Points and motions are essential tools for delegates, especially as they guide the flow of debate. To make a point or motion, delegates will first need to raise their placards and be called upon. Motions address aspects of committee related to substantive debate, while points refer to other key aspects of committee not related to the content of debate. There is another important distinction: points do not require voting to be considered and applied, while motions do.

NOTE: Rules of procedure in your country may have additional points or motions. However, only the ones listed below will be allowed in YMUN LATAM.

Points: There are four main points that may be used during the conference.

NOTE: Points of personal privilege and order have special priority due to their importance. Only if necessary, delegates may interrupt the Director or speaker to make these two points and express concern.

• Point of personal privilege: Used to refer to your well-being and appeal for changes which will improve it.

  • Example: “Point of personal privilege. The committee room is quite hot; would it please be possible to turn on the fan more?”

• Point of information: Used to inquire about committee facts or the agenda. It is used to clarify information (not about procedure) that is relevant to the current debate.

  • Example: “Point of information. This delegate could not hear the last parts of Delegation X’s speech very well. Could the Delegation of X please repeat the last parts of their speech more slowly?”

• Point of order: Used to question the ruling of a chair. If a mistake has been made in procedure, this point may be used to rectify the error.

  • Example: “Point of order. This moderated caucus is not yet over. There are two speakers left. according to the total and individual speaking times voted upon.”

• Point of inquiry: Used to inquire about the rules and procedures of the committee.

  • Example: “Point of inquiry. Could the Chair please remind this delegate how yielding works?”

Motions: There are many motions that may be used during the conference. Several of these motions are key to the logistics of the debate and help the committee transition to several phases.

• Motion to open debate: This motion is the first of the committee, and allows debate to begin.

• Motion to adjourn debate: This motion ends a committee session (for example, before a break) with the intention of resuming it later.

• Motion to close debate: This motion closes committee and ends debate for the day.

• Motion to open the speaker’s list

• Motion to set the agenda

• Motion to introduce working paper

• Motion to introduce draft resolution

• Motion to introduce amendment

• Motion to enter voting procedure

  • Related to this: Motion for roll call vote

  • Related to this: Motion to divide the question

  • Related to this: Motion to reorder draft resolution

Additionally, there are two key motions which introduce more specific forms of discussion: motion for a moderated caucus and motion for an unmoderated caucus. These will form the bulk of debate, and are further described in the sections below.

• Motion for a moderated caucus

  • Related to this: Motion to extend moderated caucus

• Motion for an unmoderated caucus

  • Related to this: Motion to extend unmoderated caucus

Moderated Caucus: What is a moderated caucus?

A moderated caucus is a structured period of debate within a committee, facilitated and controlled by the committee director and dais. It allows delegates to discuss specific aspects of the agenda or topic in a more focused manner than during the Speaker's List. As motions for moderated caucuses are proposed, focusing on varied topics and times, the committee shifts towards more organized and thorough debate. To propose a moderated caucus, a delegate must include the topic, the total duration, and the individual speaking time. If a motion is successful, the delegate can choose whether they speak first or last.

• To propose a moderated caucus: "Motion for a moderated caucus of (X) minutes with a speaking time of (X) minutes on the topic of (X)."

Unmoderated caucus: What is an unmoderated caucus?

An unmoderated caucus is a period of informal discussion and collaboration among delegates within a committee. This phase is critical for drafting tangible outcomes and setting the foundation for future resolutions. Delegates may get up from their chairs, temporarily disregard procedure and freely interact with each other. Unmoderated caucuses allow delegates to form alliances, negotiate, draft resolutions and coordinate positions on the topic being discussed.

• To propose an unmoderated caucus: "Motion for an unmoderated caucus." You can also add a purpose for a greater chance of success. For example: "Motion for an unmoderated caucus to discuss working papers."

When delegates give a speech and have extra time remaining, they must yield or allocate their time. This can be done in three different ways:

• Yielding to Chair: Doing so ends the speech, and no further action is taken. The next speaker can proceed.

• Yielding to Another Delegate: Doing so allocates the remainder of the speech time to a delegate of the speaker's choice.

• Yielding to Questions: Doing so opens the committee to other delegates who may want to provide feedback or ask questions to the speaker based on what they just said.

Working papers and resolutions are key written products of debate. Both have specific formats. Under "Pre-Conference Preparation," you will be able to find high-quality samples of these documents. Both need to have: sponsors, delegates who were involved in writing the document, and signatories, delegates who find the paper significant and worth debate.

Working Paper: What is a working paper?

A working paper is a collaborative document created by delegates on a specific topic or issue after considerable debate. It is a precursor to a draft resolution and serves as a platform for delegates to propose ideas and solutions to the specific issue debated.

Resolution: What is a resolution?

A resolution is a more refined version of a working paper. It is often the product of an edited working paper or a merge of two or more working papers. Resolutions will need to be voted upon to pass, and they represent the committee's official response to the debate issue at hand. They are the final culmination of discourse, collaboration and negotiation among delegates.

Disruptiveness refers to actions or behavior which significantly alter the status quo of a committee. This term is key, and it can have either a negative or a positive connotation.

In the negative sense, disruptive behavior is that which adversely impacts the flow, decorum, or effectiveness of the committee session. It undermines the productive and diplomatic nature of the simulation. Examples of such behavior would include: not following the rules of procedure, making interruptions or speaking out of turn, and using inflammatory or inappropriate language.

In the positive sense, disruptiveness is a metric used during procedure to determine the order in which motions will be voted upon. Motions are voted upon from most to least disruptive. Highly disruptive motions are ones which would greatly change the format or subject of debate. The scale of disruptiveness for this conference is detailed below.

• From most to least disruptive: 1. Motion for an unmoderated caucus; 2. Moderated caucus with greater number of speakers; 3. Moderated caucus with fewer number of speakers; 4. Moderated caucus with more total time; 5. Moderated caucus with less total time.