Showing posts with label SOCHUM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SOCHUM. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
We LOVE Position Papers
Hey SOCHUM delegates!
Even though the deadline has passed, we have not received many position papers from all of you. I'd just like to remind all of you that there's an award for Best Position Paper, so it's worth it to just spend some time writing a background paper on your country. We are still accepting position papers at this point, but please send it in as soon as possible, so we can consider all of your papers for the award!
Thanks!
Even though the deadline has passed, we have not received many position papers from all of you. I'd just like to remind all of you that there's an award for Best Position Paper, so it's worth it to just spend some time writing a background paper on your country. We are still accepting position papers at this point, but please send it in as soon as possible, so we can consider all of your papers for the award!
Thanks!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Position Papers
Hello delegates,
Just a few notes about the position papers:
1. Remember that there is an award for best position paper in every committee so don't pull your punches.
2. The dais and intervention staff will mainly be looking at the extent of research that was performed for the paper, the relation of that research to the topics that will be discussed, and finally, the relation of that research to the country's foreign policy.
3. Limit the length of your papers to around 2 -3 pages double spaced. Even though if your paper is longer than that it may not be discarded, you will be less likely to win an award than an individual who fulfilled the requirements in the page limit.
4. Try to make the paper as interesting as possible seeing as how the intervention staff will be reading many of these.
5. Remember that the stance you take in this position paper will be representative of the stance you take in committee. If your intervention staff sees that your paper is an inaccurate depiction of your country's foreign policy, they will bring it up with you so your committee debate is not jeopardized.
On behalf of the dais and intervention staff, good luck with your research and papers and God speed.
We look forward to seeing you in February.
Zohaib
Just a few notes about the position papers:
1. Remember that there is an award for best position paper in every committee so don't pull your punches.
2. The dais and intervention staff will mainly be looking at the extent of research that was performed for the paper, the relation of that research to the topics that will be discussed, and finally, the relation of that research to the country's foreign policy.
3. Limit the length of your papers to around 2 -3 pages double spaced. Even though if your paper is longer than that it may not be discarded, you will be less likely to win an award than an individual who fulfilled the requirements in the page limit.
4. Try to make the paper as interesting as possible seeing as how the intervention staff will be reading many of these.
5. Remember that the stance you take in this position paper will be representative of the stance you take in committee. If your intervention staff sees that your paper is an inaccurate depiction of your country's foreign policy, they will bring it up with you so your committee debate is not jeopardized.
On behalf of the dais and intervention staff, good luck with your research and papers and God speed.
We look forward to seeing you in February.
Zohaib
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
We SO CHUMmy in SOCHUM
Yeah, pardon my lame joke.
On the other hand, there's only a month left until HSMUN 2012! Aren't you all so excited for it?
Oh right.. Most of you are probably panicking over high school midterms right now, without even realizing it. But, as I hope all of you SOCHUM delegates will read this post eventually, I thought I'd put in a friendly reminder.
Position papers are due on February 11, 2012.
Position papers are a great way to obtain more information about your country and their stance, while familiarizing yourself with our pertinent topics. It also helps you to brainstorm some possible solutions, which will be crucial for our discussion.
In terms of the topics, I've already some general questions for you to consider. However, your thoughts should not be limited to only those questions. What more can your country offer? Or would your country rather not be a part of, as an example, any international regulation on women's rights?
It's important to remember that during the entire conference, you're representing your country, not your own personal beliefs. While we love earnest, though-provoking discussions, you still must follow the ideals of your country, however limiting they may be. So, when writing your position papers or making notes to yourself, always remember to view information and arguments in the eyes of your country!
Hope this gives you some more things to consider!
On the other hand, there's only a month left until HSMUN 2012! Aren't you all so excited for it?
Oh right.. Most of you are probably panicking over high school midterms right now, without even realizing it. But, as I hope all of you SOCHUM delegates will read this post eventually, I thought I'd put in a friendly reminder.
Position papers are due on February 11, 2012.
Position papers are a great way to obtain more information about your country and their stance, while familiarizing yourself with our pertinent topics. It also helps you to brainstorm some possible solutions, which will be crucial for our discussion.
In terms of the topics, I've already some general questions for you to consider. However, your thoughts should not be limited to only those questions. What more can your country offer? Or would your country rather not be a part of, as an example, any international regulation on women's rights?
