MUN Advice: Making Motions

Hey all,

Here's something that's super important about MUN.

It's so important that MUN can even be called Motion UN, and I wouldn't bat an eye.

Making a good motion is essential to being a good delegate. They often affect the flow of committee and will get a delegate noticed by the chair should they pass often. They are also instrumental in writing the resolution, as they bring up points that are relevant to the solution for all delegates to talk with each other and negotiate about. Motions have to be:

1. Relevant,
2. Contribute to the current discussion, or propose a new idea to the problem,
3. Presented with the correct wording.

If the dais mentions that a certain motion would be 'smiled upon', or looked upon favorably, try to make that motion! It is most likely to advance discussion or to prevent circular speeches that all reach the same conclusion.

Motions can be used for many things, from opening debate, setting the agenda, creating a moderated caucus, unmoderated caucus, enter voting block, and more.

An example of a good motion to enter moderated caucus would be:

'The Delegate of Zimbabwe would like to motion for a 10 minute with 1 minute speaking time moderated caucus on the topic of helping to implement China's One Belt and One Road policy.'

Note how the motion is specific, provides a total time and speaking time, and provides a topic to discuss. It is also in third person, which is necessary for speeches AND motions.

An example of a good motion to enter unmoderated caucus would be:

'The Delegate of Canada would like to motion for a 10 minute unmoderated caucus on the topic of writing resolutions.'

Note how even unmoderated caucuses need a topic; this is BMUN procedure.

This is just an introduction to making motions; during conference, actually making motions will hone your skills to be a motion-making-master in no time!

See you at conference!

Billy