final doc commit

kb/choosing-topic-resolution.md

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+---
+title: "Choosing a resolution topic"
+---
+
+This is a tricky thing.
+You've already picked a country, and so you have to choose a topic to write your resolution on.
+Here are some things to keep in mind as you're choosing a topic.
+
+1. Choose a *worldwide* topic.
+
+Unless you're requesting immediate aid in the wake of a disaster, personalized solutions (ie. solutions only applicable to one country) are not the point of the UN.
+Make the solutions enumerated in your resolution applicable to other countries, too.
+
+2. Choose a *memorable* topic.
+
+Don't do a resolution about drilling wells in Africa for water, because that's been done to death.
+Try to come up with a unique way to solve the problems at hand.
+One of the components which your resolutions will be scored on is originality, so keep that in mind.
+
+3. Choose a topic with an asymmetrical *information advantage*.
+
+What is a topic with an "asymmetrical information advantage"?
+It's a topic that is common and prevalant, but not a lot of people know the intricate details of.
+Like the American healthcare system, or the ICAO.
+This is less important than the other ones, but is still something to consider -- choose a topic with an information advantage and it makes it easier during debate.
+
+4. Choose an *important* topic.
+
+This is the most important one.
+Choose a relevant topic.
+If you're country's in the news recently, look there for inspiration.
+
+Got a good idea? Great. Now it's time to [write your resolution](./writing-resolution.md).

kb/operative-verbs.md

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+---
+title: "Operative verbs reference"
+---
+
+- Accepts
+- Adopts
+- Agrees
+- Appeals
+- Approves
+- Authorizes
+- Calls upon
+- Commends
+- Considers
+- Decides
+- Declares
+- Determines
+- Directs
+- Emphasizes
+- Encourages
+- Endorses
+- Expresses appreciation
+- Expresses hope
+- Invites
+- Notes
+- Notes with approval
+- Notes with concern
+- Notes with satisfaction
+- Proclaims
+- Reaffirms
+- Recommends
+- Reminds
+- Repeals
+- Requests
+- Resolves
+- Suggests
+- Supports
+- Takes note
+- Urges

kb/preambular-verbs.md

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+---
+title: "Preambular verbs reference"
+---
+ 
+- Acknowledging
+- Affirming
+- Appreciating
+- Approving
+- Aware
+- Bearing in mind
+- Believing
+- Commending
+- Concerned
+- Conscious
+- Considering
+- Convinced
+- Desiring
+- Emphasizing
+- Expecting
+- Expressing
+- Fully aware
+- Guided by
+- Having adopted
+- Having considered
+- Having noted
+- Having reviewed
+- Mindful
+- Noting
+- Noting with approval
+- Noting with concern
+- Noting with satisfaction
+- Observing
+- Realising
+- Recalling
+- Recognizing
+- Seeking
+- Taking into consideration
+- Underlining
+- Welcoming
+- Whereas

kb/writing-resolution.md

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ title: "Writing a Resolution"
 
 *Note: This guide assumes you've already choosen a topic; if not, see [Choosing a resolution topic](./choosing-topic-resolution.md).*
 
-The General Assembly, the supreme law-making body of the UN, expresses its intentions and actions as a *resolution*.
+The General Assembly, the largest law-making body of the UN, expresses its intentions and actions as a *resolution*.
 In this article, we'll learn how to write one.
 
 A resolution is composed of two parts: the *preambulatory* (or preambular) and *operative* clauses.
@@ -14,10 +14,54 @@ Operative clauses are the items of action; they are directives that countries ag
 
 As an example, let's assume we're writing a resolution that condemns kicking puppies. (I would hope that you'd agree with the premise; if not -- that's an interesting opinion.) There was a recent puppy kicking event in the country of `Madeupia`, so let's note that:
 
-> Noting with concern the International Puppy Kicking Event held in `Madeupia` on 22 September 2024, where various kinds of dogs were subject to unconsionable acts of depravity and abuse,
+> Noting with concern the International Puppy Kicking Event held in `Madeupia` on 22 September 2024, where various kinds of dogs were subject to unconsionable acts of depravity and abuse;
 
 This is a good example of a preambulatory clause -- it states background for the operative clauses. If someone asked you if people actually kick dogs, this is your response. It demonstrates the necessity of the resolution.
 
 There also might be past resulutions about animal abuse or dogs, so it might be prudent to mention those, too:
 
-> Affirming resolution UNEP/5/1, which  
+> Affirming resolution UNEP/5/1, which specifically emphasizes the value of animals and the contributions their welfare makes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
+
+You essentially want to create many of these preambulatory clauses to paint a vivid picture of the need of your resolution. If you want to see more verbs to go in front of your preambulatory clauses, check out the [preambulatory verbs reference](./preambular-verbs.md).
+
+Once you're done writing your preambulatory clauses, you write:
+
+> The General Assembly hereby:
+
+You do **NOT** write:
+
+> The Delegation of (your country here) hereby:
+
+because the resolution is adopted by the Assembly. That's why there's a vote and stuff -- if a country wants to express a feeling it feels by itself, it can submit a Communique to the UN instead.
+
+Now it's time to talk about operative clauses.
+These clauses are where the actual works gets done.
+I think a good first move is the condemn the country of `Madeupia` for their puppy kicking event:
+
+> Condemns, in the strongest terms, the affront to animal welfare perpetuated by the State of Madeupia;
+
+Here are some other forms of clauses you might want to consider:
+
+> Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on "Animal Welfare as it pertains to the advancement of the SDGs";
+> 
+> Expresses support of the Totally Real Animal Anti-Violence Directorate of the United Nations and their actions in response to this issue;
+>
+> Recognizes the positive contribution of various Member States towards the resolution of this issue, including the Republic of Dog Lovers;
+
+Do note -- when you're ending your resolution, your final clause ends with a period.
+
+> Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution including recommendations for future action at the next session of the General Assembly.
+
+For a full list of operative verbs, see the [operative verbs reference](./operative-verbs.md).
+
+One final note: if you use a comma in any of your clauses, all of the clauses (except the last one) have to end in a semicolon.
+This is because of the rules of Standard English.
+
+## Some other resources for resolution writing
+
+- [The UN's Model UN resources](https://www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/drafting-resolutions)
+
+The UN does say some different things in this article -- it talks about L-documents and agreement annotations and soliciting agreement from other delegations beforehand.
+That's not relevant to our conference, but it is still a good resource.
+
+For an example of a finished resolution that is somewhat up to format, see the heading "Compilation Text as of 21 October 2016 (Rev. 3) The General Assembly".