Delegate Training Guide

Index

Letter to Delegates​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4
What is Model United Nations?​ ​ ​ ​ 5
Organization Chart ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5
Why Participate?​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6
Overview of UN System ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6​ ​
Types of Committees ​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6-7​
Crisis Guide ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7-9
Rules of Procedure ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 9-12
Typical Flow of Debate​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12-13
Country Representation​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 13
Motions and Points​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 14-15
Position Papers​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 15-16
Crisis Position Papers ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 16
Writing Resolutions ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 16-17
Diplomatic Language ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 17-18
Conference Preparation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 18
Glossary ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 19-21​
Closing Remarks ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 21​ ​

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 Letter to Delegates

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to Model United Nations! Whether it’s your first time participating or you're a
seasoned delegate, this guide is designed to prepare you for a successful and rewarding
experience.

MUN is about collaboration and representing global perspectives with respect and integrity. As a
delegate, you will be challenged to step into the shoes of diplomats and negotiate on the behalf of
your country’s beliefs and sovereignty. You will gain experience not only in understanding
international relations, but also in resolving conflicts and building compromise in a structured
environment.

We encourage you to approach this experience with an open mind. Take risks, raise your placard
when nobody else is, improve your ability to think on your feet, and develop leadership skills
that will last you a lifetime.

If at any point, you feel overwhelmed, remember that the MUN community is here to help you.
Ask questions, learn from your peers, learn from your chairs, and understand that growth comes
with practice. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see you in committee!

Go Owls,
The ArchieMUN Secretariat
archiemun2018@[Link]

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What is Model UN?

Model UN is an academic simulation of the real United Nations where students take on the roles
of diplomats to represent countries while debating global issues. Through formal debate,
delegates draft resolutions form alliances, and attempt to solve global issues.

Organization Chart

Understanding who runs ArchieMUN is important for navigating the conference and
understanding whom to ask for help. The MUN Secretariat team is responsible for planning,
organizing, and executing the conference. Each member has a defined role with specific
responsibilities. The organization chart below outlines the typical structure of MUN, so you
know who to approach for assistance and/or clarification!

Model UN Secretariat
●​ Secretary-General: Responsible for overseeing the aspects of ArchieMUN and ensuring
the event runs smoothly.
●​ Chief of Staff: Works closely with the Secretary-General to manage the internal
functioning of the Secretariat, deadlines, schedules, and interdepartmental coordination.
●​ Director-General: Focuses on external logistics such as venue setup, security, delegate
services, and registration. Works to make sure the physical environment supports a
successful event.
●​ Under Secretary-General (USG): Each USG manages a specific area such as committees,
logistics, communications, or delegate affairs. They supervise their teams and support the
conference's operational needs.
Committee Chairs
●​ Chair: Moderates debate, enforces rules of procedure, and guides delegates through
sessions. The main authority in the committee room.
●​ Co-Chair: Assists the Chair in moderating and managing the committee. Often
responsible for note-passing, evaluating participation, and helping new delegates.
●​ Crisis Director: In crisis committees, they manage and introduce rapid developments,
updates, and backroom decisions that shape the dynamic narrative of the simulation.
Administrative Staff
●​ Pagers: Deliver written messages between delegates during committee sessions,
especially when note-passing is permitted. They help maintain communication without
interrupting formal proceedings.
●​ Rapporteurs: Assist the chairs by taking notes, helping with drafting documents, and
sometimes timing speeches or keeping procedural order.

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Why Participate?

MUN offers the unique opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills, and a global
perspective. Stepping into the role of a model diplomat allows delegates to research effectively,
collaborate with others, and sharpen their critical thinking skills.

Beyond the committee room, MUN offers lifetime benefits such as confidence, leadership,
research and teamwork skills; valuable qualities both academically and personally.

Overview of UN System

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to
promote peace and security among nations. There are 6 main organs: General Assembly, Security
Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and Crisis, and Specialized.

The UN includes numerous agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United
Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Understanding how these bodies work helps delegates
create realistic solutions and operate the flow of the committee.

