RidgefieldBoard

Welcome to the Head of Recruitment debate Freedomanica and Gibraltarica. The debate will be starting soon. If you are unable to answer at question you can always catch up when you come on. Debate questions will come out periodically after answering questions we allow for debate between the candidates as well. Please keep the debate civil and show why you are the best candidate for the job.

First Question: Why are you the best candidate to lead the Recruitment Council for the next 6 months?

Gibraltarica

I am the best candidate because I bring experience and connections to the table. I've been in a foreign affairs position in 3 different UCRs (Pacifica, Conch Kingdom, and Grand Central). I have also done my fair share of military leadership (I currently lead the Augustin Alliance's Joint Task Force, and in the past, I was a Lieutenant in The Black Hawks), which has given me the knowledge and friends in the wider gameplay world to know where to turn to for advice and execution of my ideas.

Freedomanica

I believe that I am the best candidate as I have shared my experience in Fylkirvegr especially regarding Foreign Affairs which will be the pivotal focus of the Recruitment Council if I am elected as I had promised that I would strengthen relations with Member Regions that we have currently now with being a Diplomat to a number of Regions including Europeia, Thaecia and New West Indies (in which we share a very valuable relationship. I have also served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within The Free Nations Region with authoring the Treaty between them and Force thus I believe that I have the expertise needed to strengthen relations between Member Regions with the Recruitment Council on a more intimate level than the rest of the Alliance.

Orca and Narwhal

If elected, would you focus on recruiting larger regions or smaller regions?

Gibraltarica

I would focus on larger regions. I think there’s value in allowing smaller regions to be represented, but to be honest, what is better for the URA as a whole is that larger regions join in. This gives us as a bloc more influence and resources to draw from.

Freedomanica

My interest for the next term is not recruiting any Regions from abroad, but rather focusing on the current Regions we got. The main reason our URA Population is decreasing is because of our irreverence towards improving each region as a whole and actually communicating with them not just on a professional level, but also a casual level too. What is the point of recruiting Regions if you don’t engage with them at all. As of now, my focus as stated in my above response is making sure we currently give the current Member Regions more hospitality in order for us not to decrease our current population.

Orca and Narwhal

Freedomanica, you stated that you would try and focus on engaging regions instead of recruiting them. What would you do specifically to engage them within the power of the Recruitment Council?

Freedomanica

1. Posting official URA Events and Happenings Via Recruitment Members To Member Region’s RMBs with the permission of Azell, obviously.

2. Joining All Member Region Discord Servers and constantly chatting with Citizens with members of the Recruitment Council scattered across all Member Region Chat Servers. As Head of Recruitment I would like to join all Servers along with my assistant while other Recruitment Council members are scattered evenly across all Discord Servers or in some cases, other communicative platforms.

3. Grow Member Regions as a whole by helping them out with advice regarding Regional Structure, Organization, RP, Recruitment and More!

4. Creating a Dispatch to fully know our Member Regions in terms of Government, theme, activities to learn more about them and their culture as well as their beliefs.

5. Encourage Citizens within Member Regions to partake in the daily happenings of URA by joining the URA Discord Server and getting informed as to how they can get involved!

6. Every month, I shall be posting a Foreign Affairs Newsletter from the Recruitment Council, not necessarily about events taking place within URA, but instead reporting news from around Member Regions allowing URA Regions to exploit and discover the many cultures, thus promoting Regions coming as a whole like a team.

Gibraltarica

Freedomanica, I hope you don't mind me asking: why is it that you don't think recruiting from regions outside of the URA is unimportant? Surely, it's possible to do both the things you have already listed and that, and expanding our influence certainly can't hurt. Furthermore, do you believe it's the job of the Recruitment Council to post foreign affairs newsletters, as you outline in Point 6? That would seem to me to be better in another department.

I worry, generally speaking, that you have passion but are not focusing that passion aptly in your platform.

Freedomanica

I never said it is not important, but rather that focusing on what we have now is best, because within my own experience with Fylkirvegr within the URA, the URA has not contacted us as to say how we are doing personally and no constant communication between us and the URA has been solidified. If you keep on going with this idea of recruiting regions and not focusing on what you have now as of this point in time, Member Regions shall feel that they are not growing on a more intimate level besides postage of events and such and may leave in boatloads in the future to come.

Gibraltarica

I can understand your concerns, but that seems to me to be a duty for Public Affairs to complete. I agree that it's an issue, but it would be a better thing to suggest collaboration with the Public Affairs Council rather than encroach on their authority.

I believe strongly that recruitment should stick to recruitment. I have faith in the current candidates for Public Affairs, whichever one is elected, that they will perform their duties in office to the best of their abilities. If elected, I will perform my duties as outlined in law to the best of my abilities, and in situations where that does not go far enough, I will collaborate with other offices within the URA and its constituent regions.

Regardless, back to my point on recruiting new regions, I never said I would not work with or follow up them. That is antithetical to how I conduct foreign affairs.

Freedomanica

I had commented on that within #campaign-central. [Note: a discord channel in the URA server]

Gibraltarica

But that is not what you stated initially. You want to instigate matters you have no duty or right to instigate.

