Where can I find my committee's briefing papers?
Answer: All briefing papers can be downloaded from http://amunc.net/briefings.>
What is a position paper and how do I write one?
Answer: A position paper is a consolidation of the research you have compiled. To write one you should outline your country or organisation's relationship to the topic, including any history and current policies. You may also flag key areas you think the committee should discuss and any potential solutions. Except for the Press Gallery and Crisis Council, all delegates must write a position paper. For more information and a guide to writing a position paper visit http://amunc.net/prepare. Position papers must be uploaded to your committee's file sharing site by July 4.
My country doesn't really have a position on the topic at hand. What should I do?
Answer: Just because you don't have a close connection to the topic, doesn't mean your country can't be instrumental in debate. In fact, this may just give you an upper edge. Without the weight of a policy position tying you down, you have an excellent opportunity to be a moderate negotiator. This means that you can move between different blocs, work out their points of similarity and difference, try to find a common ground, and draw compromise. Not having a formal position also means you are more able to discuss the merits and detriments of different proposals without being seen as self-interested or biased. As a result, you can provide an important service to the committee, by "keeping the bastards honest".
Representing a country with controversial views
Question: I am representing an unpopular country with controversial views. What is the best way for me to contribute to the committee?
Answer: It is important that you remain constructive, even if your views are in the minority. Simply shooting down policies without suggesting or providing alternatives will make other delegates less sympathetic towards you. Work with others to make your concerns known, use amendments to make draft resolutions friendlier to your country, and consider writing your own resolution. Don't be afraid to point out inconsistencies between delegates' rhetoric and reality, and make them consider what such policies would actually mean for their country. Ultimately, make sure you pick your battles wisely. Be willing to support things that won't actively detriment your country. This will build good will with the committee, which will make it easier to get your own ideas passed.
What is AMUNC 2010's revised cancellation policy?
Answer: We have decided to extend the 50% refund on the registration fee until 5pm May 14; after 5pm May 14 until 5pm May 31 a $50 refund on the registration fee applies. Delegates must email us by these deadlines at info@amunc.net and inform us of their withdrawal. Please note the date the withdrawal is complete applies, that is it is not enough to say that you might withdraw at a later date.
The country/committee I wanted has already been filled. What should I do?
Answer: Our committees are strongly focused around creating a forum of participation where every country can contribute and engage in debate. So no matter how big or small your country might be there will always be something to say. Therefore, we recommend that you first choose a couple of committees that interest you, and then select a country within one of them. If your committee of preference is taken, we suggest that you take some time reading about the others available. None of our committees assume prior knowledge, so even if you're unfamiliar with the topic areas, after reading the briefing paper and doing some research, you'll be on your way. AMUNC 2010 has 17 exciting committees to choose from and we're confident that you'll have a fun time no matter where you are!
Can I change committee places?
Question: Is it possible for me to change which country or committee I am registered in, after paying?
Answer: Unfortunately, no. This is because we closely monitor the progress of each committee as it fills up, and allowing a large number of people to switch back and forth would make this impossible. We'd advise you to choose carefully before registering. If your head delegate has informed you that you would be able to switch, they are unfortunately mistaken, as this has never been part of our policy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@amunc.net .
Where can I find details about where to stay during AMUNC?
Answer: Because there is plenty of accommodation close to the Sydney University campus, delegates are free to choose their own place to stay. The accommodation guide with a number of options about where to stay is available via http://amunc.net/accommodation
Where can I stay during AMUNC?
Question: Will AMUNC be organising any central accommodation, or should I book my own? Where can I stay?
Answer: There are plenty of nearby options, so we won't be organising anything centrally and you are free to choose somewhere to stay that best suits your needs. If you're a delegation member, your head delegate may be booking someplace for the whole group to stay, so check with them first. A list of venues close to the university is provided on our website at http://amunc.net/accommodation
Will there be any post-conference trips?
Answer: Yes, we have organised some discounted trips to a variety of the wonderful tourist regions surrounding Sydney. These are optional, but we definitely encourage visitors (especially those from further away) to stay for a while and explore more of New South Wales. For details, see http://amunc.net/trips
