By a MUNer for MUNers HOW TO MUN THE A-Z PREPARATION GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIME DELEGATES AND EDUCATORS CD eee aeOpening Remarks A-Z MUN preparation guides such as this one tend to be a rare find. While there is no one correct preparation strategy, having participated in MUN as a delegate, a trainer, anda Secretary-General, and having worked with first-time delegates, | can assure you that this guide will not let you down.Table of Contents |. Purpose of this Guide Il. Introduction to MUN Ill. First Steps IV. The 6-Week Preparation Plan V. The Organization Guide VI. Important Vocabulary VII. Technology Use and Note Passing VIII. Voting and Motions IX. Background Guides and Research X. Position Papers XI. Opening Speeches XII. Flow of Debate and Rules of Procedure XIII. Caucuses XIV. Debate and Speech Skills XV. Lobbying Skills XVI. Writing and Presenting Resolutions XVII. Writing Amendments XVIII. Closed Debate XIX. Awards XX. Mock Committees XXI. At the ConferenceI. The Purpose of this Guide MUN is an activity that is as challenging as it is exhilarating. Whether you are a student or a teacher, preparing for one’s first MUN is often an enormous challenge. This dual-use Teacher-Student guide is designed to aid first-time MUNers by covering the preparation process from A-Z. Containing theory, explanations, and skill-building exercises while utilizing a clear, concise, and to-the-point approach, this guide will ensure that delegates enter their first committee confident and well-prepared. This guide will also assist teachers who are new to the MUN process by covering everything you need to know as well as do to transform your students into delegates.II. Introduction to MUN At its heart, MUN is about exposing young minds to some of society’s most pressing issues. MUN challenges us to look beyond what meets the eye, to question everything around us, and to engage in deep conversation. MUN teaches and encourages invaluable life-skills such as public-speaking, research, writing, diplomacy, and compromise. MUN provides us with the opportunity to discuss global betterment, improve our understanding of international affairs, develop diplomatic, debate, and speaking skills, and hone our teamwork and leadership abilities. The manifestation of the goals of MUN is in the form of a 1-3-day conference simulating the workings of the UN. Delegates represent nations and attempt to find a popular solution to the issues that afflict society.III. First Steps The first step is registering for a conference. When choosing your first conference, try to choose a small, local one. Reserve the large conferences for when your delegates have more experience. The second step is to create a team of 10-20 students. There are no “perfect MUNers.” Anyone who is driven, dedicated, and cares about making a difference can grow into an outstanding delegate. The third step is preparation, while leads to,IV. The 6-Week Preparation Plan The 6-week timeframe is based on meeting 2-3 times (including 1 full-day weekend) on a weekly basis. While this plan can be amended to allow delegates to prepare at a slower pace, 6 weeks is the absolute minimum time needed to get first-time delegates 100% ready for the conference. Weeks 1 and 2: 1) Country and Committee Selections Confer with conference organizers to assign your delegates their country and committee. In selecting a committee, it is preferable to allow your delegates to select the committee whose topics they prefer. After all, when the topic of discussion is one that we care about, we are naturally driven to do our best. However, when selecting countries, encourage your delegates to choose a country they are unfamiliar with. Doing so will allow your delegates to see the world from a different perspective and enhance their knowledge about society.2) Reading the Background Guide The background guide, provided by the conference organizers, contains important information and background on the topics of discussion. The background guide also often contains links that will guide a delegate’s research. 