Freedomanica

You need to remember also that at first, Member Regions will mainly rely on us for support within the URA more than anyone else.

Gibraltarica

Member regions can, frankly, rely on themselves for many matters. I am convinced that URA meddling in their affairs will not lead to good faith, nor will it lead to the growth that they desire or that we desire. Member Regions rely on themselves, primarily, the URA secondarily. The point of the URA is to be a support and treaty network for many things, yes. I have had the pleasure of working with Allangoria in the URAAF to ensure that support is well-distributed. However, that should never be a substitute for regions ruling and determining their activities for themselves.

Freedomanica

Nor did I say I would not work alongside the Public Affairs Council?

Gibraltarica

Working alongside, yes, but your platform is that you want to instigate these things as HoR.

Freedomanica

You are confusing meddling with communication and interaction with Member Regions. I never intended to, the URA does not infringe on the sovereignty of member Regions nor does any legislation passed by the Legislature affect any member region, but rather the Government of the United Regions Alliance as a whole. I am simply saying boosting casual communication with Member Regions internally and notifying how Citizens can get involved is the way to get a Member Region settled in without overwhelming them by leaving them stranded.

Gibraltarica

Then I fail to see how these member regions will primarily rely on us for support.

Freedomanica

Here is my question: Why do you focus so much on recruiting when currently some Member Regions do not feel as if we have interacted eith them on a deeper level? You can recruit all you want, but it won’t grow the Alliance as long as our Member Regions leave. You will just be maintaining on and on and on, instead of growing the URA both internally and externally in the very near future.

Gibraltarica

I focus on recruiting because as Head of Recruitment, it would be my job. It's as simple as that. I'm running for Head of Recruitment, not Head of Public Affairs. Do you, by your question, intend to imply that you don't want to focus on recruiting?

Freedomanica

You see that is the problem, you are so focused on doing your job only that you are not willing to cooperate with other Councils to solve the current problems of Region decrease within the URA.

Gibraltarica

Would you like me to cite the times I said I would collaborate with those councils? Never have I thought in debate that someone would criticize me for proposing to do my job too well.

Freedomanica

No, but you don’t get the point, when I recruit a Member Region, I recruit them not just for numbers, but to see how they grow within the URA as a whole and for them to know that we at the URA are committed to grow them as a whole.

Gibraltarica

I'm afraid you don't get the point. I'm committed to recruiting, not public affairs. That doesn't imply a lack of commitment, that means I know what position I'm running for. Do you?

Freedomanica

I do, but to put it simply if you see that our Regions are declining at an alarming rate will you just put that under the carpet?

Gibraltarica

No, I'll work on it. As I've said before. I have plans for that, they're just not overreaching into other departments.

Freedomanica

Then what is your plan then, because I have highlighted the problem and I see that this is the best plan going forward.

Gibraltarica

I'm glad you asked!

1. Compile a list of large regions to reach out to
2. Join every member region's server
3. Be present for the transition process into the URA for newer regions
4. Establish a standard procedure in the URA for reaching out to new regions
5. Aid in producing the legislation necessary to enjoin new regions to us

Just five points, all pretty simple things. I think any HoR who can do these things well can do her job well.

Freedomanica

Indeed, but you can always join a Region Server, but not interact with them at another level, I don’t think you have fully highlighted our problem in knowing our Regions better and how to fully reach out to them. Also pointing out that 4 and 1 does not solve the problem.

Gibraltarica

It doesn't solve your perception of the problem, but that hardly means it doesn't. Recruiting is a multifaceted process, I'm just focusing on more and better facets than you.

Freedomanica

Long story short. A Member Region may leave regarding many reasons, interaction, Government fallout and many factors that may be in other Council territories. However, a member region leaving should also ring a bell to the RC always, thus I feel cooperating with other Councils to solve a problem that the RC and the involved Councils face is in fact great as it means that both Councils benefit once the problem is solved. I would like to continue the debate tomorrow as it is getting late on my side.

Gibraltarica

I'm always happy to continue the debate. I just don't think that having a sole mission of "let's cooperate with other councils" is a good vision for HoR.

Freedomanica

My sole vision for the HoR is to not solely cooperate with other Councils, but to solve the problem of the recent decrease in population and after evaluating the problem, I find that cooperation is the best choice to curb this rate in which Regions leave. Once I feel that we have solved the problem internally to the best of our ability, I will now be focused on solely recruiting Regions for the United Regions Alliance knowing that the Regions we recruit, will stay in the URA for a long time to come.

Free Azell

Next question: What makes you different from your opponent?

Gibraltarica

Mostly that I have a sound grasp on my position and a plan to carry out my duties.

Freedomanica

Mainly that I will ensure the betterment of the Recruitment Council in the long run.

Orca and Narwhal

What criteria will be used to evaluate a region's entrance into the URA?

Gibraltarica

Whether they:

• Have an active community

• Have a proactive government

• Have a World Assembly Delegate

• Have no connections to unwelcome communities or ideologies (e.g. fascism, homophobia, etc.)