Types of Committees

●​ General Assembly (GA)

○​ GA is one of the main and largest bodies of the UN, where all member states have
equal representation and voting power. In MUN, GA committees typically focus
on broad global issues such as development and human rights and drafting a
resolution.
●​ Security Council (SC)
○​ SC is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, and has 15
members, including 5 permanent members (China, Russia, France, UK, US) with
veto power. The Security Council tends to be fast paced addressing urgent crises,
requiring delegates to act quickly.
●​ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
○​ ECOSOC mainly deals with issues related to economic, social, cultural and health
matters as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms. In MUN, these
committees often simulate policymaking on global issues such as poverty
reduction or climate action.

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 ●​ Crisis
○​ Contemporary Crisis committees are based on current, real-world
situations such as political conflicts or economic breakdowns.
○​ Historical Crisis committees are set in the past. Delegates can understand the
actions taken during the Cuban Missile Crisis or the Great Depression while
making decisions that could alter the course of history.
■​ Crisis delegates usually represent individuals or roles, not entire countries.
●​ Specialized
○​ Specialized often covers topics outside of the UN structure, such as the African
Union or NATO. These committees offer unique perspectives that allow delegates
to focus on less conventional issues and practice diplomacy in a more specific
context.

Crisis Guide

What is Crisis?
●​ A Crisis Committee is a small, dynamic committee where delegates can represent
organizations or individuals related to an ever-evolving topic from the past, present, or
future. Ways you can affect a committee are to take actions as a committee or as your
personal character to affect the flow of the crisis.
How does it compare to the General Assembly?
●​ The way a crisis flows is circular, where the crisis notes of the delegates affect future
events in the crisis whereas, in a GA, everything you do depends on the topic. In addition
to this in a crisis you do not write resolutions but directives and crisis notes.
What is a Crisis Arc?
●​ A crisis arc is a plan of action you make before or at the beginning of a committee, it is
typically centered around your character and what they have done in the past. Your crisis
arc should focus on how to gain power for yourself in committee. The crisis arc should
remain secret. Throughout the committee, you pursue your arc through crisis notes and
directives.
What are Portfolio Powers?
●​ Portfolio Powers are the actions which are within your character’s jurisdiction. Simply
put, your Portfolio Powers is what you can do through crisis notes. Each character is
unique, and no two have the same powers granted to them. The background will
contain a general idea of what your character is able to do, but additional
research is required if you want to unlock the full extent of your character’s
power.
What is a Crisis Note?
●​ Crisis notes are a method for you to act and use your Portfolio Powers.
Crisis notes are the main line of communication between the crisis room, the

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 people who write the crisis updates, and individual delegates. Unlike directives,
which are passed by committees and therefore public knowledge, crisis notes
are secret, unless you choose to tell another delegate about what you wrote.
What is in a Crisis Note?
●​ Crisis notes are formatted like letters. They can be simple questions regarding
information about the crisis update, information regarding the resources or abilities you
have, or information about some other subject.

Example of a Crisis Note:

To Crisis Room:

●​ I am Gary Peters, the Senator of Michigan, and I would like to immediately start a
congressional investigation into the Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline between the Lower and
Upper Peninsula because Enbridge is at serious risk to cause an oil spill in the Straits of
Mackinaw, potentially endangering hundreds of miles of pristine Great Lakes coast, and
because Governor Rick Snyder has refused to force Enbridge to replace the pipeline,
despite earlier Oil spills that seriously damaged the Kalamazoo River. I believe that
Governor Snyder is in violation of several laws and must be held accountable before his
inaction causes a crisis that will affect the Great Lakes States and Canada.
--OR--
●​ To Amy Duckworth, Special Reporter for the Warsaw Daily I, the delegate from Poland,
would like you to leak an intelligence brief that determined that the Russians were
responsible for the recent hack of our nuclear power plant because I believe that the
Russians are the only country with motive and ability to attack our infrastructure.
Moreover, I want to leak this intelligence report from the Polish government so as to
force my allies to take actions against Russia, this is in line with my government policy
under the current government, which is quite anti-Russian.

What is Directive?
●​ A directive is similar to a resolution in the fact that it attempts to solve an issue but
directives are created and voted upon in a much faster time compared to a resolution.
Directives are short and to the point focused on usually on one issue.

