A Guide to Understanding the Eurasian Conference
The Following Explains The Rhythm Of The Day
General Introduction: There will be a short introduction of the Global History teachers, and an explanation of the ground rules for the Eurasian Conference.
Introduction of Issues: Immediately following the introduction of an issue, it will be announced that students will have one minute to sign up to give a speech on that issue. Issues will be decided in the order given on the Eurasian Conference Issues Sheet. A country delegation may send more than one delegate to give a speech on an issue. A country delegation need not send a delegate to speak on every issue, or on any issue.
Speeches: Upon completion of the one minute sign up period, speeches will commence. Speakers will speak in order of their signing up. (It is not terribly important to be first or last, so don't feel it is necessary to rush) One of the teachers will announce the name of the delegate at the podium immediately before the speech begins so that CIM speech points can be awarded. Speeches must be limited to one minute in length. Students are cautioned that they will lose points for inappropriate speech or actions at any time during the Conference. When speaking at the podium, delegates should strive to approximate the position and tone appropriate to the realistic national interests of their country.Caucusing: Upon the conclusion of the delegate speeches, the teachers will announce that students will have 20 to 30 minutes to caucus on the first issue. Caucusing means that students are convening within their own country and with delegates from other countries to determine the vote that will best serve their national interest and/or gain the country points. Treaties can be created, negotiated, voted upon (within the respective signatory delegations) and signed during this time period. (NOTE: Treaties may not be signed until the caucus period and need to be stamped before they are signed. Treaties without stamps will not be binding.)
Voting : A country by country vote will follow the caucus period. The teachers will call upon each delegation (in ascending or descending alphabetical order of country name) to give their vote. One delegate from each country will stand up and declare his/her country's vote in a loud, clear voice. Votes may be stated as "Yes," "No," or "Abstain." However, in the case of a vote upon several options (e.g., option A, option B, or option C), votes may be stated as "A," "B," or "C."
All members of a country delegation will agree to support and respect the majority vote of their delegates with respect to each treaty, agreement, and issue vote made. Individuals who dissent from the majority vote within their country on Conference issues, treaties, or other agreements between country delegations will be able to state their case to their teacher in their "Conference Position Paper for Dissenters," with which they may gain extra points for using better reasoning than their country mates.
Not Playing Dirty: Assassinations, kidnappings, declarations of war, and other hostile actions or behaviors are not permitted. Students who engage in such behavior will lose points for the Conference, and may risk failing their Projects class.
Cheating: Cheating is not permitted at the Conference, and those indulging in it will be severely docked. Cheating consists of promising points and then unilaterally abrogating the treaty. Cheating would further be defined by having an unauthorized signer passing him/herself off as an official signer. Is it cheating to accept points for a promise of voting a certain way, and then not voting as promised? YES! (unless an agreed upon annulment of the treaty is signed by all parties) It is also unwise to cheat for the reason that only a fool would sign an agreement with your country thereafter!
Sticking Together: Students will be given exactly one hour for lunch starting at around 11:00 to 12 noon. Students should bring their lunches, snacks, etc. Students will not be permitted to leave the premises of the Wheeler Pavilion until the end of the conference. Doing so will result in students failing their Projects class, as well as other administrative action.
Accounting For Treaty Points: Country groups need to appoint an accountant to keep careful, detailed accounting of all points given and received through treaties. This is how we make sure that no one is giving away any wooden nickels!
Official Treaty Signors: Please remind countries that they need to appoint one official treaty signer (and one alternate) per group. Before being signed, treaties must be voted on by each respective signatory group (majority rule) and must include in writing the date of the treaty, and a clear, readable summary of the treaty itself.
It is not illegal to attempt to get the better part of the bargain by throwing in deceptive or ambiguous language. Therefore, treaties must be signed only after carefully considering the ramifications of the agreement, and after they are approved and stamped.
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