Rules of Procedure

    Aside from notes to crisis, debate in committee is organized through points, motions, and directives. The different types of points are listed here. If a delegate wishes to raise a point or motion or to introduce a directive. they should raise their placard when the chair asks if there are any points of motions on the floor. 

    Points are raised individually by a delegate to ask a question or point something out to the committee. Examples include factual questions, like “How many fighter jets did you say we have?” or questions about procedure, like “Can I introduce a directive now?”

    Motions are raised by delegates in order to move the debate in a specific way. They must be voted on by the committee and require either a ⅔ or a 50% majority, depending on the type of motion. Some motions require speakers for and against before they can be voted on. Some examples of motions are those to open or close debate, move into caucuses, or vote on directives.

    Caucuses are the main avenue through which the committee will engage in formal debate. A moderated caucus consists of formal speeches on a decided topic, with a certain overall length and speaking time. The chair will moderate the caucus by calling on speakers and timing their speeches. An unmoderated caucus will also have a set length but, as the name suggests, is not moderated. Instead, delegates can move about the room, talk to members of the committee, and work on directives and resolutions. 

    Directives are short action plans written by one or more delegates addressing the crisis at hand. They can also be collective communiqués or press releases to be issued by the whole committee. They must have sponsors who participate in the writing of the directive as well as signatories, who do not need to contribute to the writing of the directive, but would like to see it debated. Directives must be submitted to the chair and introduced to the committee, after which they can be debated, amended, and voted on. Chairs may have specific preferences for the format of directives and resolutions which they will discuss in the committee.

    Usually, a committee should first have moderated caucuses on a given topic to establish the delegates’ positions. Delegates can then motion for an unmoderated caucus to coordinate with fellow delegates and write directives. Delegates are also able to pass notes to each other throughout the debate. Delegates can then motion to enter voting procedure on a directive. Directives should be passed quickly and frequently during debate in order to remain on top of crises. If a committee is using resolutions, they will likely be written and passed less frequently and towards the end of the conference.