Having completed an analysis of current policy, you are prepared to propose policy improvement, in the form of either a revision of the present policy, or its replacement by new policy.
In developing your proposal, use the following five steps, adapted from Bardach and Patashnik’s “eightfold path” of problem-solving policy analysis:
- Identify the problem the policy is designed to address, with emphasis on the shortfalls of current policy in resolving the problem.
- State your policy proposal objective (recalling that an objective will, ideally, be “SMART,” i.e. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-appropriate).
- List key strengths and weaknesses of major alternative approaches to reaching the objective, in order of preference.
- Provide a brief rationale for your preferred approach, most likely (though not necessarily, in terms of its political feasibility).
- Project possible secondary outcomes (i.e. effects or results other than the policy objective), of the preferred approach; include possible undesirable outcomes.
Steps 6-9 is to focus on your policy change campaign.
6. Provide a summary statement of the action campaign and the time frame over which it might be carried out.
7. In crafting recommendations, consider both mainstream and non-traditional methods of policy advocacy. “Mainstream” methods include, for example, letter writing, petitioning, formal legislative lobbying, offering evidence-informed testimony to policy makers, forming political action committees, and supporting candidates for elective office sympathetic to the proposed policy change (or similar policies). “Non-traditional” methods could include, for example, coalition-building among existing advocacy groups and activists, class-action litigation, social media “awareness” campaigns, public (“street”) demonstrations, or acts of non-violent civil disobedience.
8. Whatever the balance of mainstream and non-traditional elements in the recommended campaign for change, survey the political landscape to identify potential allies and likely oppositionforces. In regard to allies, suggest concrete and specific ways that they might be enlisted in the campaign. In regard to opponents, consider ways in which their opposition might be minimized, if not fully neutralized.
9. Estimate, finally, the resources (money, media access, and “people-power” momentum, among them) that may be required to execute a successful campaign for change. The aim here is less compelling accuracy than thoughtful consideration of the full range of resources needed to move forward in a realistic manner – including, ideally, a meaningful and effective role for social work policy practitioners.
For steps 1-5, be sure to benefit from Bardach and Parahsnik’s full discussion of their model, but use the above adaptation as your guide. For steps 6-9, be sure to review Bardach and Patashnik’s Appendix D: Strategic Advice on the Dynamics of Gathering Political Support.
Recommended document length: 8-10 double-spaced pages, excluding title page and references (no abstract required), following APA style. There is no penalty for longer papers.