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 Example of Directive:

Orders for NATO Allied Command:

●​ Destroy all Russian spy satellites using ICBMs from France, the United States and United
Kingdom; Increase troop numbers, and place them on high-alert in Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania.
--OR--
Press Release:

●​ The Ad-Hoc committee sends a press release that states:

○​ The disease outbreak in France is not linked to bioterrorism or weaponized
biological weapon;
○​ This committee is working to stop the spread of the contagion;

Rules of Procedure

1.​ Language
a.​ English shall be the official and working language of the conference. The use of
other languages is permitted if both of the following conditions are met:
i.​ The Secretariat is given prior notice; and
ii.​ An approved translation into English is made readily available.
2.​ Diplomatic Courtesy
a.​ The primary principle of diplomatic protocol is courtesy or decorum. Any
delegate or visitor who persists in an attempt to divert the conference from its
educational purposes shall be subject to action from the Secretariat and may have
his/her credentials revoked.
3.​ Quorum
a.​ A majority of voting members answering to the roll at each day's first meeting
shall constitute a quorum for that day. A quorum will be assumed at the discretion
of the Dais unless questioned through a Point of Order; quorum, however, is
ultimately set by the Dais.
4.​ Order of Consideration
a.​ The order of consideration of the topic agenda shall be established by each
committee. Amendments to the order of the agenda topics are permissible and
require a two-thirds vote of the committee.
b.​ The motion shall be made in writing to the Dais. Debate is limited to one speaker
for and one speaker against, with the speaking time being set at the discretion of
the Dais.
5.​ Speaker's List

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 a.​ The Committee Dais shall keep a Speaker's List open for each topic
only- a separate Speaker’s list will not be for each made resolution or
amendment. Resolutions will be debated simultaneously using a singular
Speaker's List.
b.​ The speaker's list may be closed upon a motion from the floor. Permission to
speak shall be accorded to one speaker for and one against. A simple majority is
required for passage, and the vote will be made by placard.
c.​ The Committee Dais may refuse to entertain a motion of closing the Speaker's
List at its own discretion. If delegates are absent when they are called upon to
speak, they will lose their position on the Speaker's List and must be recognized
by the Dais to be placed on it again.
d.​ A delegate may only be present on the list once, but may re-enter after he/she has
spoken
6.​ Yields
a.​ If a delegate completes a speech within a pre-designated time limit, the remaining
time may be yielded to another delegation. There will be no yields when a time
limit has not been set.
b.​ A delegate who yields speech time also yields questioning time. Yields apply only
to substantive matters and remaining time may only be yielded once.
7.​ Points of Order
a.​ Points of Order will only be recognized for the following items:
i.​ To complain of errors in voting, tabulation, or procedure.
ii.​ To question incorrect placement on the Speaker's List.
iii.​ To question quorum.
b.​ A Point of Order may interrupt a speaker and it is to be used sparingly
8.​ Points of Personal Privilege
a.​ Points of personal privilege are used to move an amendment, request information
or clarification, and all other business of the body except those specifically
designated as Points of Order or Point of Inquiry.
b.​ Please note that the Dais may refuse to recognize Points of Order, Points of
Inquiry, or Points of Personal Privilege if the Committee Director believes the
decorum and restraint inherent in the exercise has been violated, or if the point is
deemed dilatory (unnecessary) in nature
9.​ Rights of Reply
a.​ At the discretion of the Committee Dais, any member nation or observer may be
granted a Right of Reply to answer serious insults directed at the dignity of a
country represented. This procedural motion must be submitted to the Dais in
writing. The Dais has the ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY to accept or reject Rights of
Reply, and the decision IS NOT SUBJECT TO APPEAL. Delegates who feel they
are being treated unfairly may take their complaint to any member of

