By: Sönke Pietsch
Model United Nations is an extracurricular activity that provides a wealth of opportunities for students of various ages by challenging every scholar’s inner patience, collaboration skills, and debate. The conference at the University of Michigan serves as an amazing catalyst for delegates of various levels of experience, ranging from veteran representatives churning out working papers 5 minutes into committee to complete novices; this opportunity allows every student to project their skill and knowledge. Yet, some delegates, especially those new to the experience, are sometimes intimidated by the others and instead, choose to retreat into silence and do nothing.
The question obviously at hand: what do these delegates do with the idle time they spend in committee? The answer to this question is more surprising than some might think.
The first option that usually comes to mind when boredom hits hard is using, or more accurately *misusing*, a tool usually preserved as an alternative to cross-talk: note passing. Drawing scribbles on folded pieces of scrap paper or playing a round of tic-tac-toe with a friend on the other side of committee seems to be the go-to option for many newly trialed-delegates. Even for some, playing these games through note passing is simply just another form of game pigeon but on paper.
Here comes our first tip - when passing notes, you need to ensure that your dias, in this case specifically the pager, does not examine the contents of your ‘notes’ when bringing the paper to your friend. Even better, I recommend that you personally escort your paper to your friend and ensure it’s safe delivery without a hitch. For all those without this option, we recommend simply sharing the inside info on who did this, or who did that, maybe even related to policy, to make time pass faster.
Another appealing option for some delegates, especially those that actually want to take advantage of literally being at Model UN conference, is writing a resolution - granted, despite the fact that would never actually be addressed in the United Nations. Learning the formatting and language of a working paper draft can be beneficial nonetheless, although the ideas found inside it, are probably not written with the thought in mind to be taken seriously.
Let us enlighten you with yet another tip. When writing your resolution, regardless of content, make sure to use the outline and vocabulary list provided by your MUNUM handbook. This is tool is invaluable, and will act as your best friend for any future conference that you may attend, regardless of committee. Even better yet, by using this resource, you may even have the chance of having your paper be read out loud by the chair.
The final path some delegates take in their conquest against boredom is trying to insert themselves into the conversations of the matters at hand. While moderated caucuses and speakers lists may seem daunting, some delegates choose to participate in their committees through unmoderated caucuses or Q&As. However, what all these delegates have failed to consider, is that at the end of the day, you could always just join IPC...