Freedomanica

They should have a World Assembly Delegate, are strictly anti-fascist, do not have embassy connections with regions that have a bad stance with the international community, they are not an “embassy collector”. The region may not be “Anti-World Assembly”, they should have at least 25 nations and should have been in existence for at least 6 weeks and lastly should should not be filled with an excess amount of puppets,

Free Azell

What plans do you have to get more people involved in the Recruitment Council? Where do you see the URA in terms of member regions by the end of your term if elected?

Gibraltarica

Thanks for the questions Azell.
1. My plan is to make use of the connections I already have in URA member regions to reach out to people to see if they'd like to be a member
2. I see us at about 35-40 regions. I think that kind of growth is feasible.

Freedomanica

1. I am willing to utilize the #announcements channel to reach out to Citizens of URA as to the Recruitment Council’s interest in more members. I am not too kean in utilizing NS telegrams as I feel that it justs bugs NS players more than ever and is rather annoying for many.
2. I would say that I would be mainly doing MR maintenance and I see the Recruitment Council having 30-35 Regions should I be elected with mainly maintaining what we have now and building on the Regions I had already approached before the current Elections present.

Welcome to the Head of Public Affairs debate Vermont and montpelier and The Flyin2. The debate will be starting soon. If you are unable to answer at question you can always catch up when you come on. Debate questions will come out periodically after answering questions we allow for debate between the candidates as well. Please keep the debate civil and show why you are the best candidate for the job.

First Question: What makes you the best candidate to be Head of Public Affairs?

Vermont and montpelier

I am a very social person and I understand how to handle tense situations and I would collaborate bipartisanly with other members of the cabinet and the president to create a health community environment and promote activity by holding events and other social activities and keep the URA Strong!

The Flyin2

I believe that I have a very simple goal, I think we need to focus primarily on reaching out and connecting more to our current regions, rather than spreading out, We need to make more people care, not get more people to be apathetic.

Orca and Narwhal

What specifically do you plan on doing to reach out to regions if elected?

Vermont and montpelier

I will visit and check in with every member region every two weeks and ask to try hold contests/events every week to promote activity on the server.

The Flyin2

I plan on making our communications more engaging than simply telling them results of our votes and, I think we need to make this community more inviting to the members of member regions, events could work, but I think that we could also benefit by encouraging visiting other regions.

Vermont and montpelier

Yes, but that would be something that a HoPA would work with the HoR. I have focused my primary goal would be to be co-operative with member regions and new regions.

The Flyin2

The HoPA fundamentally has to work with the HoR, the purposes are very closely connected.

Vermont and montpelier

Yes, being cooperative with the HoR is very important. Basically being the HoPA means you HAVE to be active ready to communicate with member regions and other members of the cabinet.

The Flyin2

Well of course, I'm always ready to be active, but personally, I do not find many places to enter conversation in this server.

Vermont and montpelier

I disagree with that, there are often bad situations that happen and sometimes drama that I would prevent if I were the HoPA. As the HoPA you have to manage tough situations.

The Flyin2

It is not as though there is much activity here to begin with. And I would beg to differ, the priority is Public Affairs, not Alliance Affairs, in fact, they are probably the least focused position on internal drama.

Free Azell

How do you envision URAfest? Something the winner of this will need to help to make a reality!

Vermont and montpelier

I am honestly confused by this question, if you could explain what exactly "URAfest" is, that would be nice

Free Azell

URAfest is a planned week long event to showcase the URA and its regions to get more exposure NS wide.

Vermont and montpelier

Well first, I would contact all regions in the alliance and make sure they are onboard. Second, I would also contact their leaders and help them to come up with a compilation of their greatest accomplishmrents to show off. Third, I would make scheduled panels in which regional leaders can go in-depth about their accomplishments.

The Flyin2

Well, I feel it a bit of an unneeded comcept, but, assuming it did come to fruition, I'd likely make sure that we invite members if member regions to come observe, but we should definitely discuss with regional leaders on if they would be fine with such a thing, invitations of leaders to give panels would be good, perhaps even member panels, I feel accomplishments, however, is not a good drive for a festival, it does not feel united, that makes it feel more like UCRCon, we need to focus more on what the URA does, not its member regions specifically

Vermont and montpelier

Yes I agree, I would promote more of what has your region done to help if any I also would always be open to regions not wanting to do panels or being featured but I would always encourage taking part in it.

Free Azell

How will you get more citizens to join the PA Council to help in getting things accomplished there? Also, please put in any final statements as we wrap the debate up.

Vermont and montpelier

Well personally I think the PA council is doing just fine as it is and I'm not a part of it so I don't know much about it.

The Flyin2

Quite frankly, I haven't a clue, the current council seems competent, so we may as well keep them, too many is bad for efficiency. We can cross getting more PA Council members when we reach the hurdle

Vermont and montpelier

My Final Statement:
The Head of Public Affairs is a tough office to hold and I believe I'm the most capable because I'm active and I like to help the community but, me and Jambon are good candidates and people so either way I have faith that the future of URA is in good hands.