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 the Secretariat.
i.​ Please note: In a crisis committee, delegates are expected to act
based on the personality of their character. For example, if your character
is a military general, who’s very aggressive, then a right to reply will not
be utilized. Unless you as a person are offended, a right to reply will not
be advised.
10.​Directives
a.​ Directives do not need more than one sponsor; however, it looks better if you
cooperate with the committee of your directives. You need a minimum of 6
sponsors and signatories combined.
11.​Caucusing
a.​ A caucus may be called for by the Delegates or the Dais. A caucus' time limit is
determined solely by the Dais; however, Delegates may suggest a designated time
limit and speaking time while motioning for a moderated caucus. The time limit
of unmoderated caucuses may also be suggested by Delegates through a motion,
but the time limit will once again ultimately be set at the discretion of the Dais.
12.​Withdrawal of Sponsorship
a.​ Sponsorship of a resolution may be withdrawn at any time before voting
procedure on a Draft Resolution commences. If and when this occurs, any other
nation present may assume sponsorship. If the number of sponsors falls under the
required amount, the resolution in question will be withdrawn and debate will
continue.
13.​Closure of Debate
a.​ A motion for closure of debate, bringing an issue to an immediate vote, is in order
only after there have been three speakers on a substantive motion. Permission to
speak shall be accorded to two speakers in favor and two against closing debate.
14.​Adjournment of Debate
a.​ A motion for adjournment of debate, if successful, allows the delegates to end
debate on one topic without having to vote on the resolutions for that topic. This
motion is in order only after there have been eight speakers on a substantive
motion and requires a simple majority to pass.
b.​ The delegates may return to the topic if there is a successful motion to adjourn off
a different topic and return to the original one.
15.​Voting
a.​ Voting will be conducted by placard or roll call. The type of voting will be at the
discretion of the Dais, but any member nation may request a roll call vote on any
substantive question. In the General Assembly Plenary, amendments to
resolutions shall require a simple majority, while resolutions shall require the
affirmative support of 2/3 of the member nations present and voting.
b.​ In the Security Council, procedural motions will require at least 9

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 member nations voting in favor and resolutions will require at least 9
votes in favor to pass with no Permanent Member of the Security
Council voting against the resolution
i.​ A majority vote requires the concurrence of 50 percent plus one of those
member nations voting yes and no. A 2/3 vote requires the concurrence of
67% or more of those members voting yes and no. Abstentions are not
included in the calculation of the vote.
16.​Conduct During Voting
a.​ After the Dais announces the beginning of a vote, there will be no moving,
speaking, or caucusing until the vote is over and has been announced by the Dais.
The one exception is on a Point of Order in connection with the actual conduct of
the vote. Repeated violations of this rule shall constitute grounds for expulsion.
17.​Change in Vote
a.​ A nation may change its vote only when the Dais asks if there are any such
changes. A change in vote may only be called for roll call votes on resolutions
and amendments. 18. Recess and Adjournment a. Motions to recess or adjourn
shall be permitted at the discretion of the Dais. The Dais may declare necessary
recesses. Such decisions are not subject to appeal.

Typical Flow of Debate

The typical flow when it comes to all MUN conferences is as follows:

1.​ Motion to Open Debate

2.​ Roll Call
3.​ Setting the Agenda
4.​ Opening Speakers List
5.​ Motion for Moderate Caucus
6.​ Motion for UnModerated Caucus
7.​ Draft Resolutions
8.​ Amendments
9.​ Authors Panel
10.​Voting Procedure
11.​Resolutions

Now what exactly does all of this mean?

1.​ The Motion to Open Debate is always going to be the first formal action in
committee. A delegate motions to begin debate, which then requires a simple majority
vote to proceed.

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 2.​ Roll Call is very simple, all you have to do is be there on time. The chair will call out
each country’s name alphabetically, and delegates will respond with “Present” or “Present
and Voting.” This determines who is in attendance and which voting procedures will
apply later.
3.​ Setting the Agenda takes place when there are multiple topics in your background guide,
so delegates must decide which one to address first. Through speeches and a simple
majority vote, the committee sets the agenda and determines what topic will be discussed.
4.​ Opening Speakers List happens once the agenda is set (if two topics). These speeches are
not bound to a specific topic, so delegates are free to discuss what they deem as the most
pressing matter. This can often set the tone for the rest of the committee, so raise that
placard!
5.​ Motion for Moderated Caucus is to shift from the speakers list to a specific discussion on
a sub-topic. The chair recognizes delegates for brief speeches.
6.​ Motion for UnModerated Caucus allows delegates to move around the room and
collaborate informally. This is an extremely important aspect of MUN because this is
where delegates begin drafting working papers and forming alliances.
7.​ Draft Resolutions are the working papers delegates work on proposing solutions to the
issue. These must meet certain format criteria as well as sponsor/signatory requirements.
8.​ Amendments are proposed to modify draft resolutions. Friendly amendments (approved
by all sponsors) are added automatically; unfriendly amendments require debate and a
vote.
9.​ Authors Panel is a session where the signatories of a draft resolution present their work
and the sponsors answer questions from other delegates.
10.​Voting Procedure takes place to vote on draft resolutions. After voting, debate on that
topic officially concludes.
11.​Resolutions that pass become the official outcome of the committee’s work.