It's important to remember that during the entire conference, you're representing your country, not your own personal beliefs. While we love earnest, though-provoking discussions, you still must follow the ideals of your country, however limiting they may be. So, when writing your position papers or making notes to yourself, always remember to view information and arguments in the eyes of your country!
Hope this gives you some more things to consider!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Contemplative Issues
Greetings SOCHUM delegates
In less than two months, you shall be embarking on a three day journey to deal with two pertinent world issues.
Here are tips to keep you on the straight path:
A) Decide which topic your nation-state feels more strongly about and therefore, which issue you would like to discuss first, before coming to the first day of committee because it is then that we will do the vote.
B) Remember to not just know about this issue, but you country's stand on the issue. If you speak much, but are saying points which disagree with the nations foreign policy, it will count against you and you shall be intervened.
C) On the first day of committee you shall be given a delegate handbook. This book has useful advice on committee proceedings as well as how to write a working paper.
D) Really think about this issues which are presented with these topics. Contemplate how you feel about these issues, but remember that at the end of the day, you are not discussing what you feel but what your country feels.
How far can one go to stop terrorism? For example, is what Batman does to save Gotham in the film The Dark Knight justified? Why or why not? Which country would agree or disagree? Is Utilitarianism a viable ideology?
And for women's rights, what exactly defines oppression? If a government forces women to wear a certain garment or not wear certain garment does this constitute oppression? What about the idea that anorexia and bulimia are virtually non-existent in non-western states? Can this be factored into the discussion of women's rights?
These are all questions which must be discussed not only with yourself, but with other nations as well.
E) Lastly, remember that even though countries are bound to disagree, remember to still work together. Do not disagree with another nation-state simply for personal reasons or because you believe you will win a prize.
There is an old African proverb: He who travels alone travels the fastest but he who travels with others gets where he wants to go.
Good luck with your committee sessions delegates. You will need it.
Here are some links to help you:
1) http://www.cda-cdai.ca/cdai/uploads/cdai/2009/04/carvin02.pdf
2) http://www.un.org/womenwatch/
3) http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/
4) http://www.globalissues.org/article/166/womens-rights
5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism
Zohaib Siddiqi, SOCHUM Chair
In less than two months, you shall be embarking on a three day journey to deal with two pertinent world issues.
Here are tips to keep you on the straight path:
A) Decide which topic your nation-state feels more strongly about and therefore, which issue you would like to discuss first, before coming to the first day of committee because it is then that we will do the vote.
B) Remember to not just know about this issue, but you country's stand on the issue. If you speak much, but are saying points which disagree with the nations foreign policy, it will count against you and you shall be intervened.
C) On the first day of committee you shall be given a delegate handbook. This book has useful advice on committee proceedings as well as how to write a working paper.
D) Really think about this issues which are presented with these topics. Contemplate how you feel about these issues, but remember that at the end of the day, you are not discussing what you feel but what your country feels.
How far can one go to stop terrorism? For example, is what Batman does to save Gotham in the film The Dark Knight justified? Why or why not? Which country would agree or disagree? Is Utilitarianism a viable ideology?
And for women's rights, what exactly defines oppression? If a government forces women to wear a certain garment or not wear certain garment does this constitute oppression? What about the idea that anorexia and bulimia are virtually non-existent in non-western states? Can this be factored into the discussion of women's rights?
These are all questions which must be discussed not only with yourself, but with other nations as well.
E) Lastly, remember that even though countries are bound to disagree, remember to still work together. Do not disagree with another nation-state simply for personal reasons or because you believe you will win a prize.
There is an old African proverb: He who travels alone travels the fastest but he who travels with others gets where he wants to go.
Good luck with your committee sessions delegates. You will need it.
Here are some links to help you:
1) http://www.cda-cdai.ca/cdai/uploads/cdai/2009/04/carvin02.pdf
2) http://www.un.org/womenwatch/
3) http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/
4) http://www.globalissues.org/article/166/womens-rights
5) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism
Zohaib Siddiqi, SOCHUM Chair
Friday, December 30, 2011
Women's Rights Violations - They NEED to Stop
Hey SOCHUM delegates!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, stuffing yourselves with turkey and ham and whatnot. It's also good to point out that HSMUN 2012 is less than two months away! Isn't that exciting? That means that it's time to put our noses to the grindstone and start researching!
