University of Minnesota Model United Nations

UMMUN>Preparation Guide>Caucusing

Caucusing, or informal debate, is an important part of the Model UN simulation because it provides an opportunity for delegates to collaborate, negotiate and formulate draft resolutions. During a Model UN conference, caucuses can be either moderated or unmoderated.

When a committee holds a moderated caucus, the Chair calls on delegates one at a time and each speaker briefly addresses the committee. During an unmoderated caucus, the committee breaks for a temporary recess from formal proceedings so that delegates can work together in small groups. To hold a caucus, a delegate must make a motion and the committee must pass the motion.

Many delegates prefer to speak during a moderated caucus rather than being placed on the speaker's list. In a moderated caucus, speakers are usually able to convey one or two key points to the entire committee or share new ideas that have developed through the course of debate. A delegate sometimes chooses to make a motion for a moderated caucus if his or her name is close to the end of the speakers list. By speaking in a moderated caucus, delegates are able to address the committee much ea rlier.

  In most cases, more than half of committee time is used for unmoderated caucusing. Many delegates feel this is the ea siest way for them to collaborate and start to formulate draft resolutions

Tips for Effective Caucusing

Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would like to see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to negotiate on and which you are not.  

Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the ea siest way to seek out allies. However, if you find that the group you are working with is not meeting your needs, do not be afraid to switch groups.

Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree with an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your country's policy.   

Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make sure that you are not giving up anything too important.

Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other people's ideas and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each delegate in your group.

Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than interrupting others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down your idea so that you can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.

Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the last minute, begin recording fellow delegates' ideas right away.

Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information as they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.

Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is the best way to find out a delegate's position on an issue. Larger groups are better suited to brainstorming.   

Stay calm: In caucuses debate can become very heated and delegates can sometimes "lose their cool." Staying calm will not only help your group be more effective, but it will be appreciated by everyone.

Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyone's ideas so that you can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small details that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.

Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should not do. Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.

Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate, focus on providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative. Critique ideas, not people.