Joint Crisis Committee Special Procedure

Composition of the Crisis Committee

The Joint Crisis Committee consists of two committees, each representing different sides of the same conflict. Each committee is made up of representatives of that side of the conflict, whose goal is to emerge ‘victorious’. The actions of each committee will directly impact the development and decisions of the other committee.

In-room

Debate within the committee is focused on working with other delegates to solve crises, through the passing of directives. The ultimate goal of in-room is to work together to defeat the other committee, thus accomplishing the joint goal of the committee.

Out of room

The out of room portion of the committee is the aspect that separates crisis from normal GA committees. It is focused on delegates achieving their personal goals through the establishment of a crisis arc. Delegates set up a crisis arc by sending crisis notes to the Crisis Room, who respond to these notes and help delegates establish a personal storyline. The goal of each delegate's crisis arc should be to build an arc that is so important that it impacts the flow of the committee and impacts crisis updates.

Structure

A crisis note is a note sent to the Crisis Room that seeks to build the influence, strength and power of the delegate, by reaching out to their contacts in the “outside world”. These contacts can include family, coworkers, friends, and anyone else that the delegate’s assigned character would realistically contact. The crisis note should take the form of a letter and include any of the necessary components of a letter (failure to do this may result in rejection of the note from the Crisis Room). The note should be written in a way that it is capable of answering the questions who, what, where, when and how. Delegates cannot call on powers and/or resources that they are not in possession of or that are outside of their character’s capabilities.

Crisis Arc

A crisis arc is a series of crisis notes that attempts to help the delegate’s character reach their ultimate personal goal and/or increase their influence in the committee. It is important to note that a delegate is not restricted to just one crisis arc. It generally consists of three stages, which can be called the acquisition, allocation and execution stage. The acquisition stage is where the delegate gets the necessary contacts and resources needed for their plan. The allocation stage is where the delegate moves the resources necessary for their plan to their needed location. The execution stage is where the delegate carries out the action of their plan. It is recommended for delegates to have a pre-planned crisis arc at the start of the committee that has been approved by their head delegate/advisor.

Motions and Points

Other than what is explicitly mentioned here, the Joint Crisis Committee follows the procedures regarding motions and points like the GA Committees.

Motion to Introduce Directives

This motion is specific to Crisis Committees, as they are the only committee that uses directives. Directives are similar to the resolutions passed in General Session Committees, except that they are action oriented rather than advisory. It is the way in which the entire committee is able to make decisions and take action. This motion is used to introduce all the directives that are currently on the floor, under the condition that they have the necessary number of signatories. The directive must have been approved by the chair before being introduced to the committee.

Motion to Censor

It is possible to vote to censor another delegate if it is determined that they have committed a serious crime. Depending on the severity of the delegate’s crime, their voting rights and/or submission rights can be revoked for a specified amount of time. This is a very serious action and should not be taken lightly by the committee, as such it is at the discretion of the Chair to determine whether it is appropriate. It is not considered appropriate to attempt to censor a delegate simply for having a different opinion and will be viewed as such by the Chair.

Crisis Powers

Crisis Powers are another aspect that makes Crisis Committees unique. These are the powers that each character has as a result of their position in the committee. Delegates can draw on these powers during in-room debate and out of room actions. These crisis powers can help to direct the allocation of committee responsibilities and power dynamics.

Position Paper

Crisis position papers are different in structure from more traditional GA style position papers. They are much more flexible in structure and generally much shorter as well. Delegates should be sure to cover their character’s understanding of the crisis, major issues that may arise in committee and solutions their characters would propose, what their character expects to happen in committee and how they are critical to solving the crisis, and what they hope to accomplish in committee (as a member of the committee and as an individual character). Delegates should write in the first person as their character and include any bias or views their character has. Position papers are still expected to be formal, in-depth, and properly formatted. Position papers should be written in size 12, with font Times New Roman or Arial. There is no page minimum or maximum, but delegates should be sure to cover all necessary information and points to be prepared for the conference. Position papers should be sent to the Chair of the delegate’s committee before the deadline, in order to be considered for awards.

Behavior in Committee

Delegate Expectations

Delegates are expected to use respectful terms of address (ie. “Esteemed Delegates/Chair”) and refer to any delegate by their title during committee sessions. Delegates are also expected to follow the rules of procedure and debate. Additionally, delegates should arrive at committee sessions fully prepared and ready to work. Any disruptive or inappropriate behaviour is discouraged and may be met by disciplinary action.

Personal Expectations

Delegates are expected to be respectful to other delegates and members of staff at all times. This includes following conference rules and refraining from any actions that may be considered offensive to another participant in the conference. Any inappropriate behaviour is discouraged and may be met by disciplinary action.

Resources for further research:

https://bestdelegate.com/how-to-survive-your-first-crisis-committee/