Double Delegates - Working with a partner in MUN
Double delegating in Model UN can enhance your experience by allowing you to share tasks, maximize strengths, and build an effective partnership. However, achieving success as a double delegate takes more than just splitting responsibilities—it requires preparation, clear communication, and a solid strategy. This guide provides actionable tips for working with a partner effectively, organized into two key phases: Pre-Conference Prep and In the Committee Room.
Pre-Conference Prep
Preparation before the conference is key to building a strong foundation with your partner. This phase will help you align your goals, establish roles, and anticipate challenges you may face together.
1. Get to Know Each Other’s Strengths and Preferences
Start with a casual conversation about your experiences, strengths, and areas for growth. Understand each other’s styles—are they more comfortable with public speaking, or do they prefer behind-the-scenes work?
Identify how each of you can contribute to the team based on your strengths, and discuss where you can support one another.
2. Develop a Strategy Together
Outline your goals for the conference, such as main priorities for your delegation, potential allies, and key messages you want to communicate.
Decide on a game plan: How will you divide tasks like speech-giving, note-passing, and drafting resolutions? Make sure you have a strategy for how you’ll handle these roles based on the committee type.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
If possible, do a trial run in a mock committee session or simulation. Work on your speaking roles, pass notes, and try drafting a mock resolution together.
Practice handling common scenarios you may encounter, such as negotiating alliances, presenting speeches, or responding to points of information. Real-time practice will highlight any tendencies that need adjustment and strengthen your partnership.
4. Research as a Team
Divide research responsibilities based on your committee’s needs. One of you might focus on background information and country positions, while the other dives into the technical aspects or specific policies.
During your research, keep each other updated and discuss potential resolutions or solutions you’d like to pursue in committee. This collaborative research helps you brainstorm together and ensures that both delegates are informed and aligned on the topics.
5. Set Communication Guidelines
Establish how you’ll communicate during the conference. Will you meet for check-ins at certain times? Do you prefer quick side conversations between sessions?
Plan for times when you’ll update each other on what’s happening in your respective groups or if you’ve made any deals or commitments. Consistent updates prevent misunderstandings and help you maintain a cohesive front.
In the Committee Room
Once you’re in the committee room, teamwork and adaptability will be essential. Use these tips to maximize your effectiveness as a double delegate and ensure you’re both contributing actively.
1. Divide Roles Effectively, But Stay Flexible
Depending on your committee’s needs, one of you may focus more on speeches, while the other handles note-passing, drafting, or lobbying. However, be ready to adapt if the situation changes. For instance, if one partner gets drawn into a negotiation, the other might need to take over an unexpected speech.
Rotate responsibilities periodically to keep both of you visible and engaged in different aspects of the debate.
2. Play to Each Other’s Strengths in Real Time
Use your partner’s strengths in the most strategic moments. If they’re a strong speaker, have them take the lead on key speeches or introduce critical points during debates.
Similarly, if one of you is better at managing logistics or building coalitions, that delegate can handle building relationships and keeping the chair informed of your activities.
3. Maintain Consistent Communication
Between breaks, caucuses, and even during moderated caucuses, take quick moments to regroup. Share updates on the progress of any discussions, agreements made, or notable insights.
If you’re unable to regroup often, establish a “code” for quick signals that you both understand. For example, certain gestures or notes can indicate whether you need to regroup urgently or if everything is proceeding as planned.
4. Show Equal Visibility
Make sure both of you are seen and heard by the chair. Even if one of you is taking on more speaking roles, the other should be actively involved in caucuses, asking questions, or engaging with delegates.
Visibility doesn’t just apply to speeches—participating actively in lobbying, drafting resolutions, or engaging with other blocs makes it clear that you’re both contributing members of your delegation.
5. Balance and Rotate Speaking Roles
In both large and small committees, aim to distribute speaking time. One way to do this is by rotating between delivering speeches or splitting longer speeches in two, allowing each of you to present a segment.
If one of you is more comfortable speaking, let them handle critical speeches, while the other follows up on less contentious topics. This way, you balance visibility while leveraging individual strengths.
6. Divide Lobbying Responsibilities by Region or Bloc
In larger General Assemblies, consider splitting lobbying tasks by region or bloc. For example, one of you can focus on African nations, while the other covers Asian countries. This way, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of each bloc’s interests and manage relationships effectively.
In smaller committees, lobby together or coordinate your positions with different delegates in a targeted manner. This shows unity and reinforces your delegation’s message.
7. Master Note-Passing and Task Switching
In large committees, keep a smooth workflow by alternating note-passing responsibilities. While one of you drafts a resolution, the other can handle messaging with other delegations.
If you’re in a smaller committee, stay efficient by passing notes only when necessary and focusing on core responsibilities. Keep each other informed of any notes received and decide together on how to respond.
8. Engage Actively During Caucuses
Caucuses are a critical time for double delegates to split up and maximize impact. Coordinate your talking points beforehand, then work separately to make connections with different delegates.
When the caucus ends, share what each of you learned and align your next steps. This keeps your delegation informed and ensures you’re both working toward the same objectives.
9. Monitor and Adjust
Continuously assess your performance as a team. If one of you is struggling with a particular task, consider switching roles or offering support to ensure neither of you feels overwhelmed.
If something isn’t working, be ready to pivot. Double delegates need to stay adaptable and open to adjustments throughout the committee session.
10. Debrief Regularly
After each session or day, take a few minutes to discuss what went well and what could be improved. Use this time to celebrate successes, review any setbacks, and strategize for the next day.
This helps you reinforce your teamwork and ensures that you’re always aligned on your goals as you progress through the conference.
Conclusion
Double delegating is an invaluable experience that allows you to collaborate, share the workload, and play to each other’s strengths. With preparation and clear communication, double delegates can tackle tasks more effectively and present a united front that impresses chairs and fellow delegates alike. Remember, double delegating isn’t just about splitting responsibilities—it’s about supporting each other and working together to achieve your delegation’s objectives. Embrace the experience, communicate openly, and you’ll both grow as Model UN delegates and partners.
