Conference Workshop #4

1. Conference Workshop #4 Official MUN Terms/Phrases

2. Decorum The goal of MUN is to mimic the actual United Nations as closely as possible. Thus, committee sessions use extremely formal procedural rules to keep things organized and structured. When your chair(s) call for decorum, shut up and sit down.

3. Opening Debate After initial decorum has been called and the chair has finished roll call, a delegation must motion to open debate. “The delegation of (country name) motions to open debate.”

4. Roll Call Once debate has opened, your head chair will begin roll call alphabetically. When your country name is called, you may respond in two ways. If you respond with “present,” you are allowed to abstain however many times you wish during voting bloc. If you respond with “present and voting,” you are not allowed to abstain during voting bloc and must vote either for or against each resolution. “The delegation of (country name) is present.” or “The delegation of (country name) is present and voting.”

5. The Speaker’s List Following this, a delegation must motion to open the speaker’s list. “The delegation of (country name) motions to open the speaker’s list.” • The delegation that motions for this is often asked whether or not they wish to be placed first on the speaker’s list. • Following the motion, all delegations who wish to speak raise their placards.

6. The Speaker’s Time Every conference begins debate with a specific speaker’s time. This is usually 1:30. However, after 3-4 delegations have spoken, you may motion to change the speaker’s time. “The delegation of (country name) motions to set the speaker’s time to (specified time).”

7. Yielding Time After finishing any formal speech, whether debate is simply moving down the speakers list or in moderated caucuses, you may yield any additional time to the chair (remaining time is unneeded), another delegation who wants to speak (ally), or to questions. “The delegation of (country name) yields our time to the (chair, country name, or questions).”

8. Unmoderated Caucuses Once a few delegations have given their speeches, debate will likely move to an unmoderated caucus. Continue motioning for unmoderated caucuses throughout committee sessions in order to make allies and write resolutions. Occasionally, you will not need to specify a purpose. “The delegation of (country name) motions for an unmoderated caucus of (specified time, usually 10-15 minutes) for the purpose of (whatever purpose, for example, writing resolutions.)”

9. Moderated Caucuses As debate moves forward, chairs often smile upon moderated caucuses to more formally address all delegations with ideas, positions, and proposed solutions. “The delegation of (country name) motions for a moderated caucus of (specified time, usually 8-15 minutes) with a speaker’s time of (specified time, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute) for the purpose of (whatever purpose, for example, sharing resolution proposals or expanding on the idea of education.)”

10. Formal Caucus When debate is coming to a close and resolutions have been written, a delegation must motion to move into a formal caucus. “The delegation of (country name) motions for a formal caucus with a speakers time of (usually 8-10 minutes).”

11. Voting Bloc After formal caucus and possible additional unmoderated caucuses to alter resolutions (amendments), one delegation must motion for voting bloc to commence. “The delegation of (country name) motions to move into voting bloc.”

12. For and Against Once a delegate has motioned for voting bloc, the chair will then choose two delegations for and against this motion. Delegations who wish to move into voting bloc will give a quick, often 30 second speech, addressing why the committee should vote on resolutions. Delegations who do not feel that resolutions are ready to be voted upon will give a 30 second speech explaining their views. Following these speeches, the entire committee will vote on whether or not to move into voting bloc.

13. Voting Procedures Depending upon each committee, voting procedures will vary. Most committees need a simple majority for each resolution to pass, although certain specialized committees such as the IMF and Security Council have their own voting procedures. Depending on whether you answered roll call with “present” or “present and voting” you are allowed to vote for or against each resolution or abstain.

14. Suspend/Adjourn Debate As lunch/various breaks approach, your Chair will likely smile upon a motion to suspend/adjourn debate for a short (or long) period of time. If they do not, EMPOWER YOURSELF to make this motion WHEN APPROPRIATE! Suspensions are only for breaks in the middle of a conference. Adjourning is for the end of the day when it is time to go home for the night. There is a separate motion to close debate for the last time. “The delegation of (country name) motions to suspend debate for the purpose of (lunch, for example.).” or “The delegation of (country name) motions to adjourn the debate.”

15. Close Debate After voting bloc has come to an end, a delegation must motion to close debate. “The delegation of (country name) motions to close debate!”

16. Points During Debate Point of Inquiry: You have a question for either the chair or a fellow delegate(s) Point of Personal Privilege: You need to address a personal need (e.g. can’t hear the chair) Point of Order: You have a question regarding procedure Point of Information: You have a request directed to the chair or other delegates

17. Passing Notes During formal debate (moderated caucuses, speeches), delegates may pass notes either to one another, or to the chair. Send notes to the other delegations complimenting them on their speeches, asking for clarification, indicating your agreement with them, or tell them you wish to work together during unmoderated caucuses. Make sure these notes are always on topic (your chairs always know what people are sending)! When passing notes to the chair, it may be for the purpose of removing yourself from the speakers list or adding yourself to the speakers list (after the list has been created and much time has passed, or after you have spoken and wish to be re-added).

18. Dilatory Rulings When the Chair feels that a proposed point or motion is unnecessary (taking into account time and other motions), they will rule it ‘dilatory,’ thus voiding your point or motion. ;( ex. Delegation 1 motions for an 8-minute unmoderated caucus + Delegation 2 motions for a 9-minute unmoderated caucus = one motion will be ruled dilatory Be sure to always listen to other points or motions on the floor so that you don’t get ruled dilatory. It makes you look DUMB.

19. Voting EVERY SINGLE point or motion on the floor must be voted upon. If your point or motion is disregarded, MAKE THE POINT (a literal point) to get your voice heard. If all points or motions fail, then debate automatically moves back to the speakers list. Majority always rules when it comes to voting*. The Chair will determine whether or not your point or motion passes, so you don’t need to worry much about it. *Specialized Committees may have alternate means of voting

20. Test Yourself! http://quizlet.com/19271851/important-model-un-terms-flash-cards/