Writing Public Policy A Practical Guide to Communicating in the Policy-Making Process

by Smith, Catherine F

• ISBN13: 9780195379822
• ISBN10: 0195379829
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-17
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Writing Public Policy is a practical, concise guide to writing and communicating in the public policy processes. Intended to help students understand and perform common types of communication used in solving public problems, this text explains the standards and functions of communicating in the public sector and teaches the use of selected public policy communication genres. A useful tool for any student preparing for a career in politics, government, public relations, law, public policy, journalism, social work, public health, or in any role concerned with public affairs, this text teaches skills and techniques needed to effectively communicate in the democratic process of making public policy.

Author Biography

Catherine F. Smith is Professor of English at East Carolina University and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She was founding director of Bucknell University's Writing Program and Writing Center. She has taught courses in writing public policy for students enrolled in schools of public administration, departments of public policy, and programs in public affairs and professional communication. She is the coauthor of the online text A Strategic Method for Writing.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Introduction: How to Use This Book	p. xix
List of Writing Samples	p. xxiii
Public Policy Making	p. 1
Key Concepts	p. 1
Milk Labeling	p. 1
Budgeting	p. 11
Summary and Preview	p. 16
Reference	p. 17
Further Reading	p. 17
Communication in the Process	p. 18
Key Concepts	p. 18
Cultural Context: Actors, Roles, and Communication Practices	p. 20
Professionals Inside Government	p. 22
Professionals Outside Government	p. 23
Active Citizens	p. 24
A General Method of Communicating in a Public Process	p. 24
Two Checklists	p. 29
Summary and Preview	p. 30
Further Reading	p. 30
Definition: Frame the Problem	p. 31
Key Concepts	p. 31
How to Define a Policy Problem	p. 33
Purpose A: Get a Problem on the Public Agenda by Advocacy	p. 34
Three Examples with Scenarios	p. 37
Purpose B: Aid Policy Choice by Analysis of Solutions	p. 50
Two Examples	p. 52
Summary and Preview	p. 59
References	p. 59
Legislative History: Know the Record	p. 60
Key Concepts	p. 60
How to Conduct Legislative Research and Write a Legislative History	p. 62
General Tips for Using Government Information Libraries	p. 66
Three Examples	p. 69
Summary and Preview	p. 85
Position Paper: Know the Arguments	p. 86
Key Concept	p. 86
How to Argue in a Position Paper	p. 90
Two Examples	p. 93
Outline of the Argument to Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in the United States	p. 99
Outline of the Argument for UNICEF Involvement in Creating Social Protection Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa	p. 100
Summary and Preview	p. 102
Reference	p. 102
Further Reading	p. 102
Petitions and Proposals: Request Action or Propose Policy	p. 103
Key Concepts	p. 103
How to Ask for Action or Propose Policy on Behalf of a Group	p. 106
Four Examples	p. 110
Summary and Preview	p. 125
References	p. 125
Briefing Memo or Opinion Statement: Inform Policy Makers	p. 126
Key Concepts	p. 126
How to Inform Policy Makers in a Briefing Memo or Opinion Statement	p. 128
More Examples	p. 134
Summary and Preview	p. 136
Testimony: Witness in a Public Hearing	p. 137
Key Concepts	p. 137
How to Deliver Oral Testimony Based on a Written Statement	p. 140
Develop a Testimony in Context	p. 140
Two Examples with Scenarios	p. 145
Summary and Preview	p. 153
References	p. 153
Written Public Comment: Influence Administration	p. 154
Key Concept	p. 154
How to Write a Public Comment	p. 155
Three Examples with Scenarios	p. 157
Summary and Preview	p. 168
Conclusion Continuity and Change	p. 169
Key Concepts	p. 169
Summary and Looking Forward	p. 172
References	p. 172
Public Policy Writing for the Web	p. 174
Clear Writing	p. 183
Index	p. 189
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