Position Paper Workshop 2/8/17 Credit: Best Delegate Website

Why do we write position papers? A position paper is a document describing a topic, your country’s position, and possible solutions. It is important to write a position paper for each of your topics because it will help you gain insight on the issue and prepare you for the MUN conference.

What is involved? Writing a good position paper not only requires research skills, but also involves the ability to critically analyze the information you gather through your research.

Parts of a Position Paper 1-2 pages long with three parts: Define topic and provide background, including past international action regarding these topics/issues Country Policy on issues and related issues Possible solutions

Using credible sources a.k.a. The CRAP test C = Currency: Is the information recent enough for your topic? If you are doing a historical topic, then you will want to use primary sources. For current/future events, research should be within 10 years or so. R = Reliability/Relevance: Where does the information come from and does the information apply to your topic?

Using credible sources a.k.a The CRAP test A = Authority: Who authored this information? Was it a single person or several people? Was it a corporation or organization? Are their credentials provided? What is their reputation or expertise? Tip: to find out authors and the people behind a website, go to the bottom of the homepage or click on “about us”.

Using credible sources a.k.a. The CRAP test P= Purpose/point of view: What was the intent of the author, and how is the author connected to the information Who is the intended audience? Is the information intended to inform, persuade, sell, entertain…? Is this a first hand account of an event or research? Does the author have a vested interest in the topic?

Part 1: The Background Define the topic: Knowing the definition to the topic you’re writing about is essential, and it is a good way to start your research. After you know the short, general definition of your topic, you should try to gather details about the issue. Read articles, reports, background guides, and other sources to get a comprehensive view of the topic. Identify key terms and answer key questions. By analyzing these key terms and questions, you can find sub-issues that will narrow down the topic and make it easier to write the topic background. Example: for a climate change topic, key terms might include “greenhouse gasses” and “emissions”

Part 1 continued: Past international action In this part, you will discuss past international action regarding your assigned topics Remember to look at other countries’ actions! This might give you an idea of what has worked, what won’t work, the perspective and ideas of the other countries that you will be debating with.

Part 2: Country policy on issues and related issues Research how your country has handled the assigned issue in the past. If it’s a new issue, look for some similar issues to gather information about how your country handled the event/issue. A lot of this part will come from your BRAIN! You will not find this information directly on a website. You must use what you know about your country and its past actions and apply it to the assigned topics.

Part 3: Solutions In this section you will list and explain some possible solutions to the issues. Remember, you should keep your country in mind first, however the UN must serve all countries. Try to find solutions that will net the most positive result. Again, this will come straight from your brain!!!

Formatting and Editing Your paper should be double-spaced, using 12 point font. 1-2 pages double spaced. You may put your name, country and committee at the top right hand corner. Please edit!!!!! You are in Model UN. There should be no typos/incorrect grammar in your 2 page paper.

Remember… Imaging your position paper as a spring board to discussing and attempting to solve the issues. Avoid reading your position paper entirely in committee, instead highlight important parts, summarize. Position papers must be emailed or shared via Google with Ms. Goodin by Thurs 2/23. If you do not submit a position paper, your standing in Model UN might be in question. Have fun!!