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Policy: Position Papers and Rules of Procedure

Policy is an integral part of how MUN conferences run.  Effective conference policies ensure that everyone, from delegates to staff to teacher sponsors, are aware of what is expected of them so everything runs smoothly.  Here you will find a breakdown of our BelMUN position paper policy and the rules of procedure that committees will follow. Registration deadline is November 5th 11:59pm

Position Papers

Having a well-researched and accurate position paper is absolutely essential to all delegates.  It is an outline for your ideas, a way to delve into your country's policies, and a guide for you throughout the conference. Position Papers are due 11:59pm November 20th

 

In your position paper, you must:

 

  • Clearly outline and explain the topic being discussed, as well as any connection your country has to the issue

  • Detail your country's involvement and/or contributions towards solving the problem, as well as relevant national and global history to your country

  • Present and explain possible solutions and how your country would be involved in those solutions; ie any financial, resource, or humanitarian contributions you are able to make

  • Stay within the bounds of your nation's policies, beliefs, and capabilities

  • Demonstrate to your DAIS that you are well-researched and prepared; establish your credibility as a speaker

 

Position papers are formal pieces of writing.  They must follow specific formatting.

 

BelMUN position papers are to be formatted:

 

Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1.15 spacing.  All papers should not exceed one page, excluding a page for citations (APA style).  In the top left hand corner, in order, should be the country name, delegate name, committee name, and topic.  Remember not to write in the first person, and instead to write from the point of view of the country directly (ex. Indonesia firmly believes that...).  

 

Please send your position papers to your committee director's respective email:

 

Security Council -  christinekcamaso@gmail.com

SOCHUM - cassz915@gmail.com

WHO - 19browna@gnsmail.ca

Rules of Procedure

In order to be successful at a conference, you must understand the rules of procedure that you will follow during committee session.  During a committee session, the debate will move fluidly back and forth between formal and informal debate.  For those of you who are new to MUN, this may already sound confusing.  Don't worry!  You'll soon understand the ins and outs of debate, and how you can influence that process.  We'll start with the basics.

 

Formal Debate

 

Committee sessions always begin with formal debate.  When you arrive in committee, the first order of business will be roll call, where the DAIS will run through a list and determine that all countries are present.  When the name of their country is called, a delegate will respond with either 'Present' or 'Present and Voting'.  The only difference is countries that are present and voting may not abstain from any vote.  Then, committee will move into formal debate.

 

During formal debate, delegates will:

  • Be added to the speakers' list and make speeches

  • Write notes to other delegates they'd like to collaborate with

  • Raise points or motions when asked by the DAIS

  • Vote on draft resolutions 

Rules of procedure are enforced by the DAIS.  Delegates are expected to be respectful of both the DAIS and their fellow delegates.  Technology should not be used during formal debate with the exception of when it is used to read a speech.  It is better, however, to write speeches and notes on paper so that they can be accessible at all times.

 

 

Informal Debate

During the Informal debate, there is a moderated and unmoderated caucus. The moderated caucus is a straightforward extension of formal debate, with more specific times and topics. The brunt work of forming blocs and writing resolutions is done during unmoderated caucus.  Once the committee votes to enter unmoderated caucus for a predetermined period of time, delegates are free to get up, move around, form blocs, and discuss ideas with fellow delegates.  It is during this time that working papers will be written and edited, making it extremely important to use your time efficiently.  

 

To best understand the nuances of MUN, such as voting, roll call, raising points or motions, and writing working papers, we highly recommend BestDelegate as a resource.  They have assembled comprehensive articles on all things MUN, and are easy to understand for beginners and veterans alike.  Here's the link to their homepage: http://bestdelegate.com/ 

 

Read as much as you can, but the best way to learn MUN is to jump in and participate.  We wish you the best in your research and look forward to seeing you at BelMUN 2018!  

Technology Policy

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Delegates should come prepared with a laptop and a USB stick that they can use to share around documents with other delegates. The use of wifi will not be permitted during BelMUN.

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