My students are having trouble with parliamentary procedure. What can I do to prepare them for the conference?

Parliamentary Procedure (parli pro) is a tough subject. However, a working knowledge of “parli pro” is a big plus early on. The staff will notice a student’s ability and this is reflected in awarding points in the first few rounds.
The best way to help students learn the procedure is simple, a debate. Montana Model United Nations (MMUN) uses an abbreviated or modified parli pro sheet. It can be found on our website, in the “delegate tools” menu.
Some ideas for the debate: Coke versus Pepsi, Griz versus Cats (or Cat versus Griz), Peanut versus Plain M&Ms. The simple topics are the easiest to debate and allow students to have fun. The debates should have the same set-up as MMUN.
Smaller groups will ensure that everyone has a chance to learn parli pro. You and your experienced students can serve as chairs.
The order of debates should go as follows:
Topics
I Pepsi versus Coke
II Griz versus Cat
III Plain versus Peanut M&Ms

Script

1. Provide Students with three topics to debate. This allows students to see how to set the order of debate.
2. Open a speakers list to discuss the order of topics. Students should raise their hands to be added to the list.
3. Entertain a motion to set the speaker’s time. This time is for the discussion of the possible topics.
4. Students would raise their hands, and once recognized by the chair, would say “I move to set the speaking time at ____ seconds/minutes. The chair has the discretion to accept the motions. (i.e. no 30 minutes or 2 seconds motions)
5. Once a few times have been suggested, close the floor and vote on the speaking times. The first with a simple majority wins.
6. Once a speaking time has been set, the chair asks “are there any points or motions on the floor?” This should be asked after every speaker or action on the floor.
7. A student may make a motion to set the order of the agenda right away. However, considering the purpose of the activity, do not accept the motion. Allow a few speakers to suggest an order. After each speaker remember to ask “are there any points or motions on the floor?”
8. After a few students have gone, allow a motion to set the agenda. As many suggestion can be made as possible orders.
9. Setting the order
a. First Student “I motion to set the agenda at II, III, I(2,3,1)”
b. Chair “Is there a second?” [look for a second] “Seeing a second. Are there any other points or motions on the floor?” [Call on a delegate if on rises.]
c. Suggestion can continue for a while or till the chair feels the students have a good grasp.
10. Once the order has been set the number reassign. Assuming the order is set as suggested in 9A the new order would be: I Griz v Cat II Plain v Peanut M&Ms III Pepsi v Coke
11. The old speaker’s list and time are discard and must be reset for the first topic.
a. Ask for a volunteers to be on the speakers list
b. Set a time for speakers
c. Then allow them to discuss the topics.
12. Other Important motions:
a. Un-moderated caucuses will allow time to write resolutions
b. Point of Order to correct a delegates or chair’s error
c. Point of Personal Inquiry allows students to ask question in committee
d. Suspend the Meeting is used to break at conference for breaks, lunch, and the evening
e. Adjourn the Meeting is used to end the simulation and conference
This script is only a partial suggestion. Further information can be found on our Parli Pro quick sheet.
If you would like more help with the script please contact me at mtunhighschool@gmail.com