Rules of Procedure

The following rules of procedure apply to both crisis and general assembly committees. While it remains fairly standard in general assemblies, crisis committees do sometimes modify procedure to make it easier for delegates to operate in committee.

Motions: a delegate action made to direct debate

Important Note!

Motions always need to be voted on before they are fully implemented. Usually, you need a majority of the committee to pass a motion before it gets implemented, but this is up to the discretion of the dais (the people moderating the committee aka chairs). The chairs can also rule any motion dilatory, meaning that they don't deem the motion relevant at that time, and it will not be voted on.

Motion to open debate

Motion to open debate is used at the start of each committee session. It has to pass or the session cannot start.

Motion to set the agenda

Motion to set the agenda is used when the committee has more than one topic/agenda item to discuss. This motion is usually stated in the following format: "Motion to set the agenda to topic A then topic B." Use this motion to your advantage by setting the agenda to a topic that you are more prepared or excited to talk about. If this motion isn't accepted, the order will usually be the opposite of the proposed one (topic B then topic A). Sometimes the chair will take two speakers for and two speakers against this motion.

Motion to open the speakers list

Motion to open the speakers list allows delegates to sign up to speak on the speakers list.

Motion to suspend debate

Motion to suspend debate is only used between sessions but not for the final session. This is used for lunch breaks and—when conferences are multiple days long—pausing committee until the next day. This motion typically needs a second.

Motion for a moderated caucus

Motion for a moderated caucus (mod) is used to enter a debate format where delegates debate a specific topic. The topic, speaking time, and total time of this caucus are specified in the motion. It is typically stated in the following format: "Motion for a X minute moderated caucus with a speaking time of Y minutes/seconds to discuss the topic of Z." This can be shortened to the following format: "Motion for a X, Y mod caucus on the topic of Z." Usually the person who motions for a mod caucus gets to choose if they speak first or last.

Motion for an unmoderated caucus

Motion for an unmoderated caucus (unmod) is used to enter a debate format where delegates can leave their seats and talk to others more informally. You would raise this motion by saying, "motion for a X minute unmoderated caucus."

Motion to introduce a working paper/draft resolution

When a motion to introduce a specific working paper/draft resolution passes, the sponsors of that resolution introduce it to the committee. Typically, this means that the sponsors get up and read the operative clauses to the committee and then allow questions from the rest of the delegates.

Motion to move into voting bloc

Motion to move into voting bloc is used to open voting bloc (when delegates vote on draft resolutions and amendments). Sometimes the chair will take speakers for and against this motion.

Motion to close/adjourn debate

Motion to close/adjourn debate is used to adjourn committee at the end of the last session. This motion typically requires a second.

Motion Strategies and Uncommon Motions

Important Note:

Since these motions are more uncommon and less frequently used, they aren't always entertained by the chairs.

Motion Strategies

Order of Disruption:

What: In almost every committee, the most disruptive motions are voted on first. Chairs have an order of disruptive for the motions (as in which type of motion gets voted on first), but they always consider motions that are longer to be more disruptive than the same kind of motion that is shorter. For example, if delegate A motions for a 5 minute unmod and delegate B motions for a 10 minute unmod, delegate B's motion be voted on first.
When: You should use this if you want your motion to pass as you have a better chance of your motion passing if it gets voted on first—this is especially relevant to motioning for mods because the delegate whose motion passes gets to choose if they speak first or last. You can also use this when you want to disrupt other motions that you do not want to pass by passing your own motion.
How: At most conferences, a longer motion of the same type if considered more disruptive, so make your motion have a longer total time. You should also be aware of what your committee considers the order of disruption to be so you can disrupt motions you don't want to pass.

Poison Pill:

What: Proposing an unfriendly amendment with intent to divide the bloc by undermining the resolution. By adding an amendment that not all of the sponsors/signatories agree with, the resolution can lose a lot of support.
When: This should be used as a last-minute attempt to divide up blocs with the majority of delegates, so you don't burn any bridges too early.
How: To work most effectively, it should be an amendment that creates fundamental disagreement but isn't obvious. The unfriendly amendment also has to have the majority support of the committee (to pass and be added to the resolution) otherwise, it doesn't do anything.

Motion to Re-Order Draft Resolutions (and a strategy to use it)

This strategy requires you to gauge tensions between the blocs in your committee and should be used in the following situations: the blocs are evenly split, or your bloc is the majority. If there is an even split, you should try to place your resolution last and the one with the least amount of support first. Assuming the first one gets shot down, the delegates who worked on that resolution are more likely to shoot down the following resolutions. Since your resolution is the last one, there is often a sense of action bias that your committee has to pass something, leading delegates to vote for it. If your bloc has the majority number of delegates, it is generally a good idea to place yours first, but not necessary.

