Crisis Preperation
What is a “Crisis?”
Delegates to a conference prepare to address selected topics of relevance to their committees. However, in the dynamic arena of politics and world affairs, myriad situations develop every moment. When an issue arises of significant import, whether it is a military coup or natural disaster, concerned bodies on the international level are necessarily alerted. Faced with a sudden “crisis,” delegates in committee must recognize the pressing need to address such unexpected happenings with due precedence. Crisis directors and their staffs work to create briefings and updates to the committee in order to frustrate or reward the choices made by the committee as a whole. Inaction always leads to disaster.
What is a “Crisis Committee?”
Committees labeled as ‘crisis committees’ are usually composed of decision making bodies. At MSUMUN Session X, these bodies include the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the United States National Security Council (USNSC), the House Un-American Activies Committee (HUAC), and the Double Cross Committee. While in most committees at MSUMUN, you represent a country as a whole, in a crisis you often find yourself representing an individual, and determining a proper balance between personal glory and national interests. Smaller in size for efficient decision-making, empowered to take decisive measures, these committees are committees of action. A crisis in this sense is a set of ficticious events taking place during the conference to which the delegates must then respond. The MSUMUN staff assigned to each committee is charged with taking those responses, and tailor-making each scenario to fit the committee.
Committee topics sometimes are sometimes selected to promote formal debate, but more so to provide a research framework which may prove useful as conditions in the world scene evolve. Crisis Committees are fast-paced, interesting, and ultimately a whole lot of fun! Delegates face unanticipated issues, armed only with their knowledge of their country’s policies, their creativity, and their ability to diplomatically problem-solve. A Crisis Committee is truly the most comprehensive test of a delegate’s skill, and the most enjoyable whirlwind that a conference can offer.
So, if I don’t know what’s coming, there’s no real point in pre-conference research?
Obviously, that elaborate heading leads to this emphatic “NO.” Actually, as Crisis Committees are perhaps the most intensively interactive of all, they require that delegates be very prepared. How to begin? Be sure to:
1. RESEARCH YOUR COMMITTEE AND ROLE. That is, learn what your committee and your position can and cannot do. What does the Security Council have the mandate to order? What power does the Secretary of Homeland Security possess? Check the Charter and past actions of your committee, to familiarize yourself with how things work.
2. RESEARCH THE TOPICS. Read the background guides for your committee; your chair’s guide is an invaluable resource when it comes to directing your research. Become comfortable with both the history and current developments of the issues that will be addressed in your committee.
3. RESEARCH YOUR COUNTRY’S POSITION. See where your nation or individual stands on the issues and know your political allies, group blocs, and regional alliances. Explore past treaties to which your country has been a party, past resolutions your country has sponsored, your national history, etc. etc. Only a firm foundation of knowledge of your country’s policy will allow you to be conversant when new conflicts arise.
4. KNOW THE RULES. Each Crisis Committee at MSUMUN Session X will be running by its own form of specialized rules to best promote debate. It is important to know how your committee is going to be run if you’re going to do well. Read over the rules carefully, and if you have any questions about them, ask your Chair.
Your conference experience is a direct result of your participation; in a Crisis Committee, participation is facilitated by solid preparation.
Tips for Delegates in Crisis Committees
*Do the homework! You will feel much more comfortable, and find yourself infinitely more engaged, if you prepare beforehand. Knowledge is power.
*Be active! Nothing is as fun on the sidelines. When a situation arises, field ideas, collaborate, and always continue seeking new information. Take what you know, combine it with what is happening, and create a solution. The resolution of an international problem is in your hands; be a spectator, and nothing will be accomplished.
*Know the rules! Crisis committees usually have their own unique rules of procedure, involving different styles of debate and voting. Knowing the intricacies of these rules if often important.
* Be prepared to talk! Due to their smaller size, crises give a delegate a greater opportunity to speak. Try to do so whenever possible, provided you have something to add to the debate.
*Think critically! While pushing forward your own ideas is important, figuring out why other ideas won’t work is critical. Your argumentative skills are vital; if you think a proposal will end badly, do not hesitate to tell the committee why.
*Stay on policy! Though a crisis encourages delegates to be creative, it should not prompt an abandonment of your country’s position, especially to benefit only yourself. It is much more likely that any sign of betrayal will be leapt upon by your fellow delegates, ending your chances of a reward.
*Get excited! As a delegate in a Crisis Committee, you will have the opportunity to more truly experience the dynamic challenges and ever-changing pressures of a national or international organization.