3) Creating Position Papers (Refer to Chapter X) 4) Reading the Conference Rules of Procedure Reading the Conference Rules of Procedure will provide delegates with an understanding of the way debate will flow in committee and the rules they must adhere to. (Refer Paragraph XII for more information) 5) Understanding What Committee Looks Like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBh_RaXOgvsWeek 3: 1) Polishing Position Papers 2) Creating Opening Speeches (Refer to Chapter XI) 3) Revising the Rules of Procedure 4) Debate and Speech Skills (Refer to Chapter XIV) 5) Terminology (Refer to Chapter VI) 6) Mock Committee 1 Week 4: 1) Lobbying Skills (Refer Chapter XV) 2) Writing Resolutions and Amendments (Refer to Chapters XVI and XVII) 3) Revising the Rules of Procedure 4) Finalizing Position Papers and Speeches 5) Mock Committee 2Week 5: 1) Revision 2) Multiple Mock Committees Week 6: 1) Revision 2) Mock Committees 3) Conference!Organization Guide In preparing for an MUN, organization is key. The following guide should aid delegates in their preparation process: What Do | Need to Know? |. The ultimate purpose of MUN. (Create a resolution.) Il. The Conference Rules of Procedure Ill. The Flow of Debate (Refer to Chapter XII) IV. How to lobby/what is lobbying. (Refer to Chapter XV) V. How to debate/what is MUN debate. (Refer to Chapter XIV) VI. Terminology (Refer to Chapter V1) VII. How to write resolutions and amendments. (Refer to Chapters XVI and XVII) VIII. The points and motions. (Contained within the conference’s preparation resources)What Do I Need to Have? |. Rules of Procedure Il. Position Papers Ill. Opening speeches IV. Discuss issue X first speech. (If you’d like to discuss a specific issue first.) V. A device (essential for MUN)VI. Important Vocabulary MUN: A simulation of a United Nations gathering Delegate: An individual who represents a specific country in committee Chairs: The individuals responsible for moderating committee Committee: A group of delegates who gather to discuss issues of international importance Rules of Procedure: A set of guidelines that outline how committee flows Caucus: The time used for drafting resolutions or debating on the sub-issues of the topic Point of Personal Privilege: Used to ask the chair a question on committee procedure Simple Majority: The minimum number of delegates (>50%) needed for a motion, resolution, or amendment to pass. Bloc: A group of allied nationsVII. Technology Use and Note Passing Almost all MUN conferences are technology friendly. Having a laptop in committee is essential for notetaking, speech writing, research, and resolution drafting. Most MUN conferences utilize note-passing: a system that allows delegates to communicate with each other when committee is in session. To pass a note, delegates must write their country’s name as well as the recipient country’s name on their notepaper, raise their hand with the note, and wait for it to be collected by a note-passer.VIIL. Voting and Motions Both voting and motions are important aspects of MUN. Voting allows you to officially express your view. Motions facilitate the flow of debate, and motioning allows you to guide the direction of discussion within committee. When voting, it is important to stay true to your country’s foreign policy. Remember that you can only abstain (not vote) on resolutions or amendments. On all other votes, you must either say “Yes” or “No.” You vote by raising your placard, unless the committee conducts a “Roll-Call Vote,” in which case you verbally state your vote.Your conference's preparation resources will contain a list of permitted points and motions. The list of points and motions can vary from conference to conference, which is why it is important to refer to your conference’s preparation resources. It is important to memorize these. In committee, propose motions whenever possible. This will enable you to take charge and demonstrate your capability to the chairs.IX. Background Guides and Research The background guide is the single most helpful document provided by the conference organizers. It provides an in-depth explanation of committee topics. Also of great importance is research. Delegates should learn and practice effective research skills, including source citation and judging website reliability. As part of the research component of MUN, delegates must create a “Country Profile” for the nation they will represent. The following link contains a list of questions that a country profile must answer: http://bestdelegate.com/wp- content/uploads/2011/09/Best-Delegate-Country-Profile. pdfX. Position Papers A position paper is a 1-2-page document that summarizes your country’s position on your committee’s topic. A position paper is the most valuable document a delegate can have because it tells you how you should act and the stance you should support. Position papers should include: 1) An introduction to the issue in general terms 2) A summarization of your country’s policy on the topic 3) Your country’s relationship with the topic. For example, actions undertaken by your government in relation to the topic, the effect(s) of the topic on your country, and action and solutions your government would support. The following link contains an example of an excellent position paper: https://www.dropbox.com/s/icgh1ks8r6dv4dp/Sample%2 OPosition%20Paper.docx?dl=0XI. Opening Speeches The opening speech is the first speech a delegate gives in committee. It is your opportunity to make a mark on the committee. Opening speeches are very similar in content and structure to position papers, albeit more concise. A quality opening speech should include: 1) An introduction to the topic from the lens of the delegate’s assigned country. 