Country Representation

Delegates are assigned to represent a specific country, often in particular to what committee they
will be participating in. Your role is to speak, act, and negotiate as if you were a diplomat from
that nation. This means that thorough research is very important because you must understand
your country’s policies, alliances, and values (not your personal opinions).

Considering your country’s history, government system, and foreign policy allows you to
represent your country with consistent and informed participation.

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Motions and Points

Motions and How to Propose

●​ Motion to Open Debate

○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves to open debate
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the Netherlands
moves to open debate
●​ Motion to Set the Agenda
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves to
set the agenda to topic A then B
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the Netherlands
moves to set the agenda to topic A then B
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves to
set the agenda to topic B then A
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the Netherlands
moves to set the agenda to topic B then A
●​ Motion for a Moderated Caucus (mod)
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves for a
moderated caucus of [total time] with a [speaking time] to discuss [topic]
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the Netherlands
moves for a 6 minute mod with 30 sec. speaking time on child labor
●​ Motion for an UnModerated Caucus (unmod)
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves for a 15 minute
unmod
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the Netherlands
moves for a 15 minute unmod
●​ Motion to Extend mod/unmod
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves to extend the
previous mod/unmod by [half total time]
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the Netherlands
moves to extend the previous mod/unmod by 3 minutes
●​ Motion to Suspend Debate
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves to suspend
debate
■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegate, the Netherland
moves to suspend debate
●​ Motion to Close/End Debate
○​ Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, [Country] moves to close/end
debate

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 ■​ EX: Thank you honorable chair and fellow delegates, the
Netherlands moves to close/end debate

Points

●​ Point of Inquiry
○​ Ask about rules or procedure
●​ Point of Order
○​ Corrects a procedural mistake
●​ Point of Personal Privilege
○​ Addresses a personal need (going to the bathroom, room temperature,
etc.)
●​ Right of Reply
○​ Respond to a personal insult or offensive remark

Position Papers

ArchieMUN requests that all delegates adhere to the following guidelines when composing and
submitting their respective position paper(s). Failure to do so will result in the delegates position
paper(s) not being considered for award purposes.

1.​ The position paper(s) should be typed using 12 point, Times New Roman font, and
should be single spaced. Sources, if used, must be cited.
2.​ In the upper right corner, the delegate should include the following information only:
a.​ Delegate Name
b.​ Country Represented
c.​ Committee
d.​ Name of School
3.​ The position paper(s) should not exceed one single-spaced page per topic.
4.​ Position papers are due when delegates arrive at the conference site for registration,
unless otherwise indicated.

Suggested Format

In terms of organization, one suggested format is for delegates to organize a position paper as
follows:
1.​ How does the topic affect your country? Why is the topic of concern?
2.​ What steps has your country taken to address this problem? What laws have
been passed? Has your government signed and/or ratified any relevant treaties
or agreements?

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 3.​ What would your government like to see done in the near future to resolve this
issue? How should the international community address the matter at hand?

Crisis Position Papers

1.​ The position paper(s) should be typed using 12 point, Times New Roman font, and
should be single spaced. Sources if used, must be cited.
2.​ In the upper right corner, the delegate should include the following information only:
a.​ Delegate Name
b.​ Country Represented
c.​ Committee
d.​ Name of School
3.​ The position paper(s) should not exceed one single-spaced page per topic.
4.​ Position papers are due when delegates arrive at the conference site for registration,
unless otherwise indicated.

