Hello Reader,
Now I do my darndest to listen to other delegates during caucus, but after I've listened (like, really listened), understood, and discussed everybody's ideas - How do we actually go about integrating everything into one single resolution?
How can you turn ideas into action?
This is the hard part of the process for me, because at this point, you're balancing five different voices, three different 'suggested frameworks', and you have one delegate who just wants to smash all the ideas together and figure it out later on.
The question is:
How do you take other people’s ideas and integrate them in a way that strengthens your bloc without losing clarity?
We’ve got answers. Here’s how to make your resolution a team effort:
1. Categorize & Delegate 🧠
Like any good doctor in an emergency ward - the front end of bloc management is always going to be triage.
With all of your bloc members ideas, ask yourself one simple question:
“Is this an idea that I'm already covering?”
If it's not something that is important to you, pass it off to a different member of your bloc who's ideas are similar or complimentary, and let them figure it out together - A great CEO knows how to delegate.
💡Side note: This is why it's so important to listen at the start, because if you know what everyone's working on in your bloc, you become the de-facto project manager.
2. Sub-Clauses are your Best Friends 📄
Up next, you've figured out who's ideas in your bloc are similar to yours, and now you need to collaborate.
To do this, sub-clauses are your best friend. In MUN, you're almost never going to say no to somebody's ideas, the goal is inclusion. The most valuable tool of inclusion in resolution writing is the sub-clause.
Example:
You’re writing a clause on international funding. Another delegate suggests youth-led accountability. Instead of telling them to find another bloc, you throw on a sub-clause.
Original Clause:
Supports the creation of international funds aimed at climate adaptation in developing countries;
Integrated Sub-Clause:
Further recommends that said funds include youth-led monitoring mechanisms to track distribution transparency;
💡Learn How to Structure your Operative Clauses here!
3. It's Time for a Framework🏗️
Up next, you've got all of your sub-teams with their incredible clauses put together. Next, it would be great if you could put them all together into one incredible framework.
A well-structured framework not only streamlines the drafting process but also makes your resolution more persuasive during debates.
Steps to develop and utilize a framework:
- Identify Common Themes: Review the operative clauses to find recurring themes or objectives. This could be areas like education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability.
- Create an Acronym: Develop a memorable acronym that encapsulates the main pillars of your resolution. For example, "C.A.R.E." could stand for "Community Development, Access to Education, Renewable Energy, and Economic Growth."
- Align Clauses to the Framework: Assign each operative clause to a component of your framework. This alignment ensures that every clause contributes to the overarching goals and maintains coherence.
By establishing a clear framework, you provide a roadmap for your bloc, making it easier to integrate diverse ideas and maintain focus. But what if some ideas don't integrate into the framework? 👇
4. The “Miscellaneous” Section 🎨
Inevitably, some ideas won't align perfectly with your main framework. However, these contributions can still add value.
Strategies to incorporate these ideas effectively:
- Create a Supplementary Section: But instead of labelling it "Miscellaneous," Let your teammates pick a title that they like.
- Highlight Their Impact: Clearly articulate how these clauses support or enhance the primary objectives of your resolution. This connection reinforces their relevance.
- Encourage Ownership: Allow contributors to present and explain these clauses during discussions. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration.
5. Credit = Control 🤝
Recognizing the contributions of your bloc members not only fosters goodwill but also strengthens your leadership position.
Ways to give credit effectively:
- Acknowledge Contributions: Publicly acknowledge the input of delegates during discussions and in the resolution document. Phrases like "Building on the proposal from Delegate X..." can go a long way.
- Assign Sponsorships: Offer co-sponsorship opportunities to those who have made significant contributions. This formal recognition can motivate continued engagement.
💡Here are a few ways that you can give credit effectively
Just remember, always keep it an option to part ways when it makes sense. You might find you don't have enough room for everyone to become a sponsor, make sure you recognize it early so people have the chance to rebuild.
Final Thought:
In bloc management - you need to be a project manager, you won't control everything, or know everything that's going on. All that you need is to be the one putting out fires, and writing enough of the resolution to get by.
But as long as you are the person who brings the people, the ideas, and the resolution together, you'll be unstoppable.
You've got this.
Until next MUNday,
