Editing Model United Nations (section)

== Procedures ==
[[File:MUN-SH2005KielGermany.jpg|thumb|Delegates negotiating during an unmoderated caucus in [[Kiel]], Germany]]
In order to maintain [[Decorum#Social decorum|decorum]], Model UN committees use parliamentary procedures derived from [[Robert's Rules of Order]].<ref name=":5" /> In addition, the United Nations has spearheaded efforts to introduce new Model UN rules of procedure that are more closely aligned with those used by the actual UN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/un4mun-workshop-recap-4-big-differences-between-model-un-and-the-real-un/|title=UN4MUN Workshop Recap: 4 Big Differences Between Model UN and the Real UN|work=Best Delegate|date=21 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/14/opinion/the-un-on-the-model-un.html?smid=pl-share&_r=0|title=Letter: The U.N., on the Model U.N.|author=Maher Nasser|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 August 2013|author-link=Maher Nasser}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/about/ropga/|title=UN General Assembly - Rules of Procedure|work=un.org}}</ref><ref name="MUN Rules">{{cite web |url=http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/rules-of-procedure |title=Rules of Procedure |publisher=United Nations Foundation |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref> Since there is no [[Board of governors|governing body]] for Model UN, each conference differs in their rules of procedure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisemee.com/introduction-mun-rules-of-procedure/|title=Introduction to Model UN Rules and Procedure (ROP)|date=8 July 2019|publisher=WiseMee |access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

The following rules of procedure apply to general MUNs but may not apply to every MUN:

=== Points and motions ===
Points and Motions outline how topics are prioritized, the way resolutions are voted on, and how they facilitate the general flow of debate.<ref name=":7" /> Points are used to discuss topics that are outside of substantive debate. They are more personal, and don't require a vote. Motions are used to discuss procedural matters, and they help to further the discussion on a committee topic. A delegate may request the committee as a whole to perform a particular action. Most motions will require a vote in order to pass;<ref name=":7" /> the number of votes required to pass these motions works according to a [[Quorum]] – this is the minimum number of delegates required to make decisions in a committee.<ref name=":5" /> The motions used at any given time in a Model UN committee change, according to where the committee is with the flow of debate.<ref name=":7" />

=== Flow of debate ===
Most MUN committees follow a flow of debate.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=MUNprep|date=August 7, 2021|title=MUN Points and Motions - How to use them properly|url=https://munprep.org/mun-points-and-motions-how-to-use-them-properly/#flow-of-debate|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=MUNprep|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820041635/https://munprep.org/mun-points-and-motions-how-to-use-them-properly/#flow-of-debate|url-status=dead}}</ref> This starts with a speakers list, followed by formal/informal [[debate]] and then voting procedure. A Dais will maintain a list of speakers and the delegates follow the order written on the 'speaker list'. Delegates may be added to the speaker list by raising their [[placard]]s or sending a note to the chair. During this time, delegates talk to the entire committee. They make [[speech]]es,<ref name="MUN Speech">{{cite web|title=Write a Great MUN Speech|date=8 August 2019|url=https://www.wisemee.com/mun-speech-writing-guide/|access-date=24 November 2019|publisher=WiseMee}}</ref> answer questions, and debate on resolutions and amendments. If there are no other motions, the committee goes back to the speaker list by default.

Formal/Informal debate includes both moderated and unmoderated caucuses. [[Caucus]] is an opportunity to discuss policy ideas. A Moderated Caucus is more formal and is run by the committee chair, an Unmoderated caucus is a time where delegates move around the room and have a more informal discussion on the topic.<ref name=":7" /> In both moderated and unmoderated caucuses, the committee enters a recess and suspends its formal rules of procedure. During a moderated caucus, delegates may speak once recognized by the chair, and speeches are typically limited to a shorter duration. Entering a moderated caucus requires a motion followed by a vote. In contrast, an unmoderated caucus allows delegates to engage in informal discussions with other delegates and staff without needing recognition from the chair.<ref name="MUN Rules" /><ref name="MUN Manifesto">{{cite web |last=Shen |first=Sunny |author2=Ryan Bae |author3=Amanda Chen |author4=Geneva Nam |author5=Sarah Wang |author6=Marco Wong |author7=Lance Zhou |title=The MUN Manifesto |publisher=Connect Global Youth Association |year=2012 |url=http://project-connect.ca/resources/MUNManifesto.pdf |access-date=25 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232957/http://project-connect.ca/resources/MUNManifesto.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Resolutions ===
A resolution is a legal document that expresses the general opinion of the committee. Once passed it can be seen as a list of actions that one's committee recommends.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-14|title=MUN Resolutions - Everything you need to know|url=https://munprep.org/writing-a-mun-resolution-everything-you-need-to-know/|access-date=2022-02-04|website=MUNprep.org|language=en-US|archive-date=4 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204210307/https://munprep.org/writing-a-mun-resolution-everything-you-need-to-know/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Resolution" />

[[Resolution (law)|Resolution]]s are the written compilation of the ideas discussed during debate.<ref name="Resolution">{{cite web |url=http://www.wisemee.com/how-to-write-a-resolution/|title=Resolutions |date=13 August 2019 |publisher=WiseMee |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref> They are considered the final results of [[conversation]]s, [[writing]]s, and [[negotiation]]s. Resolutions must go through a [[Draft document|draft]], approval by the dais, and consequent debate and modification.<ref name="Format Resolution">{{cite web |url=https://www.wisemee.com/format-mun-resolution/|title=Format a MUN Resolution |date=21 July 2019 |publisher=WiseMee |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref>

MUN Resolutions are composed of both preambulatory and operative clauses. Preambulatory clauses help to outline the general problems that a resolution will fix, whereas operative clauses suggest possible solutions and help to display solutions in an organized and easily understandable way.<ref name=":8" />