2) An outline of the problem, and why discussion on the topic is in need. 3) Possible solutions to the problem, and a list of solutions the delegate will/will not support. 4) Any other pertinent information the delegate wishes to share with the committee. The following link contains an example of a quality opening speech: https://www.dropbox.com/s/icgh1ks8r6dv4dp/Sample%2 OPosition%20Paper.docx?dl=0XII. Flow of Debate and Rules of Procedure Every conference has its own Rules of Procedure; however, most utilize the same flow of debate. The Flow of Debate is as follows: 1) Roll Call 2) Setting the Agenda 3) General Speakers List (Opening speeches and responses) 4) Moderated Caucuses 5) Unmoderated Caucuses 6) Presentation of the Resolution 7) Debate on the Resolution and Amendments 8) VotingXIII. Caucuses Moderated: The purpose of a moderated caucus is for delegates to discuss specific issues within their topic. (ex: findings ways to finance possible solutions in a topic about equitable education.) Discussion occurs through speeches. Unmoderated: The purpose of an unmoderated caucus is for delegates to speak informally and assemble into their blocs to create draft resolutions. The Rules of Procedure are suspended during unmoderated caucuses. Delegates should use the unmoderated caucus to lobby and gather support for their stance.XIV. Debate and Speech Skills Regular Debate vs MUN Debate: Debate is, generally speaking, a conflicting exchange of ideas. This holds true for MUN. However, the biggest difference between regular debate and MUN is this: In regular debate, your adjudicator (judge) is an independent party who judges based purely on the quality of debate. While you’re debating against your opponent, the only person you're need to convince is the judge. This creates a level playing field. In MUN on the other hand, you are trying to convince a person whose views are most likely completely different to yours. There is no independent adjudicating party, there is no keeping emotion and ideology out of it. This key difference completely changes the nature of debate in MUN. While formal, ideologically driven speeches are useful to a certain extent, the “true” debate in MUN happens during lobbying time through informal conversation and compromise. However, MUN still has formal debate speeches.The formal debate you will encounter is as follows: A) Opening Speeches This is not truly debate, but it is important nonetheless. While Lincoln-esque oratory may occasionally get unfriendly countries immediately on your side, your goals here should be to: I. Make yourself known to your friends and your foes. Il. Demonstrate that you are willing to reach across ideological divides. Ill. Establish yourself as a key player who will take on an active role in committee. (this is important so other countries don’t ignore you/consider you insignificant) IV. Establish moral supremacy. (This does not apply to every topic, but for certain topics like civil rights etc establishing your country’s view as morally superior can bolster support for your view. Remember that morality is not set in stone, refer to the lobbying skills chapter for more info.)B) Unmoderated Caucuses This is primarily lobbying. (Refer to the lobbying skills chapter.) This time is best used to negotiate informally with other nations and to try to find common ground. When negotiating, frank conservations will accomplish more than formal speeches. C) Moderated Caucuses Given the fast pace and limited scope of moderated caucuses, these sessions do see significant debate. It’s important to note that debate happens between blocs, not countries: MUN is all about team work. Because moderated caucuses focus on the specific sub-issues of a topic (ex: debating the limits of national sovereignty in a civil rights committee) you DO NOT need to participate in every moderated caucus if the matter being discussed doesn't really affect/relate to your country. D) Back-and Forth Debate on resolutions/amendments (See Chapter XVIII "Closed Debate")General Debate Rules: (for all debate after opening speeches) The primary purpose of debate in MUN is to convince other nations that your ideas are the best and most sensible. You don’t need to get them to support it (that’s for lobbying) but be sure to convince them that your ideas are the best. You do this by: I. Responding to (read: attacking) points made by other