Directives: How-To Guide

 Hey, delegates!


We hope you’re super excited for JCC BMUN 71! As you start to finalize your research on your characters and position paper, we recognize that using your research effectively will help produce great directives. We are here to provide some food for thought on what a strong directive may look like and important ideas to keep in mind when formulating directives during committee. 


First of all, what is a directive?

A directive is a statement or plan of action taken by a committee or individual that typically responds to a crisis update. Directives are the most common type of deliverable seen in crisis committees, and there are multiple types of directives you will encounter in crisis (e.g. private, public, joint). 

Directives should contain points made during committee and aspects regarding the most recent crisis update.


What makes a good directive?

Broadly speaking, a strong directive should encompass a few key elements:

  • Should be specific and action-oriented, making process towards a certain objective or goal (whether that be common or personal);

  • Should be thorough and relevant to the most recent crisis update in order for the backroom to accept your idea.


Let’s take a look at an example of a strong private directive!


Title: Raise taxes to fund army and public aid 


Sponsor: Jean-Baptiste Colbert


  1. Increase taxes on royalty and nobility by 12% to provide 30,000 citizens with food and other necessities (increase public support).

  2. Use remaining funds to build and train a private elite army.

  3. Stage a coup and overthrow leader with the private army, using public support to rationalize the coup.

 


What should we keep in mind when writing a directive?


Here at BMUN, we highly encourage delegates to ask themselves: “Is my directive SMART?” 

A SMART directive is Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound.


  • Specific

    • Who? What? When? Where? Why?

  • Measurable

    • Are my objectives qualitative/quantitative?

    • How can my directive and its goals be measured?

  • Actionable 

    • What is the step-by-step process that needs to be followed to execute/implement the directive?

      • Is it within my portfolio powers?

      • Does my directive contribute to my character arc and storyline of the committee?

  • Relevant

    • How does my directive play a role in the current crisis of committee?

  • Time-bound

    • When will this directive be employed? 

    • How long might the directive take to be achieved?


We hope this helps contextualize directives within a crisis committee! Feel free to leave any questions or comments down below and we will do our best to tend to any questions you may have. We hope preparation for BMUN 71 has been going well – make sure to also prioritize rest! Also, please do not hesitate to contact us at jccbmunlxxi@bmun.org.



In community,


Angela Cooley and Martin Bagadion, Vice Chairs

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