National Issues Forum
The National Issues Forum (NIF) is a unique program that offers opportunities for high school delegates to debate and research issues of national and/or international importance.
In Lansing NIF uses a format where proposals are presented to delegates in four successive rounds (each of increasing size) at “Proposal Hearings”. A Chair leads delegates in each forum.
Mission
To involve youth in the problem solving of issues affecting the country and the world
Objectives
To address issues of national and international concern
To have every delegate prepare and present a proposal of his/her choosing
To consider, debate, discuss and evaluate every proposal in progressively larger forums
To provide small forums for debate, discussion and group interaction – allowing each delegate numerous speaking opportunities
To train delegates on public speaking, debate, and proposal writing and research
To develop traits of leadership, awareness and civic engagement in all delegates
To have fun!
Delegate Role
As a delegate you are responsible for:
Independently identifying and researching an issue of national or international importance
Writing a one-page proposal on the topic of your choice
Preparing and delivering a two-minute speech in favor of your proposal at your session hearing and subsequent rounds (should you advance)
Participating in the debate and discussion of fellow delegates’ proposals
During the Lansing Conference
Every delegate will have several opportunities to speak.
Delegates engage in intense discussions, argue in favor of their own proposal and debate the merits and flaws of other delegates’ proposals in four forums/hearings of ever increasing size (we call these forums “rounds”).
At the end of each round, delegates will rank the proposals presented using specific criteria. Each proposal’s composite score from these rankings determines the proposals that advance to the next round.
In General Assembly (“GA” the fourth and final round), the top proposals are presented by their author to the entire NIF where the proposal is passed or defeated.