Leadership and Alternative Positions

Most students attending FLAG will be legislators, i.e., they will serve in Congress during sessions. However, leadership positions are available for students with prior experience in debate or policy. Leadership positions are highly limited and available only for select students.

Committee Chair

Committee Chairs are the leaders and moderators of committee sessions, responsible for ensuring the smooth and productive functioning of debates and discussions. They possess a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, guiding delegates through the rules of procedure, and maintaining decorum. Chairs facilitate debate, regulate speaking time, and direct discussions toward the resolution of issues on the committee’s agenda. Their role demands an impartial and fair approach, encouraging inclusive participation and ensuring that all voices are heard.

Additionally, they manage the flow of debate, allowing delegates to articulate their positions, ask questions, and engage in constructive dialogue. Committee Chairs need exceptional leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills to handle diverse viewpoints, steer discussions towards consensus, and foster a collaborative environment where innovative solutions emerge. Their expertise in managing time, maintaining order, and guiding discussions plays a vital role in the success of committee sessions and the overall conference.

Students who wish to apply for committee chairmanships must have 1+ years of experience chairing or in other leadership, 2+ years of conference experience, and must be rising juniors or seniors. Applications can be found here (hyperlink).

Vice-Chair

Vice Chairs serve as support to Committee Chairs, offering assistance in the smooth functioning of committee sessions. They often step in for the Chair if necessary and ensure that the committee’s proceedings continue uninterrupted. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair assumes the leadership role, managing the flow of debate, maintaining order, and enforcing parliamentary procedures. They actively participate in discussions, assisting delegates in navigating procedural matters and facilitating a constructive environment for debates. Vice Chairs must possess a comprehensive understanding of the committee’s rules and procedures, allowing them to aid delegates in navigating complex parliamentary processes effectively.

Vice Chairs also act as mediators, encouraging productive dialogue and resolution-oriented discussions among delegates. They collaborate closely with the Chair, providing assistance in time management, ensuring that debates progress effectively, and guiding the committee towards consensus. They maintain decorum, manage speaker lists, and provide clarity on procedural matters to empower delegates to engage fully in the legislative process. Their role demands diplomacy, adaptability, and quick thinking to address unexpected situations effectively and maintain the committee’s efficiency. Most importantly, Vice Chairs are responsible for communicating with crisis staff and must be prepared for constant communication and performance under time pressure.

Students who wish to apply for vice chairmanships must have 1+ years of conference experience, and must be rising juniors or seniors.  Applications can be found here.

Crisis Staffers

Crisis Staffers are pivotal figures in committees where crisis simulations are employed. They are responsible for creating dynamic, engaging, and realistic crisis scenarios that challenge delegates’ problem-solving skills. Crisis Staffers craft intricate narratives and unexpected situations that push delegates to think on their feet, adapt quickly, and strategize responses effectively. They maintain the momentum and energy of the crisis simulations, providing updates, challenges, and twists that add depth to the committee’s discussions. Their role involves creating a vibrant and engaging crisis environment, balancing the need for challenges that test the delegates’ abilities while ensuring that the crisis aligns with the overall theme and objectives of the committee.

Crisis Staffers must possess strong storytelling abilities, strategic thinking, and the capacity to think from various perspectives to craft multifaceted scenarios. They dynamically interact with delegates, responding to their decisions and actions, steering the crisis towards unpredictable and thought-provoking pathways. Crisis Directors contribute significantly to the immersive experience of the conference, providing delegates with a realistic and challenging environment to showcase their problem-solving and crisis management skills. Their ability to create compelling, realistic, and evolving crises is crucial in driving engagement and adding an exciting layer to the committee dynamics. Most importantly, Crisis Staffers must be comfortable moving between multiple committees to relay information and working under Crisis Directors and both Secretaries-General.

Students who wish to apply to be crisis staffers must have 1+ years of conference experience and 1+ years experience in a crisis committee. Applications can be found here.

Lobbyist

Lobbyists play a unique role within committee discussions, representing special interest groups or organizations. Their primary responsibility is to advocate for specific policies, positions, or issues relevant to their represented interest. Lobbyists must be well-versed in their chosen topics and skilled in persuasive communication. They actively engage with delegates, both within their own committee and across committees, to promote their interests and influence the debate. Lobbyists aim to build coalitions and alliances with like-minded delegates, forming strategic partnerships to advance their agenda. They employ various negotiation techniques, craft compelling arguments, and leverage information and research to sway committee decisions.

Lobbyists require diplomacy, negotiation, and a deep understanding of the committee’s dynamics and topics. Lobbyists not only advocate for their positions but also actively participate in the legislative process, proposing amendments and collaborating with delegates to shape resolutions. They provide a unique perspective on policy issues, highlighting the role of advocacy and interest representation within the legislative process. Lobbyists contribute to the diverse perspectives and rich discussions within the committee, offering a realistic representation of external influences on policy-making.

No prior experience is necessary. Applications can be found here.