Policy Brief

Background
A policy brief presents a concise summary of information that can help readers understand, and likely make decisions about, government and/or private agency policies. Some policy briefs give objective summaries of relevant research and suggest possible policy options. At the end of the semester, you will have created a Policy Advocacy Brief, in which you argue for action.

An effective advocacy policy brief must propose a solution to a well-defined problem that can be addressed at the level of policy. At this point, you have already researched a social problem (in Part 1), and existing policies that (attempt) to prevent, reduce, or end the social problem (Part 2).

Policy Brief Project – Part 3: Propose New Recommendations to prevent, reduce, or end a Social Problem
The key to this assignment, Part 3, is that you propose recommendations to policy and services to prevent, reduce, or end the social problem you defined in Part 1. In Part 2, you became familiar with existing policy and services. Now you are well informed to recommend concrete policy action (at the local, state, or national level). I encourage you to push the boundaries of what currently exists; in other words, think outside the box and beyond the bureaucracy!

Building upon Parts 1 and 2 of this Project, in Part 3, you will propose new recommendations (to reform or revolutionize) to prevent, reduce, or end the social problem via policy action.

In Part 3, respond to the following:

1. Introduction: Briefly reintroduce the social problem from Part 1, including the sociological theory you used as your framework, and the sub-themes of the social problem. Also include two to three sentences summarizing the existing policy/services you explored in Part 2. 10 points
2. Policy Recommendation 1: What is one recommendation you propose to prevent, reduce, or end the social problem? Discuss the extent to which this new policy reforms current policy or is revolutionary in that it is a complete change. Describe this new policy and provide at least one strength and one challenge of the new policy. Include an intersectional approach to solving the social problem. 10 points
3. Policy Recommendation 2: What is a second recommendation you propose to prevent, reduce, or end the social problem? Discuss the extent to which this new policy reforms current policy or is revolutionary in that it is a complete change. Describe this new policy and provide at least one strength and one challenge of the new policy. Include an intersectional approach to solving the social problem. 10 points
4. Impact to Services: Based on your recommendations above, what new service(s) will be implemented to prevent, reduce, or end the social problem? Describe the new service(s) and provide at least one strength and one challenge of delivering the service(s). 10 points
5. Conclusion: How do you envision a world without your social problem? Think big and creatively here! 10 points

Additional Requirements:
• Policy Brief – Part 3 should be between 2-4 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, and ASA, MLA, or APA format.
• Please use 12-point font. No fancy fonts.
• There are zero NEW required source citations for Part 3, but you must cite any referenced works that you include in Part 3.
o I expect at least 1 citation for each of the following the introduction paragraph: your theoretical approach, sub-theme 1, sub-theme 2.
o All must appear in a Reference Page.
o You can use sources we have used in class or sources that you have found on your own.
o The Ambrosino text counts as one source, regardless of how many times you cite it.
o Use the CRAAP Evaluation tool to help you assess the source.
• When uploading the Policy Brief – Part 3, you must also upload the original PDF of any cited articles, websites, reports, etc. except our two textbooks (Ambrosino and Desmond).
• The References page does not count towards the page requirement.
• Missing, incomplete, or incorrect application of the Additional Requirements will result in point reductions.
• Pro Tip: As you write your Part 3, think about the audience for your Policy Brief. Your audience will determine the style and distribution of your Part 4 – Cumulative Policy Brief and Outreach Media.

Future Assignments
Policy Brief Project – Part 4: Cumulative Policy Brief and Outreach Media
In Part 4, you will combine all previous work (Parts 1, 2, and 3) into a concise and cohesive Policy Brief, adding a cover page, abstract, and cumulative Reference page. Additionally, you will create some Outreach Media that demonstrates how you will inform the general public about this issue and recruit them to join you in social action. More info to follow.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. SOC PSLO 1: Analyze and interpret the diversity of social experience using a sociological perspective, especially in relation to race, class, gender, age, sexual preference, religion, and nationality.
2. SOC PSLO 2: Assess competing theoretical approaches to societal problems of publics with differing and multiple interests; specify structural or institutional sources of these social problems; and propose and assess policies, interventions and/or modes of advocacy that will enact positive change.
3. SOC PSLO 3: Locate, analyze, assess, and communicate sociological scholarship.
4. SOC PSLO 5: Articulate the ethical and social justice implications of sociological inquiry.