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MUN_assist Crisis Guide
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Introduction:
It is undeniable that Crisis Committees can appear to operate in an
unpredictable manner. Unlike the structured approach that resolves
regular UN committees, crisis committees can conclude with unexpected
events like coups, assassinations, or even fantastical scenarios involving
aliens.
Crisis Committees, in the simplest of words, are fast-paced committees
that simulate small organizations or boards. Delegates take on unique
roles, such as ambassadors, news reporters, or fictional characters, rather
than representing countries. The goal is to accumulate social, political,
or economic power, which is indicated by the success of their
"out-of-room" actions brought "in-room". Crisis committees consist of
two main forums:
In-room: This refers to a delegate's actions within the committee,
including speeches, collaboration, and directive writing. It operates
similarly to a GA committee, with motions, moderated caucuses, and
unmoderated caucuses to discuss solutions to the committee's topics.
Out-room: What sets crisis committees apart from GAs is the use of
out-of-room tactics. Delegates communicate with crisis staffers through
crisis notes to create their own storylines, connect with characters in the
committee's realm, and exploit loopholes in other delegates' directives
for greater power.
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Crisis Paperwork:
In crisis committees, delegates produce two primary types of documents:
Directives: Similar to working papers and draft resolutions in GA
committees, directives have sponsors, who contribute to writing, and
signatories, who support the document's presentation but might not fully
endorse it. Directives include operative clauses that propose solutions,
without the need for background clauses. Directives can be private or
public in nature. Private Directives are taken in individual capacity – For
example, if you’re playing the Minister of Defense, you can choose to
move particular troops to a particular area through a private directive. It
is important to note that private directives are secret in nature while
public directives are voted upon.
Communiques:
Writing an MUN communiqué is like crafting a formal letter where you
share your country's or character's official position, ideas, and updates
with others. Think of it as a mini-report with a clear structure: start with
a header showing the session's details, then politely greet the recipient,
briefly introduce your purpose, explain your stance and actions, mention
teamwork and cooperation, wrap up with a quick summary, and sign off
with your name and contact info. Keep the language respectful and clear,
adapt it to what's happening, collaborate with teammates, and follow
proper rules. Sending it on time, making it neat, and making sure it
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relates to the topics or crisis will help you communicate effectively, just
like a friendly letter with a diplomatic twist. It is important to note that
Communiques are letters directed towards fictional characters or
characters not present in the committee. Communiques can be private or
public in nature. Private communiqués are not announced in the
committee, while public communiqués are voted upon. Communiques
usually lead to a reply fabricated by the executive board in the form of
the entity addressed in the communiqué.
Sample Directive:
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Sample Communique:
From: Ministry of Defense
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
Date: [Date]
To: Ministry of Communication
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
Subject: Urgent Communication Strategy - German Siege of Leningrad
Comrade [Recipient's Name],
The ongoing German siege of Leningrad necessitates swift action in
maintaining vital communication channels. Given the constraints posed
by the blockade, I propose close collaboration to establish secure and
innovative communication methods, ensuring timely information
dissemination to our brave defenders and citizens. By devising
alternative routes and encrypted codes, we can counter the enemy's
disruptions and bolster the spirit of Leningrad's heroic resistance. Your
expertise in communication strategies is indispensable in this critical
endeavor. Let us act swiftly to break the information blockade and show
the world the unwavering strength of the Soviet Union.
In solidarity,
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[Your Name]
Minister of Defense
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
Other Tips/Info:
The fast-paced nature of crisis committees involves simultaneous
directive-writing and speaking during moderated caucuses. Delegates
may even have to discuss solutions they're still in the process of writing.
Crafting your storyline involves several key points:
A. The first day aims to establish a foundation for later chaos. Notes
should collect resources, connections, and outlets for propaganda.
B. Subsequent sessions should build toward an intriguing peak,
prompting crisis staff to bring elements in-room without reaching the
climax.
C. The day before the conference ends, execute the climax, the most
impactful part of your storyline. Culminate resources and events to
achieve your goal.
Delegates may collaborate on joint-person directives (JPDs) over the
weekend, combining resources for complex actions. However, caution is
needed to avoid exploitation.
Crisis Updates: If a delegate's storyline is compelling, crisis staff may
introduce elements as updates without revealing the underlying arc.
Delegates must improvise responses to these updates through
paperwork.
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