Part 3 | Motions | UNA/USA MUN Procedural Training Series

SkillSphere Education
30 Aug 202109:51

Summary

TLDRThis video is part three of the UNA-USA MUN procedural series, guiding delegates through the process of motions in a Model United Nations conference. It explains how the flow of proceedings is determined democratically, emphasizing that the Executive Board cannot make unilateral decisions. The video details the step-by-step procedure for raising, seconding, and voting on a motion to begin proceedings for the day, including the importance of quorum, placard recognition, and achieving a simple majority. Delegates also learn key rules such as the impossibility of abstaining on procedural votes and the rare discretion of chairpersons to override outcomes. A live demonstration concludes the session.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Motions are formal requests used in MUNs to ensure democratic and orderly decision-making.
  • 😀 The executive board cannot make arbitrary decisions; all major procedural actions require a vote.
  • 😀 The first motion typically raised is the 'motion to begin proceedings for the day' once quorum is established.
  • 😀 Any delegate can raise their placard to propose a motion once recognized by the chair.
  • 😀 The chair confirms if a motion is 'in order' before it can proceed to seconding and voting.
  • 😀 A motion requires at least one second from another delegate to be valid; otherwise, it automatically fails.
  • 😀 Voting on procedural motions requires a simple majority (50% + 1 of delegates) to pass.
  • 😀 Delegates cannot abstain from voting on procedural motions; they must vote for or against.
  • 😀 The executive board and chair have the rare discretion to override a vote if deemed necessary.
  • 😀 The process for motions—including raising, seconding, and voting—remains consistent for nearly all procedural motions.
  • 😀 Some rare motions may not require seconding or a vote; these exceptions are specific and discussed separately.
  • 😀 Understanding the motion process is crucial for participating effectively in MUN committee proceedings.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of motions in an MUN?

    -Motions are procedural tools used to decide the flow of proceedings in a democratic manner, ensuring that all delegates' views are considered rather than decisions being made unilaterally by the executive board.

  • Which motion is typically raised at the beginning of a committee session?

    -The motion to begin proceedings for the day is usually the first motion raised to formally start the committee's work for the day.

  • How does a delegate raise a motion in an MUN?

    -A delegate raises a motion by lifting their placard when the Chair asks if there are any motions on the floor. Once recognized by the Chair, the delegate states the motion verbally.

  • What does it mean when a motion is 'in order'?

    -When the Chair says a motion is 'in order,' it means the motion is valid, formally recognized, and ready to be seconded and potentially voted upon.

  • What is a 'second' to a motion, and why is it necessary?

    -A second is a delegate expressing support for a motion. At least one second is required for the motion to proceed to a vote. If no second is given, the motion fails automatically.

  • How is a vote on a procedural motion conducted?

    -The Chair asks all delegates in favor to raise their placards, followed by those against. The number of votes is counted, and a simple majority determines whether the motion passes or fails.

  • What constitutes a simple majority in an MUN vote?

    -A simple majority means 50% plus one of the votes. For example, in a committee of 17 delegates, at least 9 votes in favor are required for the motion to pass.

  • Can delegates abstain from voting on procedural motions?

    -No, abstaining is not allowed for procedural motions. Delegates must vote either for or against, and failing to vote can result in reprimand from the Chair.

  • Does the Chair have any discretion in the voting process?

    -Yes, the Chair and the executive board can override voting results if they believe that passing or failing a motion makes more procedural sense, although this happens rarely.

  • Are there any motions that do not require seconding or voting?

    -Yes, some specific procedural motions do not require a second or a vote. These exceptions are rare and usually pertain to predefined procedural rules.

  • Why is understanding motions important for MUN participants?

    -Understanding motions is crucial because they govern the flow of the committee, ensure democratic decision-making, and allow delegates to actively participate in procedural decisions.

  • How does the demonstration in the video illustrate the motion process?

    -The demonstration shows a delegate raising a motion, it being seconded, and a vote taking place, highlighting the step-by-step procedure and the importance of placard recognition and majority voting.

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Related Tags
MUN ProcedureModel UNDelegates GuideCommittee MotionsVoting ProcessQuorum RulesUNASAStudent TrainingParliamentary ProcedureEducational VideoConference GuideDemocratic Process