I previously had a post with several questions for Topic 2, so now I return to Topic 1: The question of dealing with women's rights violations in countries which only formally prohibit them.
Firstly, I want to explicitly state that this question does NOT intend to go against cultural or religious beliefs: we are not a group of religious pilgrims land-basting other beliefs or values. We are only focused on women's rights.
While it's true that the majority of women's rights violations occur outside of the Western world, I want all of you to also take into consideration violations within our own country, within our civilization. As an example, Canada and the United States both have issues with sexist prejudice, and those should be taken into consideration as well.
Next, as we turn our focus upon the most serious violations of women's rights, they do tend to congregate within Asia and the Middle East. Regardless of other factors, basic women's rights must be protected. So, my question is, how do we accomplish that without infringing upon sovereign rights or cultural beliefs?
Countries like China are notorious for blatant sexist preference, with an appalling number of female orphans compared to males. Yet China has signed onto the 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women', and ironically, the United States has not. How can we deal with these kinds of problems, when a government officially takes a stance, yet their internal policies or the behavior of their citizens directly contradicts said stance?
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, stuffing yourselves with turkey and ham and whatnot. It's also good to point out that HSMUN 2012 is less than two months away! Isn't that exciting? That means that it's time to put our noses to the grindstone and start researching!
I previously had a post with several questions for Topic 2, so now I return to Topic 1: The question of dealing with women's rights violations in countries which only formally prohibit them.
Firstly, I want to explicitly state that this question does NOT intend to go against cultural or religious beliefs: we are not a group of religious pilgrims land-basting other beliefs or values. We are only focused on women's rights.
While it's true that the majority of women's rights violations occur outside of the Western world, I want all of you to also take into consideration violations within our own country, within our civilization. As an example, Canada and the United States both have issues with sexist prejudice, and those should be taken into consideration as well.
Next, as we turn our focus upon the most serious violations of women's rights, they do tend to congregate within Asia and the Middle East. Regardless of other factors, basic women's rights must be protected. So, my question is, how do we accomplish that without infringing upon sovereign rights or cultural beliefs?
Countries like China are notorious for blatant sexist preference, with an appalling number of female orphans compared to males. Yet China has signed onto the 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women', and ironically, the United States has not. How can we deal with these kinds of problems, when a government officially takes a stance, yet their internal policies or the behavior of their citizens directly contradicts said stance?
Sunday, December 4, 2011
SOCHUM - Saviours of Human Rights
After that cheesy, over-inspiring title.. Here's the actual useful part!
Firstly, here are some links to some very useful places where you can find official UN information. Firstly, in the Official Document System, you can search for any collection of key words to find documents pertaining to UN resolutions or working papers. Also, you should keep a lookout at the UN's Human Rights Website as well.
Secondly, I'll discuss Topic 2. While it may seem that I'm skipping Topic 1, I believe that Topic 2 is also more controversial because more countries tend to overstep this boundary. Whether we're talking about the USA PATRIOT Act or Canada's newly minted all-encompassing "Anti-Terrorism" movement that allows for unprecedented government authority, countries are now bypassing basic human rights in the fight against terrorism. However, here are a few questions to consider:
1. How effective are these measures? Do the ends justify the means?
2. How long are these powers going to remain in place for the government?
3. How do we prevent the improper use of these powers?
4. How do you justify the bypassing of human rights to defeat terrorism?
Hopefully, these links and questions help you guys if you ever have any difficulty!
Peace Out.
Firstly, here are some links to some very useful places where you can find official UN information. Firstly, in the Official Document System, you can search for any collection of key words to find documents pertaining to UN resolutions or working papers. Also, you should keep a lookout at the UN's Human Rights Website as well.
Secondly, I'll discuss Topic 2. While it may seem that I'm skipping Topic 1, I believe that Topic 2 is also more controversial because more countries tend to overstep this boundary. Whether we're talking about the USA PATRIOT Act or Canada's newly minted all-encompassing "Anti-Terrorism" movement that allows for unprecedented government authority, countries are now bypassing basic human rights in the fight against terrorism. However, here are a few questions to consider:
1. How effective are these measures? Do the ends justify the means?
2. How long are these powers going to remain in place for the government?
3. How do we prevent the improper use of these powers?
4. How do you justify the bypassing of human rights to defeat terrorism?
Hopefully, these links and questions help you guys if you ever have any difficulty!
