Ben Chambers, Director General
Rules Of Procedure Revision
Make sure you have read through our newly updated delegate handbook (link) and know the rules of procedure. Don’t worry if you get lost at times, you’ll be able to ask questions with a ‘Point of Parliamentary Inquiry’ during the conference if you are confused by anything ROP-wise, and our chairs will be happy to explain. If there is anyone you know that has been to an OxMUN before, ask them for advice on what it’s like. Most importantly, come with an open mind and be ready to learn!
Position Paper
Your position paper, handed in through our online form by the deadline (deadline), is the backdrop to any debate on the first day of the conference, so it can be helpful to have a copy or two on-hand to refer to whenever you need, as well as other key resources. At OxMUN we have a no-tech policy, so no laptops or other electronic devices during debate, but you will be allowed them back during unmoderated caucuses for writing working papers or draft resolutions. Being no-tech doesn’t mean you should cut down a whole forest in paper print-outs though! Read things before you come to the conference to be mentally prepared, but most importantly come with your own ideas. It’s ok to not quote statistics or facts during your speeches; you should instead be listening to what other delegates say and respond to their points, this is the best way to build good resolutions on your issue.
Your First Speech
As well as not using lots of print-outs, we would recommend you only write brief notes for your speeches, so that you can look up and address the other delegates during your speeches. Of course, making your first speech is scary, so do bring some notes written down to give you confidence, but reading word-for-word during debates will not be demonstrating the good debating skills you have been working so hard on!
Dress to Impress!
Dress code for the conference is business smart. This might mean wearing your school uniform if that is your school’s policy, or a simple suit and tie or other smart wear from home. Either way, you want to put your best foot forward and show you mean business! Also make sure you have organised enough time the morning before the conference to check you have everything you need and aren’t panicking in the morning! The theme of the conference is ‘spotlight’ so if you have traditional clothing you would like to wear to cast a spotlight on your culture, OxMUN encourages and welcomes you to do so!
A Final Pep Talk
From everyone here at the OxMUN team, we are so excited to welcome you in just a couple days’ time to Oxford. Come with confidence that your voice and ideas are valuable and welcome, that your teamwork and negotiation skills will deliver a great resolution, and that there are many other students coming who will become fast friends. There is lots to be excited about; our delegate gala being one of them! Diplomacy, advocacy, and well-thought-out debate will be your key to success. Maybe it will be you carrying home our best delegate award?