Delegates of the American Caucus,
For those of you who are experts on the time-consuming MUN preparation, it would be rather superfluous to remind you about the importance of historical and current events awareness. Nonetheless it is a valid information to all the newcomers, who I'm hoping to see in action and kicking some...
Fellow Newcomers,
Yes, historical background is more than necessary.
At any second, a country's delegation may ask about previous treaties, acts and resolutions. You should know all these in order to be well prepared for discussion. It is not only a question of answering “yes, the delegate is aware”. It is a question of knowing what was proposed, for what interest, who was involved, who obeyed and if it was indeed efficient. It might sound complex to answer all of these questions, but don't freak out. All the answers can be easily found in one detailed page on the history of the conflict.
After the historical research, comes the most entertaining part of the work: keeping an eye on current events (Google Alerts, BBC and CNN are good update sources). Focus on your country's diplomatic relations with all the nations both in and out of caucus. Your country's diplomatic relations with some other nation outside of the American caucus may be decisively determinant. (See effects of USSR influence on Cuba, and how it shaped relations with the USA)
For the Wikipedia fans, please make sure that you are not using this website as your milestone. Keep in mind that Wiki information can be edited by anyone. The MUN Leadership Team is not trying to make your life harder but instead just making sure that you will not get people angry or perhaps laughing at your face for stating wrong information in caucus and/or General Assembly.
Something else to keep in mind: do not be afraid to talk. If you happen to not be aware of something, do not freak out: it happens. Lying however, will only ruin your delegation's legitimacy.
Any questions, come talk to me at recess, lunch, or anytime you see me around.
Off line messages are also an option. chiara_cfv@hotmail.com
KiKi
For those of you who are experts on the time-consuming MUN preparation, it would be rather superfluous to remind you about the importance of historical and current events awareness. Nonetheless it is a valid information to all the newcomers, who I'm hoping to see in action and kicking some...
Fellow Newcomers,
Yes, historical background is more than necessary.
At any second, a country's delegation may ask about previous treaties, acts and resolutions. You should know all these in order to be well prepared for discussion. It is not only a question of answering “yes, the delegate is aware”. It is a question of knowing what was proposed, for what interest, who was involved, who obeyed and if it was indeed efficient. It might sound complex to answer all of these questions, but don't freak out. All the answers can be easily found in one detailed page on the history of the conflict.
After the historical research, comes the most entertaining part of the work: keeping an eye on current events (Google Alerts, BBC and CNN are good update sources). Focus on your country's diplomatic relations with all the nations both in and out of caucus. Your country's diplomatic relations with some other nation outside of the American caucus may be decisively determinant. (See effects of USSR influence on Cuba, and how it shaped relations with the USA)
For the Wikipedia fans, please make sure that you are not using this website as your milestone. Keep in mind that Wiki information can be edited by anyone. The MUN Leadership Team is not trying to make your life harder but instead just making sure that you will not get people angry or perhaps laughing at your face for stating wrong information in caucus and/or General Assembly.
Something else to keep in mind: do not be afraid to talk. If you happen to not be aware of something, do not freak out: it happens. Lying however, will only ruin your delegation's legitimacy.
Any questions, come talk to me at recess, lunch, or anytime you see me around.
Off line messages are also an option. chiara_cfv@hotmail.com
KiKi