Writing Resolutions!

Working Paper While in unmoderated caucuses, delegates are encouraged to write Resolutions. However, before the resolution is presented to the Dais, it is known as a working paper.

Preambulatory Clauses State the reasons as to why the committee is adressing the topic and re-addresses previous action on the issue. (like an intro) Each clause begins with a present participle (-ing) Each separate clause is capitalized and underlined, however separated with a comma. Example: “Alarmed by the growing genocide in the area,”

Operative Clauses These follow the preambles, and they are preliminary introductions to the possible actions/recommendations made by the delegation(s) in the resolution Each clause is numbered, begins with an underlined verb(-s), and only states one idea. These are separated with semicolons and the last one ends the resolution with a period. Each idea can be further clarified with the use of Roman numerals Example: “Calls for immediate aid from UN Peacekeeping troops;”

Sponsors and Signatories Sponsor: A country that agrees with resolution’s content and intend to back it. (Generally expected to vote for it) Signatory: A country that does not necessarily support all aspects of the resolution however would like to hear various points debated. – they do not have to vote for the resolution. Working papers will generally need at least 3 sponsors and 3 signatories before it can be presented to the Dais.

Amendments Amendments are changes suggested by any member of the committee in regards to the content of the resolution. There are Friendly and Unfriendly Amendments. These ammendments are gernally suggested after a resoltuio nhas been presented.

Friendly Amendments These amendments are generally regarding positive changes to the resolution, and these changes, once approved by all of the Sponsors, can be added to the resolution without a vote.

Unfriendly Amendments These amendments are regarding changes that not all of the sponsors agree with, and to add it, it would have to be voted on by the entire committee. In order to be able to present an unfriendly Amendment, 20% of the committee has to sign on as signatories. Require two speakers for and two against and a majority vote before being added.

Presenting a Resolution The Sponsors will read the resolution outloud to the entire committee. Afterwards, there will be a five minute Q & A session with both substantive and non substantive questions. Substantive: questions asking to clarify intent or meaning behind a certain clause Non-substantive: questions clearing up punctuation and grammar errors.