countries. An effective response contains a mixture of facts, logic, and emotion. The best speech structure/approach is “fork approach.” In this approach, you make a point and support it with at least 2-3 reasons (explaining the reasons) so even if one reason isn’t all that convincing, you still have a couple of other reasons that hopefully appeal to other nations.Il. Make your view known. While conveying your point is the primary goal, giving reasons and explanations is of paramount importance. The “fork approach” works well here too. Ill. Explain to other nations why buying into your view is in their benefit. (fork-approach again.) Remember that there are 2 sides to every coin, show the countries your side and explain why it’s better for you as well as for them.Specific for Moderated Caucuses: Remember that the speaking time here is generally 60 seconds, so staying to the point is important. (A good speech here should be a least 85% fact. Keep your emotional appeals for your opening speech and resolution debate.) Remember that debate and lobbying go hand in hand. Therefore, use debate to convince others that your ideas are the best and use lobbying to garner support for those ideas. This is because, in MUN, having the most sensible ideas doesn’t equate to automatic support. Delegates will (or at least should) pursue their country’s policy even if it’s not the most sensible, therefore the true persuasion happens during lobbying time by giving something in exchange for something. In general, view debate as giving you the “cred” you need to be an effective lobbyist.Suggested Skill-Building Activities: 1) Give delegates a simple topic and have them engage in 1v1 Debate 2) Work with delegates individually to give them feedback on their delivery. Important skills to master are eye contact, clarity, posture, and confidence.XV. Lobbying Skills Golden Rules: I. Playing nice is important, but pursuing your interests is paramount. Il. Getting support and passing a resolution that favors your nation is ideal, but staying true to your convictions is of the utmost importance. Many countries have positions that clash with what we accept to be morally right; however, these countries are sometimes in the majority. Despite this, never support a resolution that doesn’t represent your nation’s values. If you know that your nation is morally correct, pursue a moral victory with other likeminded nations, even if the opposing side’s resolution ultimately passes. Ill. Know your bargaining power. (i.e. whether you need other nations more than they need you or vice versa.) IV. Remember that MUN has “Model” before “UN.” This means that with a little bit of effort, charm, and luck, you can garner the support of countries that in the real UN would never side with you.Lobbying Basics: A) TAKE A STANCE A good stance has 3 parts: |. Uncompromisables (this is not up for debate) Il. Compromisables (This is important, but you may compromise on these stands if you get something of benefit in return of if making this compromise is essential to getting support.) III. Trivials (You don’t really care about these, but adding them to your stance is a good way to make token concessions to other nations without hurting your “true’ stance.) B) REMEMBER THAT DELAGATES ARE PEOPLE FIRST, DELEGATES SECOND Take a little effort to learn the other delegates’ actual names, where they’re from etc. Make a bit of small talk before getting down to business. It’s basic human nature that someone who likes you is more likely to support you, and by extension your country.C) KNOW HOW HARD YOU CAN PUSH Take the countries list from the MUN website and divide it into allies, neutrals, and foes. If your allies are in the majority in the committee, you can push your stance hard, make little to no compromises, and still get your resolution passed. (Remember all you need is a simple majority.) If on the other hand your allies are in the minority, you will need to compromise and exhibit tact to ensure that the final resolution is one that you are happy with.D) USE MORAL RIGHTEOUSNESS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE A good delegate will always stick to his/her country’s principles even it contradicts their beliefs, but it’s quite probable that you may run into delegates who, with a bit of prodding, will choose the morally righteous path rather than supporting their country’s stance. This is not a given, but using moral righteousness to your advantage never hurts. Real diplomats do it all the time. Also, remember that the righteousness view is not set in stone. /t’s up to you to define the “righteous path” and convince other delegates that your “view” is more morally righteous than all other views.In summary, it’s important to