Being a head delegate is one of the most rewarding yet demanding roles in Model United Nations. You are not only responsible for your own performance but also for guiding your entire delegation. This checklist breaks down the key responsibilities into actionable steps, from pre-conference preparation to post-conference follow-up. Use it as a roadmap to lead your team effectively and make the most of your MUN experience. For a broader overview of Model UN, see our complete guide.
1. Pre-Conference Planning
Long before the conference begins, a head delegate must lay the groundwork for success. This phase involves selecting the right conference, assembling a balanced team, and managing logistics.
1.1 Selecting the Conference
Choose a conference that matches your delegation's experience level and interests. Consider factors such as committee size, topic complexity, and award history. For example, the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York costs approximately $1,200 per delegate including registration and accommodation, while smaller regional conferences like MUNUC in Chicago may cost around $600. Review our guide on choosing a conference for detailed criteria. For beginners, check our list of beginner-friendly conferences.
1.2 Budgeting and Fundraising
Create a transparent budget covering conference fees, travel, accommodation, meals, and materials. Use a spreadsheet to track expenses. Many delegations charge each member a flat fee; for instance, a delegation of 10 attending a $600 conference might charge $700 per person to cover incidentals. Explore fundraising options like bake sales, car washes, or sponsorship from local businesses. Refer to our conference fee breakdown for sample budgets.
1.3 Team Assembly and Role Assignment
Recruit delegates with diverse skills: strong speakers, researchers, and writers. Assign committees based on interest and expertise. For example, place a history buff on the Security Council and a science enthusiast on the Environmental Programme. Ensure each delegate understands their committee's rules—especially if it's a crisis committee—by reviewing our crisis committee guide.
2. Delegation Management
Once the team is set, the head delegate must foster collaboration, maintain communication, and enforce deadlines.
2.1 Pre-Conference Meetings
Hold weekly meetings starting 6-8 weeks before the conference. Use the first meeting to introduce the conference schedule, committee topics, and delegate expectations. Distribute a country research template to standardize preparation. Later meetings can focus on position paper reviews and mock sessions.
2.2 Communication Channels
Set up a dedicated messaging group (e.g., WhatsApp or Discord) for quick updates. Use a shared drive (Google Drive) for documents like position papers, research files, and the conference schedule. Establish a rule that all official communication goes through the head delegate to avoid confusion.
2.3 Deadlines and Accountability
Create a timeline with clear deadlines: country research due 4 weeks before, position paper draft due 3 weeks before, final version due 2 weeks before. Use a checklist to track progress. For delegates struggling with position papers, share our structure guide and examples by committee. Warn against common mistakes.
3. Research and Position Paper Oversight
The head delegate ensures each delegate conducts thorough research and writes a strong position paper.
3.1 Country Research
Each delegate should understand their assigned country's foreign policy, voting record, and key alliances. Provide a list of reliable sources such as the CIA World Factbook, UN Digital Library, and country-specific embassy websites. Encourage delegates to go beyond Wikipedia by using academic databases like JSTOR (accessible through many school libraries) or the UN's official documents repository.
3.2 Understanding Policy Stances
Delegates must grasp not only their country's stated policy but also its nuances. For example, a delegate representing China on the Human Rights Council should study China's official statements on human rights as well as its voting patterns. Our article on understanding policy and stances offers a step-by-step approach.
3.3 Position Paper Review
Review each position paper for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to the required format (usually 1-2 pages, single-spaced, with sections on background, policy, and proposals). Provide constructive feedback within 48 hours. Use a rubric that checks for: correct country header, clear policy statement, specific examples, and actionable solutions. A well-written position paper can earn a delegate bonus points from the dais.
4. Conference Strategy
During the conference, the head delegate balances personal committee participation with delegation-wide support.
4.1 Pre-Conference Briefing
On the first day, gather the team for a 15-minute briefing. Remind everyone of the conference rules, dress code (typically Western business attire), and schedule. Emphasize the importance of networking—delegates should exchange contact information with allies from other schools. Set a goal for the delegation, such as winning a certain number of awards or simply improving skills.
4.2 Committee Participation
While leading the delegation, you must also excel in your own committee. Prepare for your committee by reviewing the background guide and drafting opening statements. In committee, aim to speak at least once per session, submit working papers, and co-author draft resolutions. For tips on winning awards, read our guide to winning Best Delegate and what judges look for.
4.3 Delegation Support
Check in with each delegate during breaks. Offer encouragement and advice. If a delegate is struggling with parliamentary procedure, help them practice points and motions. If a delegate feels overwhelmed, remind them to focus on their committee's specific topic. Use a simple system: ask each delegate to rate their session (1-5) and one thing they need help with.
5. Post-Conference Follow-Up
After the conference, the head delegate's role continues with debriefing, recognition, and documentation.
5.1 Debrief Meeting
Within a week, hold a debrief meeting to discuss what went well and what could improve. Use a structured feedback form: ask delegates to rate the conference (venue, organization, committee chairs), their personal performance, and the delegation's teamwork. Compile the feedback into a report for future head delegates.
5.2 Awards and Recognition
Celebrate achievements. If any delegate won an award (e.g., Outstanding Delegate, Honorable Mention), announce it to the school community via newsletter or social media. For those who didn't win, acknowledge their effort and highlight specific improvements. For strategies to aim for the Outstanding Delegate award, see our dedicated article.
5.3 Documentation and Handover
Compile a handover document for the next head delegate. Include: conference evaluation, budget summary, list of useful contacts (e.g., conference secretariat, faculty advisor), sample position papers, and a timeline of preparation. Store this in a shared folder along with other resources like the country research template and committee guides.
6. Leadership Skills Development
Beyond the checklist, a head delegate should continuously work on leadership skills: communication, conflict resolution, and time management. Practice active listening during team discussions. When conflicts arise (e.g., two delegates disagree on a strategy), mediate by focusing on shared goals. Use a timer to keep meetings efficient—allocate 5 minutes per update. Read books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey to further develop leadership qualities.
7. Sample Timeline
To visualize the preparation, here is a sample timeline for a conference in mid-March:
- Early January: Select conference; recruit delegates; assign committees; distribute research template.
- Mid-January: First team meeting; set deadlines; begin fundraising.
- Early February: Country research due; hold mock session on parliamentary procedure.
- Late February: Position paper draft due; provide feedback; finalize travel arrangements.
- Early March: Final position papers due; pack conference materials; pre-conference briefing.
- March 15-18: Conference days; daily check-ins.
- Late March: Debrief meeting; compile handover document.
This timeline assumes a 10-week preparation period. Adjust based on your conference date and team experience.