Suggested Format

In terms of organization, one suggested format is for delegates to organize a position paper as
follows:
1.​ What the topic means to your character.
2.​ What are the obstacles that your character may face within the committee to achieve his
goals?
3.​ What would you like to propose, either in directives or crisis notes, to further the
committee?

Writing Resolutions

A resolution is the final document that offers solutions to the topic being discussed in committee.
However, a resolution doesn’t start that way, first it is a working paper, then draft resolution, then
a final resolution.

Structure of Resolution

●​ Name of Bloc
○​ The bloc name is often informally decided by the delegates working together on a
draft resolution. It reflects their main goals.
●​ Sponsors
○​ Sponsors are the primary authors of the draft resolution. They are

16
 responsible for actively writing and contributing to the paper.
Sponsors must be prepared to answer questions during the Authors
Panel.
●​ Signatories
○​ Signatories are delegates who wish to see the draft resolution presented and
discussed in committee, even though they may not agree with the content of the
paper. They help meet the required number of people for the paper to be
submitted, but are not obligated to vote.
●​ Premabulatory Clauses (Pre-ambs)
○​ Pre-ambs explain the background of the issue and frame the reason for action. For
each pre-amb clause there must be a corresponding operative clause. Pre-ambs
usually begin with participles like “Recognizing” or “Concerned by.”
●​ Operative Clauses
○​ Operative clauses lay out the specific actions and solutions proposed by the bloc
in the working papers. They correlate to a specific pre-amb and usually begin with
strong verbs such as “Encourages,” “Calls coupon,” or “Establishes.”

To help you get started I have included a separate document with a short example resolution so
you can see how everything would look in practice.

Sample:

[Link]
U7w/edit?usp=drive_link

Diplomatic Language​

Diplomatic language is respectful, formal, and strategic. It helps delegates communicate

effectively and build alliances while pushing their country’s agenda. Here’s how to use it:

●​ Be respectful and professional

○​ Always address others formally (“The delegate of France believes…” instead of
“You’re wrong”).
●​ Use inclusive phrases
○​ Say “We encourage further discussion…” rather than “Everyone should do this.”
●​ Avoid blaming
○​ Instead of “Country X is responsible,” say “It is important to address all parties
involved.”
●​ Use softening language

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 ○​ “Suggests,” “recommends,” “requests,” and “calls upon” are preferred
over demands.
●​ Keep statements objective
○​ Use evidence, past UN resolutions, or statistics to support your points.
●​ Speak on behalf of your country
○​ Always say “The delegate of [country]…” rather than using first person (“I
think…”).

Conference Preparation

Preparation is key to a productive conference. When you take the time to familiarize yourself
with your country and the topic, you can walk into committee confidently and ready to engage.
Below are some key aspects to preparing for a MUN conference.

1.​ Know Your Country

a.​ Research country stance, government systems, foreign policy, and allies to
understand how your country has interacted with the issue in the past
2.​ Understand the Topic
a.​ Read the background guide thoroughly while also researching current events,
international treaties, and past UN actions related to the issue.
3.​ Write a Position Paper (if required)
a.​ Some conferences require position papers for award and/or participation.
4.​ Learn the Rules of Procedure
a.​ Be familiar with the structure of debate, how to make motions and points, and
what language to use.
5.​ Bring Materials
a.​ Print out your research and put it in a folder–this is very important in
the case that the conference has a zero technology policy or if the internet goes
out! Make sure to bring paper and writing utensils to communicate with your
fellow delegates.
6.​ Dress Professionally
a.​ Business attire is required: dresses, lengthy skirts, suits, blazers, dress shirts, ties,
and formal shoes.
7.​ Practice Diplomacy
a.​ Practice negotiation and collaboration ahead of time so you come prepared and
confident to take part in the conference.

