INFORM
Delegates will benefit from the extensive resources in the Washington DC area. There are more think-tanks, lobbyists, government agencies, policymakers, critics and special interest groups in a 25-mile radius than another place in the world.
- Research. Every delegate receives a briefing book on each issue, policy or law that is to be decided. The briefing book is complied by non-partisan Academic experts and Assembly staff to assemble the briefing materials.
- Delegate Education and Training. Every delegate will participate in a one week training program that covers key knowledge and skills a delegate will need to be effective. This includes: (a) how to research and identify issues, (b) how government functions, (c) use of reason, logic & critical thinking, (d) debate, argument and other forms of persuasive communication.
- Forum. Every lobbyist, think-tank or special interest group that has a view on an issue, policy or legislation has an opportunity to participate in the Assembly's forum. This format allows each those groups to present their case for 20 minutes and to debate with parties that hold opposing views or interests followed by questioning by Delegates. Generally, 30 days advance notice will be provided to interested parties before the Forum debates an issue. Interested parties should contact New Unity to ensure they will be included. New Unity charges lobbyists and special-interest groups a fee to participate in a Forum.
DEBATE
Soon after a Forum, the Delegates will conduct a private debate that will continue until a majority votes to close debate. Debate is private so that all delegates can freely air their views without concern of being criticized for a view that is outside the mainstream. Transcripts are made public 90 days after a vote, however, no Delegate is identified in the transcript.
- Initial Round, During debate, every Delegate is allocated 5 minutes. They may use their time, reserve their time for later or yield their time to either another Delegate or to the Chairman.
- Final Round. Delegates will vote for Delegate Proxy who best reflects their views. Those Delegate Proxies will draft a resolution that reflects the position for which they were selected. Delegate Proxies will share resolutions with the full Assembly and then a final debate will be held involving all Delegate-Proxies for competing resolutions. The final round debate will be moderated by the Assembly Chairman.
DECIDE
Delegates will vote on the proposed resolutions. To be adopted, a resolution requires an affirmative vote of at least 55% of all Delegates. To ensure free and open debate, all votes are kept confidential and the only public report is the vote tally.
ISSUES TO BE DECIDED - SPRING 2020
Health Insurance
Immigration Policy
Justice System Reform
Foreign Policy - China/ Iran / North Korea / NATO
Gender Rights
Tax and Budget
Retirement Security