Delegate Resources
BISHMUN 2025 has 6 main expectations for all our delegates
1. We expect all delegates to come to BISHMUN prepared with a well-researched position paper on the issue their committee is tackling and their country’s position. To be eligible for an award, please submit the position paper before March 4th
2. We expect you to have an understanding of debate protocol and parliamentary procedure (unless you are on a beginner committee). We also look for those willing to help guide others who are new and inexperienced during your committee's sessions.
3. Participants should be engaged during BISHMUN (speakers list, moderated and unmoderated caucuses, and crisis). Through your engagement, your committee will be able to come with more innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.
4. We are looking for those who utilize a variety public speaking techniques when debating such as hand gestures and variation in intonation.
5. We are looking for those who demonstrate leadership attributes such as patience, honesty, dignity, and respect towards other delegates. As you step in to the shoes of a diplomat, these attributes are vital.
6. We expect delegates to be organized and punctual, but also to have fun!
Conduct Expectations
BISHMUN is all about creating, in the spirit of internationalism, a welcoming forum in which delegates like you can interact with other passionate global citizens your age in addressing world challenges. Here are some personal guidelines:
- You must respect all fellow delegates, faculty, and the property of the British International School of Houston.
- You may not consume any food or drink (with the exception of water) when your committee is in session.
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- You may not use a language other than English in the session.
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- You must adhere to our MUN dress code.
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- Any rude or disruptive behavior will be met with a warning. Any further continuation will result in a non-refundable dismissal from the conference.
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- Participants could be authorized to use technology at some stage in the Unmoderated Caucuses; please do not use these devices outside the Unmoderated Caucus - this includes mobile phones.
Dress Code
Participants at BISHMUN should dress in business-casual attire that is appropriate for a diplomatic context.
A formal jacket or sweater, dress shirt, tie, pair of pants, skirt, or dress, and dress shoes constitute professional business clothing. Dresses and skirts must meet the standard for professional attire of knee length. Participants should dress in business casual clothes that is appropriate for their self-identified gender.
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Hoodies, graphic t-shirts, leggings, crop tops, shorts, sundresses or other casual dresses, baseball hats, jeans, sandals, sneakers, athletic wear, and sunglasses are examples of clothing that is deemed unsuitable or overly casual.
Concerns or inquiries regarding the dress code can be sent to the secretariat at BISHMUN@houston.nae.school
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Delegates that do not meet the dress code will be given a warning by their chair. Once two warnings are received, the delegate is not eligible for awards.
Parliamentary Procedure and Preparation
Learning protocol is key in being a successful delegate. BISHMUN, like many Model United Nations Conferences in the United States, follows the protocols and procedures of The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA). We encourage all delegates to acquaint themselves with this protocol before coming to the BISHMUN 2024 Conference. Found below are guides to the protocol of BISHMUN as well as help for writing a position paper, these resources should be used so a delegate can prepare for the upcoming simulation.
Being a good delegate at BISHMUN requires preparation. Our Committees Team here at BISHMUN has produced background papers and guides designed to introduce delegates to their respective committee topics and act as a prompt for further research. We encourage delegates to begin research as soon as they receive their country assignment. As part of Model United Nations, delegates are asked to write a position paper that summarizes their research on the topic and their country's policy. This is an especially useful reference during the committee sessions, as we prohibit delegates from bringing electronic notes. Delegates are expected to submit a position paper by the due date to be eligible for an award.
What if I can't find my country's position on my committee topic online? Occasionally, some Model UNers find themselves in a country that has given no public comment on their committee's issue. We recommend delegates in this position try and research other contextual information that could help inform what kind of stance their country would take in the real world. For example, if you were on the United Nations Security Council dealing with the militarization of the South China Sea, consider looking into your country's past relationship with the People's Republic of China or prominent adversaries of China like the United States of America.
Need some help? Use our expertly crafted resources to guide your way to become a successful delegate! Remember, if you have any questions, don't be afraid to contact our experienced staff.
How to write a position paper?
MUN Protocol