I. Section I: Social Problem (approx. 5-7 pages) – Define the problem as well as casual, ideological, and gainers/losers’ analysis regarding the problem and its potential solution(s). The problem and its consequences should be analyzed across the individual, family, community, and societal levels. The following topics must be thoroughly covered:
• Problem definition: Define the problem or issue and quantify its magnitude and scope. Describe the target population (age, gender, race, location, etc.) and which subgroups are more likely to experience the problem or issue.
• Causal analysis: Specify multiple factors that cause the problem and various consequences of the problem, focusing on the individual, family, community, and systemic levels.
• Ideological analysis: Specify varying political ideological viewpoints of different policy makers related to the problem definition (e.g., liberal, conservative) and how these points of view would impact your recommended policy approaches taken to address the problem. Cite evidence of voting records, public statements, etc.
• Gainers and loser’s analysis: Specify what target populations tend to gain or lose financially, politically, etc. if the problem or issue is left insufficiently addressed.
II. Section II: Policy Solutions and Advocacy Plan (5-7 pages) – Students will provide a rationale and preliminary recommendations for policy changes in currant social welfare programs or additional policies designed to address the social problem selected, based on the analyses conducted in Section I. The following topics must be thoroughly covered:
• Briefly describe the current social welfare program, and public or administrative policies existing in your state to address your social problem, if any. Make sure the geographical region of focus is consistent with the data provided in Section I.
• Provide a policy recommendation and rationale for a particular proposed policy change to existing programs or policies or creation of new ones. The recommendation and rationale should be tied closely to the analysis in Section I:
o Provide an evidenced-based argument established on your analysis of the problem for why your proposed change is needed;
o Describe (using evidence) why the recommendation will likely yield an improvement in the social problem; and
o Discuss why, considering current economic, social, cultural, and political realities, your proposal is the most appropriate at this time compared with other options.
• Using the Advocacy Plan Template (available on Blackboard), speculate on at least three key initial steps for moving forward with your proposal. Specifically:
o List the groups and established advocacy organizations which you would attempt to engage in the agenda-building process.
o Be specific, name names. Include why they are important to include.
o Describe the additional data and evidence your advocacy group would need to amass in the agenda-building phase. What sources of information would you utilize to make your argument?
o Speculate on what type of opposition you might experience and describe how you might respond or prepare for refuting the opposition.
o Consider and discuss the feasibility of your proposal to be adopted, both fiscal and political. Is the potential opposition strong enough to derail the effort? Is the funding needed unrealistic? Is there political will or adequate awareness of the proposal to move it towards passage?