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Dual Delegations In An Online World

 When I was a delegate going to conferences in the San Francisco Bay Area, the most difficult part was working with a partner in committees that are double assigned. Unless you were already good friends with your partner, working with another student for MUN was incredibly taxing. Not only was there always an unequal share of the research and position paper writing work but, in committee, it was hard to coordinate which resolutions we wanted to support and people that we wanted to work with. 

You are the expert on how you and your partner will split up roles in committee but here are some tips and considerations that made double assigned committees a blast:

Have Pre-defined Roles
These roles do not have to be set in stone but help provide a roadmap on how you and your partner will divide up the committee work. Who will be the content expert? Who will speak in moderated caucuses? Who will work the room in unmoderated caucuses? Who will make the call whether or not to support a resolution? Who will raise their hand to motion and/or vote in committee? You can play to your strengths in these predefined roles.

Have Clear Communication Throughout Conference
Be honest and clear to each other what is the best way to communicate with each other before and during the conference. Do you need to meet up ahead of time to work through a game plan? Does one of you only check their email once a day? When are NOT good times to reach out to your partner? 

Do Your Research!

Both delegates should come in with a solid knowledge for both topics. While it is common to divide up the position paper writing work, it is important to at least read your partner's paper before conference! Even better, read each other's work before you turn in the position paper to check for egregious grammar mistakes or plagiarism. Being knowledgeable about both topics will allow both you and your partner to stay engaged throughout the entirety of the conference!

Strategize for an Online World

There are some benefits to being on Zoom for the committee. The biggest one is that you will be at your computer the entire time! Unlike in person committee, you will be free to do last-minute research, fact check each other,and message each other. Other benefits are intrinsic to the Zoom platform such as the ability to see where all the other delegates are and keep better track of the flow of debate. Our unmoderated caucuses are held in breakout rooms which adds another dimension where stellar delegates can help facilitate conversations to their advantage. 

You are the Expert! What are some ways that the chairs can help make partner work online flow smoothly? 


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