Debating and Diplomacy:Debating and Diplomacy:The Art of CaucusingThe Art of Caucusing

Ryan VillanuevaRyan VillanuevaShebli MehrazarinShebli MehrazarinAndrey FinegershAndrey Finegersh

Bobby KarrBobby KarrCarla MeyersCarla Meyers

Elizabeth GonzalezElizabeth Gonzalez

OverviewOverview The CaucusThe Caucus Strong TechniqueStrong Technique The Gavel Winning TechniqueThe Gavel Winning Technique Weak TechniqueWeak Technique The Moderated CaucusThe Moderated Caucus SummarySummary

The CaucusThe Caucus What is a Caucus?What is a Caucus?

A Suspension of the RulesA Suspension of the Rules Integral Part of CommitteeIntegral Part of Committee

What do I do in a Caucus?What do I do in a Caucus? Talk!Talk! Build CoalitionsBuild Coalitions Write a ResolutionWrite a Resolution

How do I get to a Caucus?How do I get to a Caucus? Set the AgendaSet the Agenda Open Speaker’s ListOpen Speaker’s List A Couple Speaker’s Go…A Couple Speaker’s Go… Motion for a CaucusMotion for a Caucus

Strong TechniqueStrong Technique Always have something to sayAlways have something to say

PolicyPolicy InvolvementInvolvement SolutionsSolutions

Work with othersWork with others Support your position gracefullySupport your position gracefully Contribute to resolutions tactfullyContribute to resolutions tactfully

Bottom Line: Would your peers work Bottom Line: Would your peers work with you outside of committee?with you outside of committee?

The Gavel Winning TechniqueThe Gavel Winning Technique Balance Diplomacy and AggressionBalance Diplomacy and Aggression

Lead the discussionLead the discussion Be ready to take a consensusBe ready to take a consensus Don’t be afraid to get your word inDon’t be afraid to get your word in

Author the resolutionAuthor the resolution Write it or Contribute greatlyWrite it or Contribute greatly Use the Laptop to your advantageUse the Laptop to your advantage

Bottom Line: Would your peers like to Bottom Line: Would your peers like to work with you again?work with you again?

Weak TechniqueWeak Technique Don’t be a jerkDon’t be a jerk Don’t force yourself into a groupDon’t force yourself into a group Don’t be shyDon’t be shy Bottom Line: Would you want to work Bottom Line: Would you want to work

with you?with you?

The Moderated CaucusThe Moderated Caucus What is a Moderated Caucus?What is a Moderated Caucus?

A Bunch of CommentsA Bunch of Comments Has more to do with Public Speaking Has more to do with Public Speaking

than Caucusingthan Caucusing Nonetheless, Good Points to Consider:Nonetheless, Good Points to Consider:

Always have something to sayAlways have something to say Don’t be afraid to raise your placardDon’t be afraid to raise your placard Prompt other delegatesPrompt other delegates

SummarySummary Just be a cool person to work withJust be a cool person to work with Most of the committee work takes Most of the committee work takes

place during the Caucusplace during the Caucus You can’t really be taught caucusing; You can’t really be taught caucusing;

you’ll have to learn it from your own you’ll have to learn it from your own experienceexperience