Preparing for the 40th MOAS for High Schools (Nov. 17-19, 2021)

Modus Operandi and Rules of Procedure:
Prior to the MOAS, students will meet virtually in their Working Groups and draft one resolution with the support of faculty. Draft resolutions must be submitted to [email protected] before the Model. Once resolutions have been submitted students will receive their login information.

During the MOAS, students will meet in their assigned committee on their assigned day to debate and vote upon the draft resolutions, if necessary.
On Friday, November 19th, all MOAS authorities and delegates will join the Plenary and Closing sessions. Refer to the Modus Operandi for more details.

Knowing the rules and procedures of the MOAS is important to the smooth and effective functioning of each Committee. The MOAS Rules of Procedure provide thorough, detailed information on the procedures and operation of the Model. The rules explain how a Committee operates, the responsibilities of participating students, how debates are conducted, etc. MOAS authorities and faculty advisors must be familiar with these rules for a successful participation.      

- Take the quiz on the MOAS Rules of Procedure

 

Learn about the OAS:
The OAS Website is the best research tool to learn about the OAS mission, its main bodies, basic documents, such as the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and key issues in the Americas. It provides information about its priority areas, and specialized bodies of the Inter-American system. Press releases on current developments in the Hemisphere, and access to meetings of the Permanent Council through live Webcast can be helpful resources.  Through the Member States’ Permanent Missions Section you can access country’s official government websites. The approved resolutions of past OAS General Assemblies and documents produced by the various committees and working groups of the OAS Permanent Council are also available. Multilateral and bilateral Treaties and Agreements may contribute to a better understanding of a country’s position.  

 

Research your assigned country:
Follow the Quick Guide for Participation in the MOAS. When researching your country’s position on a specific issue, you will first need to learn about your country (location, political system, political ideologies, domestic issues, economic trends, etc) so you can address the issues raised at the Model as a real OAS delegate from that country would. After reading the reference documents on the MOAS Website analyze all the data gathered and produce your own ideas and proposals following your country’s stance.
 

 

PRIOR TO THE MOAS: Working Groups - Meet will the delegates of your working group to formulate a draft resolution:
Delegates will be distributed by the MOAS Team (once the country is assigned) into 3 working groups per Committee.   Working Groups will meet virtually at least one month prior to the MOAS and will draft a resolution (with the assistance of MOAS Authority) on the topic assigned by the MOAS Team to be debated at the MOAS.  The head delegates and alternate delegates will work on the same topic, however they need to coordinate their General Statements to avoid addressing the same issues. Refer to the Working Group Flowchart on page 8 of the Modus Operandi for more details on working group procedure.    Prior to Working Group meetings, and with the assistance of a MOAS Authority, Head Delegates may work on a proposal for an operative clause to present to the Working Group. Alternate Delegates may work on a proposal for a preamble clause.   The Working Group Leader (page 3 of Modus Operandi) will be charged with organizing the virtual meetings with the delegates assigned to his/her Group and sending the draft resolution to the MOAS Team. The specific date will be announced. The MOAS Team will help identify a Working Group Leader for each Group. The Leader will have specific functions and responsibilities. Read the Modus Operandi for more details.  

 

Write a Position paper and General Statement:
Write a position paper on the assigned country with regards to the topic assigned to your committees. This must include your findings, country position and highlights on your topic. Guidelines. Sample of a position paper. This will serve as the basis for your opening speech or General Statement. Sample of Statement by Guatemala at the Permanent Council. During the Model, each head and alternate delegates will present a General Statement (1 minute max.) to the other delegates in the committees, each taking a different approach to the topic and stating his country’s position and proposal. Position papers must be uploaded here before the dates of the Model.

 

Public speaking:
Public speaking is a skill you will use during the entire Model.  The first opportunity will be when you deliver your general statement.  You will convey your member state's positions in your Committee Sessions, help build consensus and formulate resolutions in your working groups. The best way to cope with your fear of speaking in front of a large group is to be well-prepared for the Model.  Watch delegates speak in previous Models through the MOAS Youtube account and practice public speaking before coming to the Model.

Are you ready for your next step?