POSITION PAPERS

For STLMUN I, position papers are mandatory for award eligibility. Writing a comprehensive position paper serves as great preparation before the conference and is a great way to show the chairs your expertise in the topics covered. If you have any questions regarding position paper policies that are not answered by the information on this page, please reach out to your respective committees via email.

Committee Emails:

Overpopulation: 2050 - stlmun.ecosoc@gmail.com

Into the Metaverse - stlmun.specialized@gmail.com

The Godfather - stlmun.crisis@gmail.com

WHAT IS A POSITION PAPER?

A position paper is a short essay that details the connection between your country/character and the topics that will be covered later on in committee. Position papers are designed to help the delegate prepare for the conference by clearly organizing your thoughts, ideas and solutions. It also provides an opportunity for the delegate to display their knowledge of the topic at hand and its relevance to their the overall committee.

Like any essay, a position paper should start with an introduction. The introduction should include a brief introduction to the country/ character and their relation to the committee. Delegates do not need to spend time re-introducing the topic at hand, as the chairs are knowledgeable about the topic (For example, we know that global warming is bad, you don't have to tell us this; tell us more about its effects on your country, possible solutions or ideas). Instead, delegates should spend their time focusing more on their own ideas and solutions to the issues presented.

Following the introduction are the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs should include a comprehensive analysis of the delegates country/character's stance on the topics within the committee. The body paragraph should also include but are not limited to: policies on the topic, past, present or future actions and any proposals or resolutions the delegate may want to see passed during committee.

Each background guide contains sections titled "Questions to Consider", these are questions placed there by the chairs to help the delegate think about possible solutions or ideas to problems found within the committee. If you're stuck, this is a great place to start your research.

AWARDS

Each committee will be giving out one Best Position Paper award. Delegates who fail to submit a position paper before the deadline will be ineligible for any award given out at STLMUN I.

REQUIREMENTS

We recommend that delegates keep their papers comprehensive and concise. There are no limits to the minimum page count, but delegates are encouraged to write at least one page. As for the maximum, position papers are to be no longer than 2 pages (Times New Roman font, 12pt, single spaced). Delegates should also cite their sources in either MLA or Chicago Style and include a bibliography containing all sources used within the paper, however, the bibliography does not count towards your page limit. As a general-principle, anything that is not common knowledge should be properly cited (ie. Ontario is a province within Canada).

SUBMISSIONS

Delegates should submit their positions papers to their respective committee emails (found at the top of the page) by Wednesday, June 1st, 11:59 pm in order to be considered for the Best Position Paper award. Position papers will only be accepted in .pdf format, this is to ensure nothing gets accidentally changed or edited.

*Background guides are now live!*

If you're having trouble submitting by the deadline, please email your respective committees and we will try our best to help you out.

Any other questions regarding requirements, formatting and general inquiries should be emailed to our USG of Committees, Amelie Kolnik at amelie.kolnik@gmail.com .