THIMUN: A new experience

 So I am attending a MUN camp at Georgetown University in Washington DC. It has been an amazing experience. I've learned public speaking, resolution writing, how to optimize research and most importantly I've met a lot of great new people and made some very important connections. 

 Today we had practice committees. Now, in the previous practice committees I'd felt really uncomfortable and not as though I was able to excel and participate as I usually do and am used to. Today we had the opportunity to try out another MUN procedure THIMUN(The Hague International Model United Nations)-this is based on british parliamentary procedure and is most commonly used at MUNs in Europe, Asia and the pacific-. I would recommend THIMUN, it is more constructive for the delegate and for your general knowledge. Delegates have the opportunity to develop more social tools and also critical thinking.

 The procedure for THIMUN is like this:

1) Opening speeches: This is when each delegate has the floor to express each countries view on the topic. It is better to go up and propose your countries' past action and also solutions you would propose.(Be sure to start sending notes to delegations who you believe have the same policies as your delegation, this way you can start identifying what peers you will be working with)

2) Lobbying: This is the form of unmoderated caucus. Blocs are formed and draft resolutions begin being written. This usually lasts a day.(Delegations are normally represented by more than 3 delegates and each delegate mediates with a different subject along with other delegates that were given the same topic) 

3)Working Papers: With all draft resolutions done we go on to presenting the draft resolutions where all usually a delegate from each bloc will come up and read their draft resolution. After, all delegates will read their own copy of the draft resolution and can add amendments-all amendments go to the chair first- After a good session of critical thinking we go on to delegations speaking in favor of the resolution. Then, we proceed to debate where each country declares why they are in favor or against certain resolution. Delegates then proceed to have the floor where they go through a session of Q&A set by the delegate speaking. Amendments are then discussed and voted on. Clauses can also be removed. Draft resolutions are then voted on and then proceed to become a resolution. -More than one resolution can be passed-

 If I could highlight one thing about THIMUN is the aspect that there is no awards. This eliminates the competitive aspect of MUN(which can be good) and adds a more "lets all work together and share ideas" aspect. Although there is no awards there is however invitations to chair at the next conference. The utmost best thing about THIMUN is that resolutions that are passed are sent to the UN. This gives a real purpose to MUN, if not to change the world and help it. Why are we doing MUN?