remember that lobbying is more of an art rather than a skill; however, it’s something innate to all of us and it’s something that we do on a daily basis. There is no correct way to lobby; we all have our own way of doing it. What’s important on conference day is that: I. You remember that lobbying is something you know to do and that you’re good at it. Il. You remember your bargaining power and act accordingly. Ill. You remember that an pathos appeal can sometimes succeed in situations where logos and ethos will fail. IV. You remember that sometimes, despite your best efforts, you will not get the resolution which you want. However, you must also remember that a moral victory is as important as a material one.Suggested Skill-Building Activity: Divide the delegates into pairs of two, assign them a stance on a simple topic (ex. Should schools have uniforms) and tell them to work out a compromise. Repeat this activity increasing the group size periodically.XVI. Writing and Presenting Resolutions Resolutions represent the ultimate purpose of MUN. Resolutions are 1-2 page documents that contain a list of proposed solutions. Resolution must be written in a specific format. The below links contain a resolution template and a document explaining how one should use the template. https://www.dropbox.com/s/otx28reuvlol9ig/Resolution% 20Template%20Explanation.docx?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/vivmatxfx5pOhjz/Resolution %20Template.docx?dl=0 For a delegate to present a resolution, they must first submit it to the chair during an unmoderated caucus. Once committee resumes, a “Motion to propose a draft resolution” must be made. The drafters of the resolution must then take the floor to read out the resolution and explain to the committee why their resolution should receive the support of the committee.XVIL Writing Amendments Amendments exist so delegates can alter draft resolutions. Amendments allow you to add, delete, or alter the wording of the clauses inside the resolution. Refer to your conference’s Rules of Procedure for information on the amendment writing and submission process. It is important for delegates to propose amendments. Not only is it a way to make a resolution better align with your foreign policy/country priorities, it is also a great way to show the chair that you are an active committee participant. When you propose an amendment, it is important to utilize an opportunity to make a speech (if one exists) to explain your amendment and its benefits. (since amendments require majority support to be included ina draft resolution.)XVIII. Closed Debate Closed debate is used to debate on draft resolutions/amendments. It is very important to utilize this time to express your country’s views. If you support the resolution/amendment, vehemently defend it and respond to every criticism. If you disagree, explain why and propose alternative solutions to the committee. A good speech during closed debate can be the deciding factor in whether a resolution/amendment passes or fails. Refer to the Debate and Speech Skills paragraph for more information on how to make effective and convincing speeches.XIX. Awards Almost every MUN conference has an award system. The most common awards are: 1st Place: Best Delegate 2nd Place: Outstanding Delegate 3rd Place: Honorable Delegate The recipients of awards are determined by the chairs, which is why it is important to remain on your chairs’ good side. Chairs look for well-rounded delegates, which is why it is important to excel in every aspect of committee. However, there are 3 factors that can make or break a delegate’s chance at receiving an award: 1) Participation in Committee 2) Quality of Speeches and Activeness in Lobbying 3) Courtesy, Diplomatic Tact, Respect, and Fairness. While every delegate should aspire to win an award, it should not be your primary purpose. MUN is about growing as a person and learning new skills. It is not about receiving a certificate.XX. Mock Committees Mock committees are a fantastic way for first-time delegates to experience the MUN process. It allows delegates to develop their debate, speech, and lobbying skills. It is also an effective tool in teaching delegates the Rules of Procedure. Mock committees should be conducted using simple topics. A mock committee requires an experienced MUNer/teacher to chair committee. If one is not available in your school, reach out. MUNers are usually happy to help.XXI. At the Conference The conference is the manifestation of all those weeks of hard work. At the conference, delegates should ensure they arrive prepared, confident, and ready to impress. The first conference is often a MUN delegate’s best. It also marks a delegate’s transition from newbie to MUNer!