you pass them on.

2. Brand yourself with a color or custom letterhead. Having a specific “brand” to your
notepaper helps you stand out to others, and more generally helps you manage which notes
are yours and which notes are from other specific delegates. This can be done by using a
specific color. Or collect notes from your conference hotel, but use them at your next
conference so it doesn’t look like everyone else’s at that hotel. In case of having someone
use the same color, then try to get a custom set of sticky notes if you can afford it. Custom
“letterheads” (for example, they’re preprinted with the country name and flag) are more
popular on the THIMUN circuit.

3. Have an inbox and outbox. Organize your table so that there’s an inbox of all the notes
that you’ve received and need to respond to, and an outbox of notes that you’re going to
batch together and have the page or admin staffer deliver for you at once. This helps keep
things organized and efficient.
How to Write a Winning Position Paper
by Claire Wyszynski on March 5, 2018

Most Model UN conferences require delegates to submit a position paper, an essay

covering a country’s perspective on the assigned topics of a conference. Crafting a
thorough position paper not only allows you to gain a better understanding of your country
and the intricacies of its foreign policy but also to position you to earn awards, be it a best
position paper recognition or by supplementing your knowledge to become best delegate.
An effective position paper can be broken into five simple parts:

1.  Topic background

Here, you need to establish that you are aware of what your topic is. The topic background
typically defines any key terms and buzz words related to the issue at hand and provides a
brief summary of the history of the issue and potential consequences of ignoring the issue.

For example, a topic background on the issue of human trafficking might provide the
official definition of human trafficking (“the illegal abuse of individuals through coercion,
deception, and other recruitment and harboring for sexual and labor exploitation”), general
statistics from reliable sources that broadly encompass the issue (“According to the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), since 2012, 20.9 million victims presently
suffer from this modern-day slavery”), and explore broader implications (“This crime not
only impedes human rights but also poses global health risks and influences development”).

2. Past International Actions

This portion of the essay addresses efforts the UN has previously made and endeavors your
country specifically has taken on to combat the issue at hand. Consider what UN programs,
events, resolutions, and agreements your country has participated in. Take note of the other
participants in these efforts, too—they could serve as important allies in committee.

As you write about these previous actions, start brainstorming your own ideas. How
effective were these endeavors? What went right, and what could you improve upon?

3. Country policy

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: your country’s own policy. This section
ought to summarize your country’s own unique stance on the issue and what they believe
the international community should do to resolve the issue. Here, delegates must remember
that this area consists of their country’s policy, rather than their own opinion on an issue. If
your country does not completely condemn human trafficking, for example, because of
their own stakes in the practice, then your policy must reflect that, in spite of your
disagreement. Finding speeches from your country’s leaders, scoping out their
government’s website, and evaluating their actions in the UN are some ways to
develop an understanding of your country’s policy.

4. Possible solutions

Using the information you’ve gathered in previous sections of the paper, brainstorm
your own solutions to the issue based on your country’s perspective. Could you
create a new program, or further develop another one? Could you provide aid to an
area, and at what cost? Will you involve NGOs or peacekeepers? How can you
collaborate with other countries?

5. Sources

Throughout your research, ensuring that your information comes from reliable
sources is paramount. Having solid, UN-based sources increases your credibility
and again can help develop a thorough understanding of your issue. Consider
using credible websites like un.org and seeking university studies. Government
and NGO websites can be credible but possess bias, and similarly, news websites
and blogs can provide information not as credible as un.org. Need some help?
Best Delegate actually has a helpful research map that links you to different,
reliable sources about your country.

Tackle your writing in these five sections to create a position paper that packs a
punch.
Don’t Start a War: Setting Goals for MUN
Conferences
A lot of our Model UN time is spent on preparation. In the beginning, students are learning
about how to research general country information and policies, and becoming familiar
with practices of the United Nations and Model UN. We spend countless hours reviewing
how to organize a position paper, practicing “parli pro,” and teaching our students all of the
acronyms that come with Model UN.

Part of what I appreciate about MUN as an advisor, is that it is truly focused on the process.
Contrary to how their classes may be set up, students are not working towards the end goal
of a grade, but rather towards attending a conference, where they can put their skills to the
test.

For my students, MUN conferences are what it’s all about. They have spent months in
mock committees, learning or improving their skills in research, writing, presentation,
debate, and negotiation. When the committee and country assignments come in, we meet as
a group to decide who is ready for a crisis committee and who wants to work with a partner
in a double delegation.

