How Do Hybrids Work?

How do hybrids usually work?

Each hybrid is unique, but they tend to answer similar questions. A hybrid committee might start out with two traditional sessions where delegates are tasked with creating some larger document—a charter, a constitution, etc.—and then move into three crisis sessions where the committee is governed by the document created in the first two sessions. A different committee might feature crisis sessions in the beginning surrounding a particular problem—perhaps a power vacuum in the wake of a government’s collapse—and the committee must first stamp out the fires and then move into a formal constitution-writing session to formalize a government for the future. There are many possibilities with hybrids; the background guide will be the key to unlocking the particular uniqueness of yours!

How are you evaluated in a hybrid?

The first mistake you can make when preparing for a hybrid committee is believing that one part—either the traditional or the crisis—is more important than the other. When evaluating delegate performance at the end of conference, committee executives will put equal weight on crisis sessions and on traditional sessions. That is all to say, a strong traditional delegate who does little in crisis or a strong crisis delegate who barely participates in traditional sessions are not going to be successful; you need to be adept at both to soar. Thus, if you have more experience in one than the other, it might make sense to spend more time preparing for the other side. However, if you have experience in neither traditional nor crisis, don’t fear! Hybrids tend to be forgiving, as if you are struggling with one type of debate, it will only be for half of the committee time. This is also a unique opportunity to try out both of the different styles for delegates that are unsure of what they prefer.