Peace Out.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Human Rights? Aren't they basic?
Hey SOCHUM delegates!
Although human rights seems to be a basic ideal, especially since we were raised in a country like Canada, the battle for basic human rights still wages all over the world. It is essential that, no matter what, we continue the push for all people of Earth, regardless of where they live, what gender they are, or even what orientation they are, to be equal.
To help you guys on your way, here's a link to Human Rights Watch, an excellent source of information on human rights globally.
Human Rights Watch
Within this website, you'll find many articles relating to different countries and their stances on human rights. As an example, (Not to label Iran, but it's a great source)
Iran Releases Female Activists
I hope that this helps you guys out if you're unsure of where to find more information on human rights!
Although human rights seems to be a basic ideal, especially since we were raised in a country like Canada, the battle for basic human rights still wages all over the world. It is essential that, no matter what, we continue the push for all people of Earth, regardless of where they live, what gender they are, or even what orientation they are, to be equal.
To help you guys on your way, here's a link to Human Rights Watch, an excellent source of information on human rights globally.
Human Rights Watch
Within this website, you'll find many articles relating to different countries and their stances on human rights. As an example, (Not to label Iran, but it's a great source)
Iran Releases Female Activists
I hope that this helps you guys out if you're unsure of where to find more information on human rights!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Welcome to SOCHUM
Hello delegates of the committee of the United Nations that is SOCHUM,
In order for our interaction with you to be as efficacious as possible, it is best that we offer you a brief introduction to ourselves.
I am called Zohaib. I am a third year Neuroscience student at the University of Alberta. However, you shall know me only as your chair. I will be responsible for running your committee sessions, deciding if motions are in order and moderating discussions. I am also quite awesome. Remember these facts as they will be pertinent for you to succeed in the committee of Social. Cultural,and Humanitarian Affairs.
Greetings delegates. My name is Jonathan Chu and I am a first year Science student at the University of Alberta. You can call me Director Chu. I will only respond to said title. I am the director for SOCHUM, and I will be responsible for many of the same tasks as your chair, in addition to proofreading your resolutions. I am also awesome, but not as awesome as your chair. At the conference, don't forget my title. Or else.
Hey there! My name is Amy Smith and I am in my first year in the Arts at U of A, and I am the attache for this amazing committee of SOCHUM!! Any time you have any questions about your foreign policy feel free to ask me. Also I will help guide you in the right direction to maximize your participation and fully enjoy your experience with us at this conference! I believe we are ALL awesome and we will spread this awesomeness.
However if your DAIS and I find that you are not representing your country, that awesomeness will turn to wrath, and I will intervene you right in the face.
See you there :)
Your leaders,
Awesome, Awesomer, Awesomest
In order for our interaction with you to be as efficacious as possible, it is best that we offer you a brief introduction to ourselves.
I am called Zohaib. I am a third year Neuroscience student at the University of Alberta. However, you shall know me only as your chair. I will be responsible for running your committee sessions, deciding if motions are in order and moderating discussions. I am also quite awesome. Remember these facts as they will be pertinent for you to succeed in the committee of Social. Cultural,and Humanitarian Affairs.
Greetings delegates. My name is Jonathan Chu and I am a first year Science student at the University of Alberta. You can call me Director Chu. I will only respond to said title. I am the director for SOCHUM, and I will be responsible for many of the same tasks as your chair, in addition to proofreading your resolutions. I am also awesome, but not as awesome as your chair. At the conference, don't forget my title. Or else.
Hey there! My name is Amy Smith and I am in my first year in the Arts at U of A, and I am the attache for this amazing committee of SOCHUM!! Any time you have any questions about your foreign policy feel free to ask me. Also I will help guide you in the right direction to maximize your participation and fully enjoy your experience with us at this conference! I believe we are ALL awesome and we will spread this awesomeness.
However if your DAIS and I find that you are not representing your country, that awesomeness will turn to wrath, and I will intervene you right in the face.
See you there :)
Your leaders,
Awesome, Awesomer, Awesomest
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