One of the most important things we do just before a conference is to set individual goals
for the team. We start by taking an inventory of each delegate’s strengths and weaknesses,
and then use this to guide the goals. This gives students specific things to work towards and
can allow students to feel success, even if they don’t walk away with an award. I encourage
students to make goals that are S.M.A.R.T— Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic,
and Timely.

Students attending their first conference often set goals that focus on participation.
Generally, students have prepared an opening speech ahead of time, and will often set the
goal of raising their placard and getting on the speaker’s list right away. Additionally,
students have set goals to speak during a moderated caucus at least once during each
committee session, to connect with one other delegate during an unmoderated caucus, or to
be a signatory on a resolution. In novice committees, which are generally larger, students
stand out by speaking and sharing their ideas. We acknowledge that they may feel nervous
or are worried about making a mistake, but if they focus on the goal of speaking a set
number of times, they can find success in keeping their placards raised.

As students gain experience, their goals naturally shift. In smaller committees, students
have more opportunity to lead. Goals for delegates who have participated in multiple
conferences may include forming blocs or authoring a resolution. A former student of mine
shared that one of her goals was to talk with different people during each unmoderated
caucus, as this helped her stay involved with multiple conversations that were taking place
during committee sessions.
A delegate who excelled at debate found that a goal of forming blocs quickly allowed him
to demonstrate his strength. Once my students had been to several conferences and
developed specific techniques that worked for them. Another one of my students is a great
note-taker, a skill she uses to position herself to author a resolution. And finally, one former
student would often set the goal of “don’t start a war.” As an avid fan of history, he often
preferred crisis committees and the freedom to go beyond general UN policy. In earlier
conferences, it became somewhat of a joke that he always ended up starting a war. Though
it may seem silly to an outsider, the goal of “Don’t start a war,” kept this delegate focused
on fostering cooperation and dialogue.

Awards at conferences can be a great incentive for some students, but as an advisor, it’s
important to make sure that all students can achieve some measure of success. Setting
specific goals ahead of time allows students to reflect on their progress and always make
progress.
Forming Blocs in Model UN
by Dhruva Nistane on December 5, 2017

Blocs are at the heart of Model UN. They are where ideas are nurtured, where
people collaborate, where working papers are formed, and where leaders can step
into their roles. Forming a bloc is the cornerstone of succeeding in Model UN for
any delegate. However, when a delegate walks into a GA or ECOSOC and sees rows
and rows of unfamiliar faces, the goal of building a bloc can seem so unreachable.
This is where the leaders are separated from the followers. The delegates who
become leaders during the conference understand that every delegate is in the
same boat: no one knows each other. The leaders act as catalysts, bringing people
together and giving them a voice to outlet their ideas. Those same delegates who
were nervous and hesitant at the start of the conference are empowered by the
leaders. Being part of a bloc is easy, but being the leader who actually forms the
bloc takes significant effort. There are a few important events that leaders need to
capitalize on to form a robust bloc.

The first opportunity is before the committee even begins. If you get to the
committee room long before the first session begins, you will have the opportunity
to connect with people in your committee on a personal level. Do not use this time
to badger people on their positions in committee. Instead, use it to make friends
and meet new people. When you are talking to different people, it is also a good
idea to have a group conversation. During this time before committee, you should
start to get to know a substantial number of people. You should memorize their
names and remember their faces. Furthermore, you should find the people that you
genuinely relate to. If seating is not assigned, ask some of these delegates if they
want to sit with you or, if seating is assigned, pass notes during committee.

Building off of this first step, your second opportunity comes during opening
speeches. Give a strong opening speech, which will show delegates that you are a
capable leader in both knowledge and confidence. Moreover, listen to the delegates
who give speeches and be attentive to the ideas they are presenting. Send out notes
to them and include in the note what points in their opening speech you agreed or
wanted more information about. Especially send notes to the people you met before
committee started and use their actual names in the notes. Start off your notes with
questions and reactions to their points and get a line of communication started. As
conversation through note-passing progresses, let the delegates that your position
lines up with know that you would like to work with them. Pick a location in the
room and let them know that you want to meet for discussion there. During the
first unmoderated caucus, bring all of these people together in the specified
location. The people that you personally made friends with before committee will
join you without question.
During the first unmoderated caucus, there will most likely be wandering delegates
—delegates who are unsure which bloc to pop into. Send a few trusted bloc
members to extend an invitation to these delegates for your respective bloc.
Showing delegates that you care to listen to their points will increase your bloc
numbers.

