Writing assignment 1
In this assignment, you will discuss the need to analyze the political environment when lobbying for social change, including identifying stakeholders and resources required in the policy development process. You will also prepare an analysis of the political environment surrounding a policy of your choice.
Tasks:
On the basis of the readings, create a 3-page paper responding to the following questions:
• Why is it important to understand the political context in which a social policy issue is embedded? Similarly, why is it important to identify and involve stakeholders in the policy development process? Identify components of and resources required for the policy development cycle.
• Research a social policy that is of interest to you. The policy can be one that has resulted in legislative action (such as the creation of new laws or regulations as a result of advocacy work), or it can be in the development cycle.
Describe the political environment and considerations surrounding the issue. What is the objective of the policy? Who is the target audience (primary and secondary)? What impacts will it have, both positive and negative? Who are the stakeholders in the issue, and what are their stances on the policy?
Your final product should utilize a minimum of five resources from professional literature in your research. Professional literature may include; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov).
Writing assignment 2
In this assignment, you will discuss some of the ethical underpinnings of policy issues, including the potential for unintended or unequal outcomes for various constituencies impacted by the policy.
Tasks:
On the basis of readings and research, write a 3-page paper responding to the following:
• Explain why you think ethics matter in policy development. Identify the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when drafting or designing a policy.
• Explain how leaders go about making decisions when the principles and norms surrounding an issue conflict with each other.
• Research a social policy that is of interest to you. Use resources from professional literature in your research. Professional literature may include; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov).
The policy can be one that has resulted in legislative action (such as the creation of new laws or regulations as a result of advocacy work), or it can be in the development cycle.
• Discuss the ethical considerations associated with the policy, including differences between the intended and actual impacts of the policy. Discuss who is or might be impacted by the policy and what the impacts might be on each group.
Writing assignment 3
In continuation of the policy change cycle, a policy proposal is prepared and reviewed for adoption by key decision makers. Therefore, it is essential that the proposal be technically and administratively effective, politically acceptable, and legally and ethically defensible. In this assignment, you will learn how to prepare and review a policy proposal for adoption by key decision makers.
Tasks:
On the basis of the readings and your research, create a 3-page paper addressing the following:
• Discuss a draft policy or plan for review. What problem does it address, and what solutions does it propose?
• Identify the possible stakeholders' interests and concerns regarding the draft and proposed solutions in particular.
• Identify the risks associated with the proposed policy.
• On the basis of your analysis of the second and third points above, suggest modifications to the proposal to enhance its chances for adoption.
• Describe the goals of the involved parties in preparing the draft. What influence efforts (if any) do you see represented in the draft? What additional influence efforts might you recommend to convince decision makers to consider the proposed changes and, ultimately, adopt them?
• Identify the actions and resources required for implementing the proposal once adopted.
• Describe the kind of resistance that might be encountered during the implementation of the policy. What are some steps that leaders of policy advocacy efforts can take to overcome it?
Your paper should utilize a minimum of two resources from professional literature in your research. Professional literature may include the online library resources; relevant textbooks; peer-reviewed journal articles; and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov).