Delegation Resource Manual: Serving as a Delegate
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YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Working with Delegates from Other Clubs
To succeed during the Model Government Convention, one needs to be able to work effectively
with delegates from other clubs. This subsection will give some tips on how to develop alliances.
1.
Negotiation and Compromise
While formal debate will be the backbone of committee time, the most important work
occurs outside of pro and con debate. You need to be able to work with others when
getting support for your ideas. Knowing everything there is to know about a topic will
set you up for success, to fully utilize that research you need to succeed as a negotiator
and persuasive speaker.
The best delegates show respect and courtesy at all times to other delegates. Your
credibility in a small group will be minimized if you stand up and try to tear down bill
after bill. If you decide you are not in favor of a bill, certainly stand up and tell the
committee why – but do so respectfully. Additionally, some delegates promise votes –
and then go against their promise. Nothing will hurt your credibility more than breaking
a deal you make.
2.
Develop Alliances
An alliance at Youth & Government is a group of delegates that share some set of ideals.
They may be your best starting point to gather support for your ideas, if you develop
them. Lobbyists could be a great group to visit with to find out who believes in what.
Although you do not want to be stuck in a small group all weekend, there is nothing
wrong with starting in a small group and branching out from there.
3.
Using the Page System
As a delegate to the YMCA PA Youth & Government program, you are very fortunate
to have a dedicated group of middle school pages. Passing page notes is an excellent
way to communicate with not only other members of your delegation – but other
delegations. If you use them effectively, you can work on amendments and bills, and get
support for your ideas during debate.
Please, however, do be respectful of the pages – and do not abuse the system for
personal use.
4.
Additional Tips and Techniques
Learn delegates’ real names… would you want to be called Michael or the delegate
from Reimerville?
Ask stronger delegates to support your bill could go a long way!
Do not bring too much research (or at least in the committee room). The more you
bring, especially to the podium, the more you will come across as nervous and
unsure of yourself. Research is meant to help you, not serve as a crux.