When your bloc has formed in the first unmoderated caucus, get a list of all the
countries in the coalition. It would also behoove you to obtain their contact
information, preferably phone numbers so that you can start a group chat later on.
Furthermore, you should keep the atmosphere light and encouraging. Have people
introduce themselves and then have some conversation before jumping into ideas
and opinions. Make sure you write down ideas proposed and also which delegates
proposed them.

The next way to sustain your bloc is through moderated caucuses. You should
constantly give your ideas and your bloc air time, speaking on what progress has
been made and what has been discussed within your group. Moreover, speak on the
ideas of delegates in your bloc, acknowledging their work. By giving strong
speeches, other delegates will be inspired join your initiative and will end up
working with you. By showing respect to delegates in your bloc, they will stay loyal
to the coalition. After the first part of the conference, the goal changes from
forming the bloc to leading the bloc to success, which compounds on the efforts
made in forming the bloc.

Forming a bloc at the start of committee is often the most daunting task for any
delegate. However, overcoming this nervousness is the first step to becoming a
leader. Leaders who form blocs become the nucleus of a group of people, where
everyone is connected to each other through a common relationship with the
leader. At the end of the day, Model UN is about connecting with others. This
simple idea is key to forming a bloc. Although there is no set formula for being a
strong leader, there are important events at the start of a conference that are vital
to a leader’s success.
Do’s and Don’ts of Presenting Model UN
Resolutions
by Dhruva Nistane on March 26, 2018

In a Model UN conference, the presentation period is where the leaders separate themselves
from the rest of committee. The presentation period generally occurs twice at a conference:
once after working papers have been submitted and once after mergers are complete. Both
are very important, but the latter is one of the most impactful events on awards. As the
presentation period is for the purpose of presenting and addressing questions for a bloc’s
draft resolution, the delegates participating in the presentation period are the delegates who
were instrumental in writing the resolution. This is the main reason that being the primary
sponsor and chief contributor to a working paper is so important. It ensures that not only
will you be a part of presentation period, it means you will decide who goes up for
presentation period. It also ensures that your ideas are the core components of your bloc’s
draft resolution. During presentation period, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts that are
essential to your success.

Do be the first to introduce the draft resolution and answer the first question. When you
start off speaking during both the introduction and the Q and A portion of the presentation,
it leaves a strong first impression on the delegates and the dais and makes you look like a
confident leader. In addition, it puts you in the position to set the tone for your draft
resolution.

Do Not be rude. Many delegates will go into presentation period and act very aggressive,
cutting each other off and trying to answer all the questions. This comes off as
undiplomatic to other delegates and the dais. Other delegates will not be inclined to join
your bloc if it doesn’t look cooperative and the dais will not appreciate the blatant disregard
for professionalism and will take it into consideration when for awards. If there is a
member of your bloc who is being rude during the presentation period, call them out on it
by requesting the speaker to let other delegates answer the rest of the questions.

Do divvy up questions. If who answers which question is not decided beforehand, the
presentation period can quickly dissolve into chaos, with delegates fighting to answer a
question. The best way to go about q and a is by instituting the rule “if the question is about
your clause, you answer it.” This simple rule ensures that there will be no drama during Q
and A. It also ensures that the delegate who knows the most about the specific topic
referenced in a question as it pertains to the draft resolution, answers it. Furthermore, if you
have written the majority of the draft resolution, the rule puts you in a position to answer a
majority of questions without having to fend off other delegates in your bloc.

Do Not merge with delegates who will try to overpower you in the presentation period.
After mergers, Q and A is where the leaders of the merged blocs come into light. If you set
yourself up for an aggressive Q and A, you are setting yourself up for failure. When
merging look for delegates who will compromise and collaborate with your bloc. In
addition, look for draft resolutions that are less comprehensive than your draft resolution in
both scope, length, and quality. This ensures that your merged working paper will include
more of your clauses and thus you will be in a position to answer more of the questions
during the Q and A if you implement the aforementioned rule.

Do call on delegates in your bloc to ask questions during Q and A. For the delegates in your
bloc who did not come up for Q and A, the best way to keep them involved is by working
with them to prepare questions beforehand. These questions should give you the
opportunity to highlight the key elements of your draft resolution.

The presentation and Q and A portion of a conference is where many gavels are earned.
Take the time beforehand to set yourself up well by contributing substantive ideas to your
paper and following the above rules. Respect and professionalism will be reciprocated, and
success at this time will be rewarded at closing ceremonies.