During MCBMUN there are two types of unmoderated debate, lobbying and caucusing. These are used to collaborate, negotiate and formulate ties and aggreements between countries. A caucus may be called by the committee chair, or may be made through a motion to the chair, which must be passed by the committee, and may be allowed at the chair's discretion, owing to time considerations.
Lobbying
Lobbying occurs on the first day of an MCBMUN conference. In committees delegates are invited to discuss their draft resolutions with other delegates, build up allegiances, and discuss where changes could be made to the draft resolution. Delegates are invited to sign one draft resolution on each issue scheduled to be debated by the committee. At the end of lobbying draft resolutions are handed in to the chairs, who will decide on the draft resolution to be debated, and will distribute copies to each delegate. Countries who have signed the resolution will be listed on it as co-submitters, and are expected to speak in time for the resolution.
Caucusing
Some delegates will, understandably, feel happier speaking in small groups during the conference. During an unmoderated caucus you will have the time to talk to other delegates, very much as in lobbying, and will be able to construct yielding chains - an agreement that one speaker will yield the floor to another speaker. During an unmoderated caucus chairs will normally walk around the floor listening to the quality of business occuring in it. Due to time restraints an unmoderated caucus during a debate normally only happens once, often at the end of time for the resolution, and usually lasts no more than 3 minutes. Due to their position in the debate they can be very useful for lobbying an amendment.
The United Nations Association of the USA gives this advice to delegates during a caucus:
- Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would like to see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to negotiate on and which you are not.
- Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the easiest way to seek out allies. However, if you find that the group you are working with is not meeting your needs, do not be afraid to switch groups.
- Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree with an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your country’s policy.
- Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make sure that you are not giving up anything too important.
- Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other people’s ideas and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each delegate in your group.
- Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than interrupting others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down your idea so that you can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.
- Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the last minute, begin recording fellow delegates’ ideas right away.
- Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information as they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.
- Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is the best way to find out a delegate’s position on an issue. Larger groups are better suited to brainstorming.
- Stay calm: In caucuses, delegates can sometimes “lose their cool.” Staying calm will not only help your group be more effective, but will be noticed by the conference staff. Always keep your voice at a normal level. If you see that you are becoming upset or raising your voice, excuse yourself from the group for a few minutes.
- Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyone’s ideas so that you can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small details that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.
- Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should not do. Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.
- Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate, focus on providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative. Critique ideas, not people.
- Establish connections with other delegates: Although it can be tempting to call a fellow delegate “Pakistan,” “Brazil” or “Sweden”, you can form a better connection with a delegate by learning his or her name and where he or she comes from. Ask the delegate about his or her ideas and impressions of the debate. Showing interest in your fellow delegates at the beginning of the conference will help you gain more support later on and can help you to form lasting friendships.
Moderated caucuses rarely occur during a debate, but may happen before one, or on the evening of lobbying. During a moderated caucus the chair calls individual delegates to the floor to explain his country's position on a given issue.
