Crisis Committee Guide

Crisis committees are a dynamic and challenging format within Model United Nations (MUN). Unlike traditional committees that debate a single topic for several days, crisis committees simulate rapidly evolving scenarios—often historical, fictional, or futuristic—where delegates must respond to new developments in real time. This guide provides a thorough overview of crisis committee rules, procedures, and strategies to help you excel. For a broader introduction to MUN, see The Complete Guide to Model United Nations.

What Is a Crisis Committee?

A crisis committee is a small, fast-paced committee that simulates a specific body (e.g., a cabinet, board of directors, or historical council) facing a series of crises. Delegates represent individual characters or portfolios, not countries. Common examples include the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in a crisis setting, a historical crisis like the Cuban Missile Crisis, or a fictional scenario such as the Westeros Small Council. The key difference from traditional committees is the use of crisis updates—new events introduced by the crisis staff that change the situation and require immediate action. For more on UNSC specifics, see UNSC Committee Guide.

Crisis Committee Rules and Procedures

Directives and Communiqués

The primary tools for action in a crisis committee are directives and communiqués.

• Directives: Formal orders issued by the committee as a whole (e.g., a committee directive) or by individual delegates (e.g., a personal directive, often called a “crisis note”). Committee directives require a majority vote and are executed by the crisis staff. Personal directives are written privately to the crisis staff and can involve actions like deploying troops, sending spies, or making secret deals.
• Communiqués: Formal communications sent to external actors (e.g., other countries, international organizations, or the public). These are often used to announce policy, issue ultimatums, or request aid.

Crisis Updates

Throughout the session, the crisis staff releases crisis updates—new events that alter the scenario. These can be pre-planned or reactive to delegate actions. Delegates must respond quickly, often by proposing new directives or adjusting their strategy. The pace is much faster than in traditional committees; a single crisis update can derail hours of debate.

Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses

Like traditional MUN, crisis committees use moderated caucuses (formal debate with a speakers list) and unmoderated caucuses (informal negotiation time). However, in crisis committees, unmoderated caucuses are often used to write directives and coordinate responses to crisis updates. The ratio of moderated to unmoderated time is typically skewed toward unmoderated, as action is prioritized over speeches.

Voting Procedure

Voting on committee directives usually requires a simple majority. Some committees use a “consensus” model where all delegates must agree, but this is rare. Personal directives do not require a vote; they are executed at the discretion of the crisis staff, based on feasibility and realism. For more on general rules, see Crisis Committee Rules and Procedures.

How to Prepare for a Crisis Committee

Research Your Character and Scenario

Thorough preparation is essential. You should know your character’s background, interests, and constraints. For example, if you are the US Secretary of Defense in a historical crisis, understand the US military capabilities, budget constraints, and political alliances of that era. Use reliable sources such as academic journals, government archives, and news outlets. For a template, see Country Research Template (though designed for country portfolios, the structure applies to characters).

Understand the Committee’s Powers

Different crisis committees have different scopes of authority. A cabinet committee (e.g., the President’s Cabinet) can issue executive orders but may be constrained by constitutional limits. A fictional committee (e.g., the S.H.I.E.L.D. Council) may have near-limitless powers within its universe. Always clarify with the dais what is permissible.

Prepare Draft Directives in Advance

Write sample directives for likely scenarios. For instance, if the crisis involves a natural disaster, prepare a directive that mobilizes relief resources. This saves time during the conference. Use clear language: “The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to deploy 10,000 troops to the affected region within 48 hours.”

Strategies for Success

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

In crisis committees, the best delegates anticipate crises and propose solutions before they escalate. Watch for patterns in crisis updates—if the staff keeps introducing economic problems, propose a comprehensive economic reform directive early. Reacting too late can make you look unprepared.

Use Personal Directives Wisely

Personal directives are your secret weapon. Use them to advance your individual agenda, but be mindful of the committee’s overall goal. For example, you might send a secret communiqué to an ally to coordinate a joint action. However, don’t overuse them; the crisis staff may ignore unrealistic or excessive requests. Keep them concise and plausible.

Build Alliances

Form blocs with like-minded delegates to pass directives quickly. In a fast-moving crisis, having a voting bloc of 3–4 delegates can ensure your directives pass. Use unmoderated caucuses to negotiate and trade support. Remember that alliances can shift rapidly as the crisis evolves.

Write Clear and Actionable Directives

A well-written directive includes: (1) the issuing body (e.g., “The United Nations Security Council”), (2) the action verb (e.g., “deploys,” “authorizes,” “condemns”), (3) the specific actor and action, (4) a timeline, and (5) any funding or resource allocation. Avoid vague language like “take all necessary measures.” Instead, specify “authorize the use of force to secure the embassy compound, with a maximum of 500 peacekeepers, funded by the UN peacekeeping budget.”

Writing Crisis Notes

Crisis notes (personal directives) are a unique feature. They are written on notecards or through an online platform (e.g., MUN software like MUNity or MyMUN). A good crisis note includes:

• To: The crisis staff or a specific character (e.g., “To: Crisis Director” or “To: The Chief of Staff”).
• From: Your character and committee.
• Action: A clear, concise request. Example: “I order the CIA to increase surveillance on the rebel leader’s known associates and report back within 24 hours.”
• Rationale: Optional but helpful—explain why this action makes sense (e.g., “This will help us identify potential defectors before the next attack.”).

Remember that crisis notes are not public; they can be used to undermine other delegates or pursue personal victory. However, be aware that the crisis staff may leak your note if it becomes known to others through role-play (e.g., if your spy is caught).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overcomplicating Directives: Keep directives simple and actionable. Too many clauses can confuse the crisis staff and delay implementation.
• Ignoring the Crisis Staff: The crisis staff are not your enemies; they want a fun, realistic simulation. If you have questions about feasibility, ask them privately.
• Focusing Only on Personal Goals: While personal directives are important, the committee’s collective response to crises is often the basis for awards. Balance personal ambition with collaborative problem-solving.
• Not Adapting to New Information: A crisis update can change everything. Don’t cling to an outdated strategy; be willing to pivot.

For more on avoiding pitfalls in writing, see Common Position Paper Mistakes (though focused on position papers, the principles of clarity and research apply).

How to Win Best Delegate in Crisis

Awards in crisis committees are often based on leadership, problem-solving, and realism. To stand out:

• Lead the committee: Propose the first directive, suggest a framework for response, and keep debate focused.
• Demonstrate depth of knowledge: Reference specific historical facts, realistic constraints, and plausible consequences.
• Collaborate effectively: Bring together opposing factions to pass consensus directives.
• Use personal directives to advance the committee’s goals: Secret actions that help the committee are more impressive than selfish moves.

For a broader perspective on awards, see Awards Criteria: What Judges Look For.

Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Model United Nations
• Crisis Committee Rules and Procedures
• UNSC Committee Guide
• How to Win Best Delegate
• Common Position Paper Mistakes