EDUMUN 2015 Position Papers

Learning Targets 1.Learn how to research relevant information and reliable sources 2.Learn to organize ideas coherently 3.Learn to write professionally and effectively

Seminar Overview 1.What is a position paper? 2.Research What is my country’s position? 4.How to organize a position paper 5.Solving the issue 6.Write professionally! Be Sure to: Take notes Ask questions at the ends of slides or during activities

What is a position paper? All of the important information Background on the issue and past UN action Your country’s stance Statistics, speeches and relevant facts Your ideas and solutions Conclusions you draw from your research Your analysis of the issue from your country’s point of view Your solutions and courses of action Use it at a conference! Forms the basis for speeches and statements Your ultimate reference Quick facts and sources to back up points Your solutions and original ideas

Research 101 Background information Use your background guide! Look up past UN actions and resolutions Learn the history of your issue and who’s involved Get to know your country! Learn your foreign policy Learn your geopolitical position Find your allies and adversaries Use it at a conference! Strong knowledge base means you can participate in any conversation Your speeches will carry weight if you are well researched

What is my country’s position? Identify your stance Look at your country’s voting record and past actions Read speeches from government officials Look at internal actions on the issue Vote with your bloc If your country isn’t involved, find out who your strongest allies are and support them Use your knowledge of your country’s greater values to find a position Use it at a conference! Connect with your allies! Develop good relationships early Present your solutions and past successful actions Stay true to your foreign policy

Solving the issue! Learn from the past Look at relevant past UN action and identify what has been successful and why Look to other national or smaller scale actions to find successful ideas Foreign policy Make sure your solutions are consistent with actions your country has taken or supported Be creative You should be well researched on your issue by now, so don’t be afraid to propose your own solutions and original ideas Be thorough Address every aspect of your issue with your ideas

How to organize a position paper 1 -Topic Background Include important history of the issue and projected future Don’t make this too long 3 –Your Position Your country’s stance on the issue Actions your country has taken or supported (internal or international) 2 –Past UN Action Find past plans and attempted solutions to the issue Don’t just list resolutions – discuss their successes and failures 4 –Solutions/Conclusion Present meaningful solutions that haven’t been tried before Stay consistent with your foreign policy Feel free to include your original thinking and ideas

Write professionally! Tone and Flow Your position paper should come off as respectful and neutral The ideas should flow coherently Include transitions Write concisely Word choice Speak in the third person Vary word choice (don’t use international 20 times) and sentence structure Use impressive words if they add to the paper Pro tips Create a works cited page for your own reference and anyone who questions your information Statistics and quotes add a professional and practical element to your paper Write as though you are an actual UN delegate

Position Paper Drill! We’ll take 10 minutes to write quick papers on the topic: Chocolate or Vanilla? Time: (15 minutes) Activity Steps Use the position paper format – Topic info, Past UN action, (you’ll have to make it up) your stance, and your solution to this age old conflict Don’t worry, this should just be a fun way to get acquainted with the format We’ll briefly debate afterwards

Reflection 1.Learn how to research relevant information Learn your country, foreign policy, and issue and how they all fit together 2.Learn to organize ideas coherently An effective paper will include topic background, UN action, your country’s position, and propose solutions 3.Learn to write professionally and effectively You should be concise, direct, neutral, and respectful

Questions?

EDUMUN 2015 Thank you for your time!