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Glossary

Roll Call:
1.​ Must be done at the beginning of every committee session to see how many delegates are
attending to take simple majority and ⅔ majority.
Present:
1.​ Simple "present" vote, where a delegation can abstain from substantive matters–done at
the same time as roll call.
Present and Voting:
1.​ "Present and Voting" signifies a delegation's commitment to voting on all substantive
resolutions, without the option to abstain–done at the same time as roll call.
Speakers List:
1.​ A list of speakers usually taken at the beginning of committee sessions where delegates
can talk about anything they want relating to the topic.
Yield:
1.​ Yield refers to a delegate's decision to give up remaining speaking time to another
delegate, the chair, or to questions.
Motion:
1.​ Formal proposals made by delegates to guide the debate and procedural flow of the
committee.
Motion to Extend Moderated/UnModerated Caucus:
1.​ Proposal to extend a previous mod/unmod by the half of its total time.
Motion to Suspend Debate:
1.​ Proposal to temporarily suspend debate until the next committee session.
Motion to Close/End Debate:
1.​ Proposal to permanently close/end debate.
Point of Inquiry:
1.​ A formal way for a delegate to ask the chair a question about the rules of procedure or
any other aspect of the committee's operations.
Point of Order:
1.​ A formal way to call attention to a procedural error or a violation of the rules of
procedure during a debate.
Point of Personal Privilege:
1.​ A request made by a delegate to address immediate personal discomfort or concerns
related to the committee environment.
Right of Reply:
1.​ A procedural mechanism that allows a delegate to respond to a previous speaker's
statement if they believe their country or personal integrity has been insulted.
Round Robin:
1.​ Round robins involve each delegate taking turns to speak, typically in a set order

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 (ex: clockwise around the room).
Gentleman’s UnMod:
1.​ A type of unmoderated caucus where delegates remain seated while discussing issues
freely.
Moderated Caucus:
1.​ A formal discussion within a committee session where delegates speak for a set amount
of time on a specific subtopic under the direction of the committee chair.
UnModerated Caucus:
1.​ Time for delegates to move around, interact with each other, and collaborate on
resolutions or working papers without the constraints of a formal moderated debate.
Premabulatory Clause:
1.​ Provides the context and reasoning for the resolution, outlining the background, relevant
issues, and past actions related to the topic.
Operative Clause:
1.​ The numbered sections that outline specific actions or solutions to be taken to address the
issue at hand.
Bloc:
1.​ A group of delegates who share similar interests and work together to achieve common
goals within a committee.
Signatory:
1.​ A delegate who wishes to see a resolution debated, but may not necessarily agree with its
contents or intend to vote in favor of it.
Sponsor:
1.​ A country that takes the lead in drafting and submitting a resolution for debate.
Working Paper:
1.​ An informal document that delegates use to share ideas and proposals before
formalizing them into a draft resolution.
Draft Resolution:
1.​ A document that outlines a proposed solution to a specific issue debated in a committee.
Authors Panel:
1.​ Presentation Period
a.​ Presentation period involves a group of delegates of a bloc who are presenting the
draft resolution to the rest of the committee.
2.​ Questions and Answers (Q&A)
a.​ Q&A is right after the presentation period where delegates from that same bloc
answer questions from the committee about their draft resolution.
Friendly Amendment:
1.​ A change to a draft resolution that is supported by all of the sponsors.
Unfriendly Amendment:
1.​ A proposed change to a resolution that is not supported by all of the sponsors.

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Resolution:
1.​ A draft resolution becomes a resolution when a simple majority of delegates in
the committee vote in favor of it, and it passes.
Position Paper:
1.​ A paper that outlines a delegate's understanding of their assigned country’s position on a
specific topic.
Crisis Arc:
1.​ A delegate’s overarching plan or storyline for their character throughout the conference.
Crisis Note:
1.​ A private communication between a delegate and the crisis staff (backroom) used to
advance their personal agenda and take specific actions during the committee session.
Crisis Directive:
1.​ A document that outlines specific actions a delegate or group of delegates want to take to
address a developing crisis.
Crisis Update:
1.​ A method used to introduce new, unexpected events or problems into the committee’s
simulation
Simple Majority Vote:
1.​ At least half as many “yes” votes as “no” votes are needed.
⅔ Majority Vote:
1.​ At least twice as many “yes” votes as “no” votes are needed.

Closing Remarks

As you approach MUN and your role as a delegate, understand that MUN is more than debate.
Whether you’re giving your first speech or drafting what seems like the hundredth resolution,
remember that every part of this experience builds your confidence, diplomacy, and voice.

Welcome to ArchieMUN, and we can’t wait to see all the ideas you bring to the table.

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