Conference Preparation

AH WHAT AM I DOING

Don't worry. If you've done your research, you'll be fine. Nonetheless, some general guidelines to get you ready:

• Stay aware of current events. Try to read the news daily...or at least a bit more often than you usually do.
• Write out some points you could make in an opening address to your room. (Think about how your country feels about the issue and what solutions you'd like to propose.)
• Know what topic you want to debate first.

What to Bring

Pack light, but don't forget to bring the following items:

• Your position paper;
• A tenative working paper, if assigned;
• All of your sources;
• Core documents to which you may want to refer;
• Pens, pencils, and lots of paper;
• Notepad or small sheets of paper for committee notes;
• Formal attire for committee;
• Less formal attire for the dance and not-being-in-committee;
• Caffeine (chocolate, coffee, candy) to keep you from falling asleep in committee;
• Whatever else you think you may need!

Parliamentary Procedure

COWAC's guide to parliamentary procedure for novices is a good place to start. As well, AMUN has published two guides to procedure: for Security and Historical Security Councils, and for General Assembly and Social and Economic Council. More information will be available...eventually. Parliamentary procedure is best learned (and understood) by practice--attend any practice debates that you can, and you will likely pick it up at your first conference. You can also email Ginny Rangos, Parliamentarian (ginnyrangos@yahoo.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

Diplomacy, Speaking, and Caucusing

Caucus Blocs: Know This. from COWAC
Caucusing Tips
More to come.

Conference Strategy

Toward the end of your preparation process, each delegation should determine its strategy and goals for the Conference. Your delegation should be involved in working toward solutions to the problems placed before the United Nations. This requires a great deal of negotiation and compromise, often at the expense of certain positions which may be of concern to your individual delegation. Your delegation must decide which items are of greatest importance to your nation, and set your strategies accordingly. Strategic areas to consider include:

• What kind of role will your delegation play within the dynamic of your committee? i.e., conciliatory, obstructive, aggressive, neutral, leading, etc.
• How can your delegation achieve the goals and interests identified in your research?
• With which other nations will your delegation attempt to work? (this may vary by committee or by topic--refer to your bloc and past alliances!)
• What delegations will be your main adversaries on each topic?

Working With a Partner

Whether or not you are working with a partner is largely dependent on the conference and committee in which you are participating. If you do have a partner, whether by assignment or by choice, make sure to balance your participation--poor teamwork could affect your "grade" and possibility for an award! Chairs will notice if one partner is speaking a disproportionate amount. Even if you research seperate topics, educate each other about the strategies and outcomes you hope to achieve so that you can work together in committee.

Resolutions & Working Papers

A Suggested List of Operative and Preambulatory Phrases (.doc)
Sample Resolution Format
Sample Amendment Format
Resolution Format (.doc)

Delegate Code of Conduct

Some links:

A Glossary of MUN Terms from COWAC