On the Model UN circuit, every conference is run differently. One of the easiest ways to see this difference is in the ways that each conference orchestrates the passing of crisis notes. Many styles have emerged that each provide their own advantages and disadvantages, but all aim towards the common goal of maximizing speed, detail, and action. The largest difference falls between doing notes electronically or on paper, as this provides a very different delegate experience. Below are some of the most commonly used systems of facilitating crisis arcs, and suggestions on how to orient accordingly.
Paper Notes
The old-fashioned method of pen and paper is used at most conferences. One main reason for this is the continued emphasis on preparation before entering committee. By outlawing technology in committee rooms, the most prepared delegates are often rewarded due to their research. While paper crisis notes are the most common, there are various systems to facilitate the passing of notes.
Two-Pad
The two-pad system has become one of the most commonly used methods on the circuit. Delegates are given two legal pads and are told to only send one to crisis at a time, ideally creating a system of exchanging pads each time notes are returned. Delegates are able to organize separate crisis arcs in each pad, with the goal of joining them together at the end of committee.
Pros: Allows for delegates to run multiple arcs simultaneously but separately, avoids clutter in both the backroom and front room, lets delegates read previous notes to allow for cohesion and continuity, encourages greater privacy, as crisis notes are passed around the room less frequently
Cons: Delegates often write longer notes, making response time slower, makes spontaneous notes with short-term impact harder to get to crisis, forces the use of free notes for joint crisis notes (also known as joint personal directives, or JPDs), continuity is sometimes difficult to achieve between pads
Tip 1. Prepare Multiple Arcs: As any crisis delegate knows, it is easy to get flustered when notes don’t go to plan. Having multiple arcs up your sleeve can help alleviate this problem, which is emphasized by needing a progression of an arc in each pad.
Tip 2. Let Crisis Know Where You’re Going: Giving crisis an idea of where you wish to take an arc is incredibly helpful in a two-pad system. Make crisis understand why you are doing something, especially if you are venturing well outside the committee topic. This allows for planning on their end, not just yours.
Free Notes
The usage of free notes has become slightly less common on the circuit, but many conferences use this style for their crisis notes, as it is far simpler than other methods. Delegates submit crisis notes on torn out sheets of paper to the dais or crisis staffers, and the response typically comes on the same sheet. Whether delegates are allowed to submit multiple notes at a time is at the discretion of the dais, crisis staff or the conference secretariat. Delegates are left to decide how to orchestrate their arcs through these notes.
Pros: Extremely simple to use and orchestrate, easier for delegates to organize and send JPDs, (potentially) makes for quicker response time, allows delegates to create and organize arcs in any way they see fit (instead of in two separate threads)
Cons: Difficult to write notes that span more than one page, can cause disorganization for individual delegates’ notes, continuity can be difficult due to previous notes not being present for staffers, passing paper around the room can cause clutter and lost notes
Tip 1. Stay Organized: It is so easy to toss aside an important note and forget about it until its too late. Develop a system of organization to make sure all loose notes get a response or are read to ensure that no information is missed.
Tip 2. Use Joint Crisis Notes: Free notes makes sending joint crisis notes incredibly simple. Cooperation is key, even in a crisis committee. Pooling resources and developing an elaborate idea with another delegate is a great way to make waves in crisis.
Electronic Notes
In recent years, more conferences have been utilizing technology for crisis notes. While technology is already commonly used in General Assembly committees, its integration into crisis has not been as widespread. Technology provides a different flow of committee, as it brings the element of in-room research and media usage in notes into what has previously been a tech-free space. This trend has been growing around the circuit and it is clear now that electronic crisis notes are here to stay. Multiple methods have been used on the circuit, but new technology is continually being adapted and created to best fit this niche. Both pros/cons and tips for success are the same for this section, as the method used does not create a noticeable difference in technology committees.
Using email for crisis notes is the simplest way to utilize technology in a crisis committee. Delegates will create an email account for the conference or use their personal accounts, making clear their position and character. An email thread is then started, containing all the notes for a day of committee or a single arc.
Slack/Other Platforms:
Some conferences have begun using Slack or other platforms to facilitate crisis notes. This allows delegates to make a profile based on their character on the platform and use this to send both crisis notes and in-room notes. Staffers are able to reply in real time from a different room on the same platform.
Pros for Electronic Notes: Quicker response time, allows for the integration of media (pictures, videos, links) into notes, allows delegates to do in-room research, allows for continuity of notes, saves paper, reduces clutter
Cons for Electronic Notes: Can lead to distractions and lower-quality debate, opens the door for technological issues (Wi-Fi outages, chargers), allows delegates to do in-room research, less traditional committee flow
Tips for Electronic Crisis Notes:
Tip 1. Use Media: Including pictures, videos or outside links in your crisis notes (when used within reason) helps clarify points, add detail, or give the note a whole new meaning. Making the crisis staffer reading the note laugh is never a bad move!
Tip 2. Move Fast: Electronic notes makes arc-building more attainable with significantly more speed. Work quickly to ensure that your arcs reach the level you’re looking for.
Tip 3. Proofread: It is incredibly easy to try to focus on two things at once and type the wrong word or make a typo in a note. These little mistakes can be the death of you in committee. Re-read notes before they are sent to avoid this.
Every committee at every conference operates a little differently than all the others. While the system of passing crisis notes make a difference, delegates can succeed in any committee by tailoring their work to the situation. These skills are nuanced, transferable and are not mastered without practice. The best delegates are able to adapt their skills to the setting they find themselves in, making versatility key to success on the collegiate circuit.
