Virginia Model United Nations

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2 Resolution Writing A resolution is a written set of suggestions in a set format which is voted on by the committee for the purpose of addressing a specific topic. Resolutions can be long and detailed or quite short, depending on the nature of the committee. In many circumstances, a committee will have many resolutions which will all be voted on. Delegates should not hesitate to ask the chair if they have any questions about the structure or content of their resolution. Many chairs have specific ideas of what they would like to see in a resolution, and it is best to do what they would like. Working Papers: Before composing a formal resolution to deal with the topic problems, delegates may wish to transfer their general ideas into a working paper, or rough draft. Working papers are usually formed by a group of nations from the same geographic bloc or of similar ideological persuasion. Working papers need not be written in formal resolution format and may be simply a few major points jotted down. The purpose of a working paper is to have something in writing to serve as a starting point and reference point during caucus and formal debate. Though not formally introduced to the committee, working papers may be copied and distributed in committee, with the chair's approval. Working papers serve to help delegates identify the different views of the countries in the committee and facilitate the negotiation process. Resolutions are usually formed by combining or adjusting working papers. Resolutions: At some point in the debate, a group of delegates who have been working on a proposal will find they have enough support to formally bring their resolution before the committee. The proposed resolution must first be submitted to the chair who will look over it and decide whether or not to approve it. If the paper is approved, it will be typed and copied so the whole committee has one. When copies have been distributed, the writers of the paper, or sponsors, may formally introduce it before the committee. Although rules vary slightly, a resolution is often introduced by a sponsor simply reading the resolution before the committee after making a motion to introduce. They are often given time to answer questions of the body. Sometimes, however, a chair will simply suspend debate for a certain amount of time to allow the sponsors to jointly introduce the resolution. After a paper is introduced it become a formal resolution and all delegates are to refer to it as such. The resolution also receives a number. The first resolution of Topic 1, for example, is resolution 1.1.

3 Pre-written resolutions are not allowed at most conferences. A delegate may, however, want to write down some major points that address the problem areas of the topics before the conference to serve as a reference. Pre-written resolutions go against basic Model United Nations philosophy, which holds that debate should consist of the presentation of national policies upon which solutions can be based, not the presentation of pre-written resolutions upon which policies can be based. Delegates should recognize that the effectiveness and importance of the United Nations lies in its capacity for international discussion. Long-term solutions are mainly derived by altering world opinion, which is possible only through debate. Resolution format: A sample resolution is included in this guide. It begins with the committee name, followed by the topic on the next line, and the sponsors of the resolution on the third. Following this are preambulatory clauses. Formally, these are participle or adjectival phrases modifying the subject. Informally, they describe the committee's intent, motivation, and frame of mind in writing the resolution. Preambulatory clauses are followed by a comma and begin with an underlined participle or adjective which is capitalized. The following are often used as first words in preambulatory clauses: Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Believing Gravely concerned Having adopted Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention Bearing in mind Confident Considering also Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Having examined Having studied Having heard Having received Keeping in mind Noting further Noting with approval Noting with deep concern Noting with regret

4 Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Desiring Emphasizing Expecting Expressing its satisfaction Expressing its wish Fulfilling Fully aware Fully alarmed Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Noting with satisfaction Noting with zest Observing Reaffirming Recalling Recognizing Referring Reiterating Seeking Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming The operative paragraphs, which follow the preambulatory, formally make the predicate of the sentence. They contain the action of the resolution. Each operative clause begins with a capitalized present tense verb in the third person singular. Each paragraph framed by a new operative verb is indented five spaces, numbered, indented ten spaces, and ended with a semicolon. The following are often used as operative verbs: Accepts Appeals Approves Authorizes Calls Calls upon Commends Condemns Congratulates Confirms Considers Decides Demands Deplores Further endorses Further proclaims Further reminds Further recommends Further resolves Further requests Has resolved Notes Offers Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Renews Requests

5 Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its hope Supports Trusts Takes note of Urges Signatories of the paper are generally listed at either the beginning or the end of the paper. A paper can only be introduced as a resolution if it has the appropriate number of signatories, usually one-fifth of the body. Signing a paper as a signatory does not mean that a nation necessarily supports it, just that it wishes to debate it as a resolution. Sponsors of resolutions are generally counted as signatories as well. Passing resolutions: Generally, it becomes apparent that debate on a topic has reached some sort of conclusion, consensus, or final stage beyond which the arguments only repeat themselves. At this time, the chair may allow a motion that debate be closed on the topic area. Should such a motion be passed by the committee, debate on the topic area closes and all resolutions before the committee are brought to an immediate vote. Such a step is not to be taken lightly, for it generally means that no further discussion on the topic is possible and that the committee moves on to the next agenda item. Alternatively, debate may be tabled which means leaving the topic without voting on resolutions. The committee may then vote at some future point to take up the debate again. Tabling is useful when the debate becomes deadlocked.

6 International Relations Organization CONTACT US We appreciate hearing your feedback about our conference. Please direct all comments and inquiries to our Secretary General or our Under-Secretary General for Delegations. You can also contact us at the mailing address below. Secretary General USG for Delegations VAMUN c/o International Relations Organization P.O. Box Newcomb Hall Station Charlottesville, VA Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervises, nor control the organization and is not responsible for the organization s contracts, acts, or omissions