Note: you need to gauge the tensions in your committee to effectively utilize this strategy or determine if it is even needed

Motion to Divide the Question (and a strategy to use it)

Motioning to divide the question causes a draft resolution to be divided into sections and then those sections are voted on separately. The ones that pass are adopted into the resolution, and the rest are left out. Generally, this is an excellent way to remove clauses that you and most of the committee don't like if the sponsors are not receptive to amendments. Some conferences allow you to specify the division, whereas others require that each clause is voted on individually. If they allow you to do the former, then you can attempt to poison pill by including controversial clauses—if there are any—in as many clauses as possible. Still, it would be hard to do unless the bloc was already very divided, and that was reflected in the resolution.

Motion for a Moment of Silence

Motioning for a moment of silence is what it sounds like: getting the committee to do a moment of silence for a specific cause. Like the rest of the following motions, this is rarely used. In particular, this motion is often used as a joke but can be effective when you want to show your respect for whatever cause you choose.

Motion for a Roll Call Vote

Instead of everyone raising their placards to vote when the chairs say "all those for/against/abstaining," the chair goes down the attendance list and asks for votes individually. It also allows for the following:

Yes/No, with rights: explain why you are voting yes/no, virtually a free speech you can make in the middle of the voting procedure
Passing: but the chair will come back around to you after they’ve gone through the list

The chair will most likely rule dilatory since this takes a long time to do but can be a good opportunity to give some last-minute, rousing speeches.

Points: a delegate action that is taken directly to the dais and requires no vote, often regarding something that directly affects the delegate

How do I raise a point?

If you are raising a point when the floor is open for points or motions—between speeches when the chair asks if anyone has any points or motions by saying "are there any points or motions on the floor?"—you should raise your placard and wait to be called on before stating your point. You should always preface the content of the point with kind of point. If you are raising a point at another time in committee, politely raise your hand/placard and state the type of point (example: Point of Personal Privilege!"). Wait to be acknowledged by the chair and then state the content of your point (example: "I can't hear the speaker.")

Point of Personal Privilege

Point of Personal Privilege is a way to inform the dais that a delegate is experiencing discomfort, making it hard for them to participate in the committee actively. A few examples are being unable to hear another delegate, other delegations being disruptive, or the temperature is too hot in the room. This point may be raised throughout committee and interrupt speeches but make sure it is immediately relevant if you do so and regards the speaker. Do not use this point unless it is absolutely necessary as it can give your chairs a negative impression and interrupt the flow of committee.

Point of Inquiry

Point of Inquiries are used to clarify rules of procedure or confusion about what is going on in committee. This is most often used to define MUN terms or explain the chairs' procedures. For example, asking how many signatories are need on a resolution, clarifying if delegates can yield to questions, or asking how to request a break to type up amendments. Delegates should not interrupt speeches with this point and may only bring these up when the floor is open for points or motions.

Point of Order

Point of Orders are when a delegate thinks the dais has made a mistake, usually related to rules of procedure. For example, if a chair skipped over a speaker on the speakers list or forgot to ask "for all abstaining" during voting block. Delegates should not interrupt speeches with this point. Keep in mind that it is still up to the chair's discretion whether or not this point is valid and to clarify the action regardless. Point of Orders are often mixed up with POIs so make sure you are using the right one.

Point of Information

Point of Information are used for two reasons: to ask other delegates questions after their speeches or to ask the chairs a specific question about the topic. When used to ask other delegates' questions, these are typically only permitted after a Speakers' List speech provided that the dais has permitted it beforehand. When used to ask the chairs a question about the topic, these points are brought up after crisis updates or when the chairs ask for points.

Yields: when a delegate gives up speaking time for another purpose

Important Note!

Your chairs might not entertain (use or accept in that specific committee) all or any of the following yields, but they should clarify at the beginning of committee or on the background guide which they will accept. If it is never clarified and you are unsure, you can raise a Point of Inquiry (POI) to ask them.

How do I raise a yield?

Yields are stated in the following format after the conclusion of a speech: "I yield the rest of my time to ___."

Yield to chair

Yielding to the Chair is the most common yield and means that the delegate gives up the rest of their time. It is most often used if a delegate has finished their speech before their time is up. It would be stated in the following manner: "I yield the rest of my time to the chair."

Yield to another delegate

Yielding to another delegate means that the delegate gives up the rest of their time to another delegate. This delegate would then speak during the remaining time.

Yield to comments

Yielding to another delegate means that the delegate gives up the rest of their time to other delegates' comments on your speech. For example, if they agree or disagree with you. At some point in committee, chairs may designate the speaking time for each comment, but there have been cases where each comment's speaking time is only limited by the remaining speaking time for the speech.

Yield to questions

Yielding to another delegate means that the delegate gives up the rest of their time to other delegates' questions. The speaker is allowed to address each question until the speaking time runs out. Some chairs count questions as part of the speaking time, others don't.

Right of Reply: a tool to respond to an insulting statement that attacks individual or national integrity

This can be used in two circumstances: when another delegate insults a delegate or the nation that they represent. Whenever a delegate feels that the previously stated applies, they may request a Right of Reply. If the chair recognizes/accepts the Right of Reply, the delegate may be given time to respond to the statement. Typically, delegates are not allowed to call for a Right of Reply given the content of a Right of Reply speech.

More Information

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